Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 14:07:33 -0400
Reply-To: Ken Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Ken Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: How to convert to 134?
In-Reply-To: <4d1b79350805060920h33f19802k3afaa9a94dc072a5@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
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
>
>
