Date:         Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:05:04 -0700
Reply-To:     Keith Hughes <keithahughes@QWEST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Keith Hughes <keithahughes@QWEST.NET>
Subject:      Re: '91 Vanagon GL, AC is OOC
In-Reply-To:  <20080627163126.D0D56375822@mpls-mf-11.inet.qwest.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

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> Date:    Fri, 27 Jun 2008 05:12:48 -0700
> From:    Neil2 <vidublu@GMAIL.COM>
> Subject: Re: '91 Vanagon GL, AC is OOC
>
> Hey volks,
>
> Again, the banter is entertaining but: Anyone know if the AC on a '91 is
> worth tinkering with/spending $$ to repair?
>
Neil,

Depends on how much you want/need A/C.  I'm in the middle of rebuilding
my A/C on my '86 Westy (not the same as your '91, but similar), after
converting to R134A.  I'm replacing ALL the hoses, drier, expansion
valve, and putting in a new parallel flow condenser (supposed to be 30%
more efficient, and my van had the older style 2-part condenser, not the
larger solid one you have on the '91), and already installed a new R134A
compressor.  The whole enchilada, without compressor, will run about
$375 for parts.  I have 6 hours labor so far in pulling everything out,
and will probably another 6-8 putting it back together, just to give you
an idea.

My original system, with R-12, was marginal at best, and with R-134A it
was pitiful (hence the condenser upgrade), but I generally only use it
on trips or when it gets over 110°F (which as been about 15 of the last
20 days here in Phoenix).  A couple hours in the sun right now and the
internal van temperature gets to about 150°+ (the Dometic fan used to
kick on - without the fridge on - to the point that I installed a switch
to turn it off so the battery didn't run down).   If you live somewhere
a bit cooler, your stock system will probably be OK, but you can plan on
about 10°F Higher vent temps if you convert to R-134A.  And you really
should change to barrier hoses, as your old ones will leak sooner or
later with R-134A.

I'll be putting my system back together next week, and I can let you
know what kind of improvement the new condenser makes if you're interested.

Keith Hughes
'86 Westy Tiico (Marvin)