Working on a 14 year old A/C system can be full of surprises. The 160$ you mention isn't a lot of money for a fix but in reality I've removed about five A/C systems from Vanagons and every one had at least one pinched O ring. If I were going to have the work done I'd replace all the O rings, compressor oil, flush the system, install a new receiver/dryer, be sure the suction valve is compatible with 134r and go ahead and install the 134r just to get it out of the way. One thing for sure .......... With the 134r there is very little possibility you'll ever freeze up the evaporator. Stan Wilder More Power with Performance Coatings http://www.engineceramics.com -----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf Of Dennis Haynes Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2004 8:24 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Re: AC Thermostat The evaporator can freeze up even in warm temps if the fan speed is low or the evaporator is clogged. The real problem since there is no low pressure protection on the low pressure side is the possibility of liquid refrigerant returning to the compressor. This can damage the compressor. Dennis
-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of James V Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2004 8:37 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: AC Thermostat After trouble-shooting my non-cold AC, my mechanic friend determined the AC thermostat (in left-rear pillar housing) to be bad. The part costs $160, which doesn't seem so bad in comparison to a new compressor and/or R12. But my friend suggested that I just bypass the t-stat for now. He explained that the t-stat functions to protect the condenser from freezing if it gets too cold, but that this wasn't very likely to happen. Is this bad wisdom? I'm sure the t-stat is there for good reason, but if I'm only running the AC in 80+ temps, is freezing actually an issue? Thanks, James V 90 Carat --- Incoming mail is certified Virus Free by AVG. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.766 / Virus Database: 513 - Release Date: 9/17/2004 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free by AVG. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.766 / Virus Database: 513 - Release Date: 9/17/2004 |
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