Date: Mon, 20 Jun 2005 18:36:35 -0700
Reply-To: Gerald Masar <azsun99@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Gerald Masar <azsun99@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: Re: AC Compressor on r134a system
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
If it was converted to 134a, it should have the correct quick-connect fittings.
If you just want to see if it will cool before you spend a lot of money, go to
Wal-Mart or FLAPS and get a charging kit and a couple of cans of 134a (it's now twice
what it cost last year). You can also get a cheap pressure gauge if you want.
Make sure you know which is the low-pressure port. They are different sizes, so you
shouldn't get them mixed up.
Attach the charging hose to the can, screw the valve down to break the seal, and
attach the other end to the port. Start the engine, put A/C on high, run at fast idle
and open the valve on the can, which should be up-right. Wear gloves so your hands
don't get frosted. You can speed up the process by putting the can in a pan of
warm/hot water. Check the pressure and temperature and add another can if necessary.
You can also get cans of 134a with the hose already attached and a cheap little
pressure gauge built in.
I have used the leak sealers and the second one seemed to work for a little while, but
still leaks now.
Jerry
----- Original Message -----
From: "Craig, Jim M. {PCNA}" <Jim.M.Craig@PEPSI.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2005 1:38 PM
Subject: AC Compressor on r134a system
> 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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