Date:         Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:52:48 -0700
Reply-To:     Keith Hughes <keithahughes@QWEST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Keith Hughes <keithahughes@QWEST.NET>
Subject:      Re: air conditioner
In-Reply-To:  <20080919021728.9D99F638C02@mpls-mf-03.inet.qwest.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

> Date:    Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:07:56 -0400
> From:    Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
> Subject: Re: air conditioner
>
> The AC will cut out on excessive head pressure or if the radiator fan
> switch calls for the fast speed. The later case is usually caused by a fan
> switch set at to low a temperature or the radiator is shot and no longer
> cooling efficiently.
>
> Dennis
>
Actually, if it's an '86 Non-Westy, or 87 and later Westy, the high
refrigerant pressure switch only kicks the radiator fan up to the middle
speed (still goes through the fan resistor, and still *sounds* like the
high speed).  The secondary high temp radiator switch contacts turns off
the compressor, and kicks the fan onto the High speed (bypassing the fan
resistor altogether).  So if you're tripping the high temp fan switch,
the A/C compressor shuts off.  If you live in a *hot* area, like here in
Phoenix, that usually keeps the A/C from working worth a crap in the
middle of the summer.  This is also why the Vanagon, even with a high
refrigerant pressure switch, does not meet the EPA requirements for
conversion to R-134A, without the installation of a second switch, or
modification of the existing wiring.

As Dennis says, if you're having overheating problems right now
(sufficient to cut the A/C compressor off) you have some cooling system
problems, unrelated to the A/C, or you have a high refrigerant pressure
switch problem.  The switch does not kick the fan onto the intermediate
setting, and the engine overheats.

Keith Hughes
'86 Westy Tiico (Marvin)