Date: Wed, 27 Jun 2007 09:05:28 -0400
Reply-To: Kenneth Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Kenneth Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: A/C resuscitation - where to start?
In-Reply-To: <BAY120-F3903C383F1EF294D49C082C90B0@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Tom, I have done so many A/C revivals on Vanagons it is not funny. Most
of the time if the system has some pressure in it (not totally flat or
unhooked) you can charge it with a R134a kit from Wal-Mart and it will
either come around or show you what is wrong. When you charge it this
way be sure to put in a can of dye leak detector as well, that way you
can see if there are any leaks. The nice part about this method is that
anyone can do it, and also it is super cheap (under $30).
If it works then you aren't out a bunch of money, or if it doesn't it
should show you where the problem lies. You want to be sure that when
the A/C is turned on that the low speed radiator fan also comes on
immediately. If it doesn't this will make your high side pressures go
through the sky and could blow a hose when you are sitting in traffic.
If you do need any A/C parts I would love it if you consider me as a
parts source. We are located on the East Coast and can usually supply
anything you need within a couple of days WITHOUT you having to pay an
extra charge for expedited shipping. We also have a warehouse in
California so we are usually as equally as fast delivering parts to the
West Coast. The other nice thing about ordering from us is that we have
been working on Vanagon A/C systems for about ten years now and anyone
who has ordered parts from us has full access to our wealth of A/C
technical knowledge and experience. We don't just sell parts, we know
Vanagons!
My Story:
I had a frustrating time not too long ago. I just bought a Fiat X1/9
and I am trying to get it back on the road. It won't start so I am
going through the troubleshooting proceedure but I wanted a little
insight from someone who has been in the business and knows these cars.
I called one of only about four vendors for Fiat parts in the US who
just happens to be located not far from me. While he was a nice guy and
knew about the parts he was selling, he had no knowledge of the
mechanical side of the car at all. So I called for advice and I got:
replace this part, replace that part and see what happens but I really
don't know because I am just selling parts and not a mechanic. To me
this is worthless. Anyone can sell a car part and there are hundreds of
on-line websites where you can type in some numbers or do a search and
find the parts you need a few dollars or cents cheaper than what we sell
it for and sometimes with free shipping. But what if you really don't
need that part? What if you don't need any parts, you just need to
repair a ground connection or change a filter? How is it cheaper to buy
parts you don't need from someone who could care less about you, than it
is to email or call someone who does care about your situation and is
waiting to help you? It isn't. I wish folks would learn this lesson
some day. Then all of the emanon on-line parts stores out there would
dry up and blow away and all of the dedicated Vendors who specialize in
that particular vehicle would have the funds they need to keep their
shops open. It is up to you folks. You vote for what style of place
you want to dominate the market every time you shop for parts. I am
just a guy wanting to serve you. The choice is yours.
Sincerely,
Ken Wilford
www.vanagain.com
John 3:16
856-327-4936
Tom Myers wrote:
> Record temps in Upstate New York today!
>
> And i need to attempt to resurrect my Westy A/C this summer. I had 2
> near
> accidents last summer from dozing off at the wheel of a 90 degree van.
> The
> system has been empty for 2 years and I hope it is rescuable. So aside
> from
> a new dryer and an small R-134 conversion kit from Bus Depot - i am
> wondering where to start. I am thinking there is a logic to taking
> the van
> to a AC shop and just have them attempt to charge it up with alot of leak
> detector and r134 hose seal oil and just to see how bad the system is.
> From
> there make a determination what would be involved. has anyone had any
> experience bring back the A/C? i do not mind the idea of doing multiple
> rounds with a AC shop if i know what to tell them to do first. I am
> looking
> at the archives regarding condenser retrofits right now.
>
> Thanks for the time
>
> Tom Myers
> Hot Rochester NY
> http://motsvan.blogspot.com
>
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