Date: Sat, 7 Aug 2004 05:59:39 -0700
Reply-To: TJ Hannink <tjhannink@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: TJ Hannink <tjhannink@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: Is there a better Upgraded compressor for the 88 up 2.1L?
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--- Robert Lilley <RClilleyjr@COX.NET> wrote:
> I would suspect that you might have a problem
> with your cooling system and
> or engine, not related to the A/C if the high
> speed fan comes on above 95.
> Because I live in Mesa, AZ and even when the
> temps go above 110 with the A/C
> on full, I have yet had my high speed fan come
> on while driving in stop and
> go traffic. The temp needle goes about a
> needles width above the LED. I do
> not recall the second speed has kicked in
> either, just the low speed.
Your 2nd fan speed should be running almost
constantly if ambient temperatures are around
100F. R-134a high side pressures on a properly
functioning system should be around 2.2 times the
ambient temperature. The Vanagons high side
pressure sensor should close at around 215 psi,
if your fan isn't running, your system is
probably undercharged or your second stage fan
relay circuit is inop.
> What I am planning to do the A/C is:
>
> Replace the condenser with a parallel flow unit
> about the same size as
> stock, maybe a bit bigger that fits in the
> stock location to improve
> efficiency.
Good idea, well worth the $$$.
> Replace the expansion valve
Hopefully you can find a suitable one that is
calibrated for R-134a that will work in a
Vanagon. Since Vanagons didn't come with R-134a,
you will have to adapt a later model vehicles
unit to your system.
> Replace the seals
This should have been done wheen the van was
switched to R-134a.
> Replace the receiver/dryer
Always a good idea if the system is left open for
over an hour.
> Replace the stock three blade fan with a 7
> bladed fan (trimmed a few MM to
> fit in the stock location) This will get a bit
> more air flowing over the
> condenser.
Sounds like a good idea. Also make sure the
cardboard diverters around the radiator are in
place and in good shape. I also sealed around the
penetration for the radiator temp sensor with
some foam weatherstripping.
> Possibly replace the evaporator with a more
> efficient unit (If I can find a
> source)
The Vanagon uses a pretty unique evaporator, I
haven't seen another one like it. I would take
the time to remove it, clean it and re-install
it. Use quality weatherstripping and sealing tape
to force all the air through the evaporator.
Install a filter over the intake side to keep it
clean.
I would also suggest replacing all the A/C hoses
if they have not been previously replaced. R-134a
will leak through the lines, but a bigger issue
is the higher pressure it operates under.
Lastly, I would suggest buying a set of A/C
gauges and learning how to use them. Spend some
time on the web-boards at www.airconditioning.com
to see how other people are dealing with R-134a
conversions. Most mechanics can't spend the time
to fine-tune a R-134a conversion. My system has
been pretty trouble free for the last 3-years and
is used almost daily in 95F weather.
=====
TJ Hannink
Goldibox - 1987 Vanagon Camper, Wolfsburg Edition
1981 Bluebird Wanderlodge, FC-33
Winter Park, Florida
http://home.earthlink.net/~tjhannink/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wolfsburg_campers
http://photos.yahoo.com/tjhannink [Vanagon] Album
FAVOR website: http://home.earthlink.net/~clubvanagon
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