I recently repaired an early 86 Vanagon Westy A/C system (see my previous posts about the radiator fan debacle). I found that the high pressure plug in the dryer had done it's job and blown out when the system overpressurized due to radiator fan low speed failure (long story). Anyway the old compressor was completely seized up (operator error) and I had to flush the system, replace the dryer, expansion valve and the compressor with a rebuilt unit. One thing I noticed was how quiet the rebuilt unit was. Usually I just recharge old Vanagon A/C systems with Freeze-12 or R-134a. The compressors are almost always noisey but many of them are almost 20 years old. The rebuilt unit was almost silent. I normally add some oil to the old systems as well but it never seems to do much in the way of quieting old compressors. Just wanted to pass on this oberservation. To me if you want to try add 134a to a low system I know from personal experience that it will work to get the A/C system going as long as the system will hold a charge. If you have a slow leak you will probably get two or three months out of it or even the whole summer. Your compressor is old now. It is almost worn out. Even if adding 134a would have some adverse effect on your compressor (which I am not convinced that it will) what do you have to lose? You are probably going to have to replace your compressor within the next couple of years anyway. At that point you can flush everything and replace the oil, etc. Up to that point, I say add a can or two of R-134a and have some cool air. Thanks, Ken Wilford John 3:16 http://www.vanagain.com http://www.strictlyvwauctions.com http://www.eurovan.org http://www.vwcabrio.org Phone: (856)-327-4936 Fax: (856)-327-2242 -----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Victor Spinetti Sent: Thursday, September 07, 2006 12:00 AM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Re: My R134a experience
If your '85 has the original Sanden/Sankyo ac compressor it will be noiser if the refrigerant amount is low. Or of course if it is wearing out. Also carefully check comp. v-belt & pulleys on crank & comp. Any uneven wear can cause vibration & noise. Many "cheapo" belts are uneven width all the way round & will cause a vibration at certain rpm. Belts from NAPA/Gates are more money but usually better quality & run quieter. |
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