Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2007 14:55:07 -0800
Reply-To: Mark Tuovinen <mst@AK.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mark Tuovinen <mst@AK.NET>
Subject: Re: A/C Repairs -- Get Out the Vaseline
In-Reply-To: <8476375e0704301358h2b1912fam1a443f0baae2f3@mail.gmail.com>
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Ray,
Though we are not from Sacramento we purchased our Westy Syncro down there four years ago and had the A/C serviced before the drive home. I do not remember the name of the shop but can easily find out as it was a referral from a friend of ours who lives in the area and uses them from time to time. Not sure how far you want to go for your repairs or where exactly you are but our friend lives in Elk Grove and I can get the shop name from him if you like. Vanagons are not their specialty but they were knowledgable and efficient.
Mark in AK
----- Original Message -----
From: Ray Reinhard <rayreinhard@GMAIL.COM>
Date: Monday, April 30, 2007 1:03 pm
Subject: A/C Repairs -- Get Out the Vaseline
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> I just took my '86 Camper to the only auto A/C repair shop that I
> know of in
> the Sacramento, CA area (Polar Bear Auto Air). Because of their
> apparentmonopoly, I have been a customer of theirs -- on average
> about once every
> other year -- since 1990 when I bought the van.
>
> Despite having spent well over $1,000 in repairs, the A/C never
> seemed to do
> a very good job of cooling, even when it had just been "repaired."
> The last
> time I was there (around 2003), a compressor that they had
> installed (but
> was now out of warranty) had burned up. When I showed them my
> stack of
> receipts, they took pity on me and installed a replacement for
> free but with
> "absolutely no warranty." I got the impression that they hoped I'd
> nevercome back.
>
> Once again, the A/C wasn't working so I took it to them today. Their
> verdict: (1) compressor is shot, (2) two long hoses (total about
> 30') from
> front of van to A/C are leaking and need replacement, and (3) all new
> refrigerant needed (along w/ various and sundry other repairs).
> The tab:
> $2,565.
>
> When I heard this, I about had a stroke. It seems like it would be
> lesscostly to replace the whole d--- system. Am I wrong? Also,
> where can I go
> for a 2nd opinion in the northern California area? I'm really fed
> up w/
> Polar Bear. The only other place I can find around here that does
> auto A/C
> repairs, however, is Midas and I've heard too many horror stories
> about them
> to entrust them to do this work.
>
> --
> Ray Reinhard
>
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