Date: Mon, 20 Jun 2005 16:40:14 -0500
Reply-To: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject: Re: AC Compressor on r134a system
In-Reply-To: <B95D6DF46BC8B246A57D9E45987368AE0784BD@pepwmu00311.corp.pep.pvt>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Get a replacement compressor from one of the List vendors - will run you
between $275 amd $375 - depending on rebuilt or new plus core. Install
it yourself. Get the appropriate seals from the list vendor for 134a.
After installation, take it over to some place for service. You will
save a bundle.
If you really want to get into it, check the EPA website. They have a
question - answer study course for auto refrigerant installation and
service. You can take the quiz online. Make a passing score, you can get
your license as an auto refrigeration tech. Buy your own Freon, R1234a,
what have you. Good only on vehicles however. After that, go to Autozone
and rent their AC serviceing set up .... gauges, hoses, all that, then
do it yourself all the way. On tools, Autozone doesn't charge you for
their use. There is a depost which you get back when you return the
tool. May be true for the AC setup.
regards,
John Rodgers
88 GL Driver
Regards.
John Rodgers
88 GL Driver
Craig, Jim M. {PCNA} wrote:
>My '90 Westy was converted 4 years ago to 134a by a shop in Denver just
>before I bought it. Have the sticker on the airbox and everything. At
>the time, it blew cold (enough) air on my neck for my needs here in the
>PacNW. At some point at least a year ago, the AC stopped being cold.
>After major whining from my wife and kids on recent hot weather trips,
>it's time to get the cold air back.
>
>Dropped the van off at my VW shop and they diagnosed no refrigerant and
>a slow leak through the AC shaft. Sounds normal based on what I have
>read here on the board. Quoted cost for new compressor is over $600
>plus several hundred in labor, so close to a grand when all done. The
>shop said that with that leak, a charge would last maybe 5-6 weeks.
>Considering our limited summer, that doesn't sound too bad to me since I
>really just need to get through a long trip through california at the
>end of July and some hot days here and there.
>
>Based on this I am considering:
>
>1. Buying a new compressor from another vendor and installing myself.
>If so, what is the procedure since I already have a converted system.
>Other parts to buy etc? Best sources?
>2. Just charging it and seeing how long it will hold up. What is the
>correct/best procedure I can do at home? What tools gauges do I need?
>Does the speed of the leak correlate with usage at all? Would any type
>of sealer help slow the leak?
>
>I have some pretty solid mechanical skills but very limited experience
>with AC.
>
>
>
>
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