Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 20:24:54 +0200
Reply-To: Raimund Feussner <rfeussner@GMX.DE>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Raimund Feussner <rfeussner@GMX.DE>
Subject: Re: How to convert to 134?
In-Reply-To: <48209E65.6080901@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Ken,
thanks for the long essay.
I have to refill my Vanagon´s A/C, too (was 134 before).
But, what about changing the oil when converting from R12 to R134a?
I have to go that way on my 92 Passat.
Here in Germany people freak out on A/C service, and for everyone,
changing the oil in the system seems to be a "must".
Get refrigerant in the supermarket? Pleeeeease, only special shops with
environmental cerificate etc...
So, my question, do you put R134 into old R12 system (with old oil)
without any other conversions?! Just new dryer and you´re done?!
Thanks
Raimund
Am 06.05.2008 20:07, Ken Wilford schrieb:
> Jim,
> I have done this conversion many, many times and at many, many different
> levels. When I initially started out I was really super picky about
> changing out things and going by what the early EPA/Air Conditioning
> sites recommended. However time has passed and I have been in a hurry
> with no equipment and just wanted cold air. If you have a later model
> Vanagon (86-91) you can go to Wal-mart buy four cans in a kit and
> convert the van in ten minutes. If you system is totally flat, add
> about a can of R134a to check for leaks and then replace what ever parts
> are needed that way. If the system still has a little in it then it
> probably has just leaked out over time (normal) and you can recharge it
> and it should last a while. Charge into the low side (S port). If the
> compressor doesn't want to kick in you can hot wire it and run it until
> it picks up enough refrigerant to stay on by itself. The biggest pain
> is that the R134a charges really slow. I hurry it up by putting the can
> in some warm water while it is charging. The whole system holds less
> than four cans so if you charge it to that point and it still isn't
> working (putting out cold air) then I would shut it down and figure on
> replacing the compressor, drier, and expansion valve, blowing the hoses
> out, putting new oil and o-rings in. If it does put out cold air then
> just use it until it starts losing it's charge again. If you want to
> find where it is seeping from if you have a slow leak you can buy R134a
> with leak detector dye in it (it is messy though).
>
> I have found that about 75% of the time you can just charge the system
> with a couple of cans and you are good to go for several months. I
> charge mine about twice a summer. Cost to me is about $36 in R134a and
> my time. It works really well and should freeze you out of the van.
> Whenever you turn the A/C switch on you should get the radiator fan on
> as well at the same moment. If this fan does not come on then you
> should check your low speed radiator fan resistor. This needs to
> function if the A/C is going to work well for you. If you have a
> problem with speed number 3 that is usually the "evil relay number 13"
> that is in the back of the van. It is located on the left side of the
> rear hatch inside the van. If you have a camper the wiring is inside
> the cabinet back there or if you have a passenger van there is a plastic
> panel over these wires. There is also a large fuse back there that can
> blow and cause your system not to function.
>
> If you find that you are going to need new A/C hoses you should be able
> to get these made up for you locally. If not I can probably get them
> fabricated for you here for a charge.
> I also have new and rebuilt compressors, dryers, and expansion valves on
> my site for sale. Also anyone who buys their parts from me gets my
> support over the phone for any questions they might have.
>
> If I have to replace something major like the compressor I will blow the
> lines out with shop air, replace the oil with Ester oil, replace the
> drier and expansion valve and all o-rings. Pull a vacuum on the system
> for about 30-40 minutes. Then charge the system with a gauge set.
>
> I hope this helps you. Let me know if you find you need anything.
>
> Ken Wilford
> John 3:16
> www.vanagain.com
>
>
> Jim Felder wrote:
>> Does anyone know of a complete set of instructions for converting to 134
>> from R12? I'm talking complete, like where to get any parts needed
>> for the
>> compressor and how to get the compressor open to fit them, how to get
>> the
>> oil out, put new oil in, and that sort of thing. I inherited a nice
>> set of
>> manifold gauges but have never used them. I also have access to a vacuum
>> pump if that is required.
>> Jim
>>
>>
>
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