Date:         Mon, 26 Apr 2004 15:24:37 -0400
Reply-To:     Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Subject:      Re: I have questions about converting the AC system to 134a
Comments: To: David Marshall <vanagon@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG>

> I have a beautiful Vanagon Carat here that we are doing a TDI conversion
> into.  I have to admit that I am not an AC expert.  I know that the
existing
> system has (or should have) R12.
>
> The 1998 TDI motor has a R134 compressor and we intend on using this
> compressor.  What do I have to change on the rest of the AC system in the
> Vanagon in order to use this R134 compressor and the R134 gas?
>
> Thanks in advance!
>
> David Marshall

Change the receiver/dryer (the old one has collected the wrong oil) and all
the O-Rings you can get to.

When I converted my system to R134a (keeping the old R-12 compressor) I only
changed the receiver dryer ... removed and drained the compressor ...
cleaned and flushed the system ... drew a vacuum .... put in the correct oil
and charged it up.  I didn't replace any O-Rings and, after a year and a
half, none are leaking, but others have reported O-Ring problems.

I've also read that the hoses should be changed to the "Barrier" type
because the originals are too porous.  I didn't change mine and they haven't
leaked yet, either.

I'm not an A/C expert .... but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last
night.

Mike
Houlton, Maine
'84 GL 7 Pass
'85 GL Westy