Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2005 15:49:40 -0400
Reply-To: Roger Sisler <rogersisler2000@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Roger Sisler <rogersisler2000@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: R134 conversion
Hello, the difference between a new compressor and a rebuilt compressor is
as follows: The new compressor has everything new. A date of manufacture
is stamped into the front mounting ears, but this is not really the date of
compressor manufacture. Only the date that that part was made.This date
will have as the second didget, the last mumber of that decade.If made in
1984, this didget will be a 4.The first didget will be a 1 through 9 for
the month, if made between jan and sept. It will be a X,Y,or Z if oct, nov,
or dec.Cant tell much by this date. The rebuilt compressor has a new
clutch/pulley, a new rear valve plate, a new shaft seal, a new paint job,
new oil. The internals are not touched. These include the pistons,
cylinders, thrust bearings, and more.I guess this is ok , unless you get a
remanufactured compressor that came out of a pre 86 vanagon. These vanagons
have no low pressure cut off switch in the a/c system. The oil will leave
the compressor as the refrigerant level goes down. No switch to protect the
compresor on these vanagons. All other vehicles have this switch.VW covered
their a@@ on these vehicles by putting a sentence in the owners manuel to
have the a/c system checked out before each cooling season.Hopefully a low
freon situation would be caught ,and the compressor protected.I think about
90 percent of pre 86 vanagon found themselves in a no freon situation real
quick,and not recharged.. I dont think the compressor in my 85 was working
for about 15 years.I removed and dissembeled my compressor to try to find
out why it was thumping so badly.When the clutch face plate was turned by
hand, there was a "ruff" spot for about 30 degrees of each rotation. Turned
out to be a thrust bearing. I emptyed the oil and measured 1/2 ounce, where
there once was 8 ounces.This is what happens without a low pressure cut off
switch.Being out of freon for 15 years also roached the shaft seal for
sure.I think you can get a compressor anywhere for less than the price you
got. they go for about $300 w/ shipping at Bus Depot. A bit more at other
vendors.
|