Date: Tue, 4 Jul 2006 13:26:39 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis <guskersthecat@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis <guskersthecat@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: 1990 Westy AC 3rd speed and condenser fan.
I'm about to get into a diagnostic tustle with "The Grape" which has an
R134a retrofitted AC system. When I did the I4 conversion we also replaced
the receiver/dryer, evap valve, hoses, and the balance of the R134a kit.
There are two problems remaining that remain unsolved and affect the
efficiency of the system.
1. The front radiator fan is supposed to go on (medium speed) when the AC
is activated. The 1990 has a 3 speed rad fan (single really but controlled
with a resitor block). The fan has never gone on with AC, however when
I "jump" the relay at position 5 on the fuse block, the fan does indeed
come on medium speed. This is the relay that is supposed to be energized
by the AC system to turn the rad fan on. Evidently here is no signal
voltage going to the relay. If I mist the front of the running van with a
hose for a few seconds, the AC is as cool as a cucumber...so I suspect
everything is working as it should otherwise.
2. The AC third speed doesn't work, and never has. The switch has been
replaced, but control of the 3rd and fourth speed are managed at the rear
of the van as far as I can tell.
So before I start digging, any ideas/insight here? It would be nice if it
was something simple like one of the relays behind the closet.
I've just picked up a new CS130 alternator (
http://www.alternatorparts.com/cs130_&_cs130d_alt.htm ) that I'm using in
place of the bosch unit on the I4 setup. The GM is smaller, fits like a
charm using the VW pulley, and fits easily under the deck lid. This brings
to a close my starter and alternator issues that stemmed from a retired
rebuilder that evidently sold me crap right before he pulled the pin. The
second rebulider took 4 tries to get the starter rebuilt correctly. I've
learned my lesson and replaced the CS130 with a brand new unit...for a
paltry $145 CAN. From what I can see the new unit has all the updated
parts in it (early ones had reliability issues) so hopefully we're good to
go.
