Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:06:14 -0400
Reply-To: "Jack R." <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "Jack R." <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: AC High Side - line leak - rubber hose
In-Reply-To: <vanagon%2008061818102220@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Roger,
I have a 4 year old, new compressor, a new condenser, have already changed
all the 0-rings. I have the professional gages, and my system held a vacuum
when last charged, before my engine swap. The system is currently empty,
due to the excessive leak in the High side hose, so when I swap the hose, I
can put my vacuum (thanks to Harbor Freight $17) on the system to pull all
the air and moisture out. I will change the dryer too, before the recharge.
I do have about 6 or 7 cans of R12 on my shelf, but intend to swap to R134a,
and save the R12 for my 91 Mazda Miata (which uses 1/2 can a year).
I have done AC work before, and will attempt this one. With 134a, in an R12
conversion, I've been told to keep it at about 80% capacity, due to the
higher efficiency of 134a, with a smaller condenser. I figure I can get the
entire project done for about $150. R134a is only $6 a can at Wally World!
Thanks for the suggestions!
Jack R.
84 Westy Wolfie, with a 91 2.1L Syncro motor.
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Roger Sisler
Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 6:08 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: AC High Side - line leak - rubber hose
Fixing an A/C system is an expensive proposition. Are you going to do all
this yourself? It is much cheaper that way, as licensed folks need to do it
proper. Your system will need to be emptied and refilled by them. The
refrigerant needs to be recovered and returned to the vacuumed system. Add
to this, any repairs. R-12, 134a? Got to buy this, too. 134a is high now.
Probably best to switch over to 134a at this time-$$$.
The condition of your system and how much you like A/C need to be considered
here. Rubber hoses in the Vanagon seem to generally hold up well. They
should last a number of years more in your '84. Replacing one hose is a good
idea. Your old fittings on either end will be reused. Your new hose will be
a barrier hose, as that's all that is available. The barrier keeps 134a from
migrating through the hose wall. Hose is about $3/ft. The existing residual
oil in the old hoses will prevent 134a from migrating through the hose if
you convert over. That hose is not too difficult to snake out from under the
Vanagon. Where would yo get a vacuum pump?
The hoses that attaches to the compressor have fittings that are barbed.
They work great! They don't leak often. They slip into the hose and are
clamped with hose clamps. See them? An alternative repair is to get a
junkyard hose and cut it about 2ft from the compressor. Buy a barbed splicer
from an A/C specialty shop and splice this section into your old hose.
If you are not going to do this yourself, it will be expensive, and a new
hose will be required. Hope you can find someone who will work on your
vanagon. How big is your leak? That is a very important question. Maybe you
can live with it. Your a/c system may not be worth fixing. Get an estimate.
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