Date: Wed, 25 May 2005 10:32:55 -0400
Reply-To: Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Subject: Re: all my R12 is gone..? (bummer)
In-Reply-To: <030501c56127$37f3cab0$6700a8c0@lauterbachoff1>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed
I've been using Duracool for three years now. No, I've never used the
sealant kit (I just recharge each year, because I'm too lazy to find my
slow leak.)
On May 25, 2005, at 8:42 AM, John Lauterbach wrote:
> Kim, do you have actual experience with Duracool? If so, did you use
> the
> Duracool tune-up and sealant kit?
>
> John
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Kim Brennan" <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Tuesday, May 24, 2005 11:13 PM
> Subject: Re: all my R12 is gone..? (bummer)
>
>
>> A properly working AC system in a late model (86 and later) Vanagon
>> (or
>> Westy) will cool you quite sufficiently (I've traveled across the
>> country, California, Arizona, Texas, Florida. If your system was not
>> cooling sufficiently on R12 you need to find out why before you start
>> exploring alternatives. At this date, I'd suggest taking it to a
>> qualified service facility and 1) have them check it for leaks, if
>> they find them and 2) fix the links. If you live in a state where
>> shops
>> can use Duracool, I'd have the shop convert your system to Duracool.
>> If
>> you don't live in such a state, have them convert your system to R134,
>> then evacuuate the system, and get Duracool yourself and put it in.
>>
>> My Westy's AC can work so well that you'll need a sweater in the front
>> seats. I only have it functioning at full blast for a few minutes
>> after
>> getting into a parked car, then I have to turn the fan down and lower
>> the thermostat. And I have a dark westy (Burgundy) with a dark roof.
>>
>>
>>
>> On May 24, 2005, at 6:53 PM, honemastert wrote:
>>
>>> Curious as to what others in hot climates have done,
>>> and or 'are' doing.
>>>
>>> Tried to make sure that all through the winter months,
>>> I fired up the A/C from time to time. Keep the system
>>> lubricated, keep that precious and 'expensive' R12 in
>>> the system. My plans seemed to be working, until
>>> we hit record highs last week in the 'Valley of the Sun'
>>> (should be fire BTW.. but I digress! :-)
>>>
>>> Anyways, now I have an A/C system that seems
>>> to be cycling on properly, but no cool air (or at least
>>> very little) to speak of.
>>>
>>> Need to get the system checked out for leaks, etc,
>>> but wondered what the consensus was for a 'Westy'
>>>
>>> Even on R12, this system is nothing to write home
>>> about, I'm thinking of just checking, make sure I have
>>> no 'massive' leaks, then go and get my EPA license
>>> so I can buy cans of R12 off of ebay.
>>>
>>> Some folks I've talked to say that even with an 'all
>>> new' system (compressor, hoses, dryer, cleaned out
>>> condenser etc) that the most you can expect is 2-4yrs
>>> between recharges?
>>>
>>> Ideas, suggestions welcom
>>>
>>> TIA
>>>
>>> -tim
>>>
>>> 90 syncro westy
>>> mesa, az
>>
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