Date:         Thu, 8 Jul 2010 15:37:45 -0700
Reply-To:     KEITH HUGHES <keithahughes@Q.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         KEITH HUGHES <keithahughes@Q.COM>
Subject:      Re: a/c fittings
In-Reply-To:  <BAY0-PAMC1-F3Q0pzSm000083df@BAY0-PAMC1-F3.Bay0.hotmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

> From: "Ed Duntz" <eduntz@HOTMAIL.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Thursday, July 08, 2010 11:31 AM
> Subject: a/c fittings
> 
> 
> I'm trying to get my a/c system working on my 1.9 Vanagon, using a
> conversion kit from Interdynamics. (I'd also like to try the same on my 2.1
> eventually) My trouble is that the compressor seems to have two low-side
> connections a few inches out on the lines. I've compared this to my 2.1,
> which has one low-side fitting a few inches out on the line. I thought that
> I should have one low-side fitting near the compressor, and a high-side
> connection somewhere near the evaporator.
> 
> One line says SUC (I'm assuming for suction) and one says DIS (I'm assuming
> for discharge) Does this mean that someone has installed the wrong fitting
> on one of the lines? Which side (suction or discharge) should the low-side
> (the one I'm adding the refrigerant to) be on?
> 
 Ed,

 

Doesn't really matter where the fittings are located relative to the compressor.  The low side fitting (SUC), where you add refrigerant, must be located on the line between the evaporator and compressor - doesn't matter where.  The high side fitting (DIS), where you NEVER hook to a refrigerant can, should be located on the line between the compressor and the condenser - again, it doesn't really matter where as long as it's accessible.  If you have two fittings on the suction line, one is probably a service port, and the other was intended for a low pressure switch - the one intended to keep the compressor from running when there's no refrigerant (and thus no OIL cirulating) in the system.  If both are configured as service ports, I'd install a dual pressure switch on one.  They make them configured to screw onto a standard service port with schraeder valve so they can be changed out without draining the system.  The switch installation is simple, it screws on, then splice the compressor clutch wire through the switch.  When there's no refrigerant, the switch opens and won't let the compressor start up and grenade, and when the pressure is too high, it opens up and protects the compressor and hoses.  This is *really* a good idea if you've converted to R-134A (as well as a legal requirement BTW) as the head pressures are much higher, and you really don't want to sit idling too long (without sufficient airflow) and blow a high side hose.

 

Keith Hughes

'86 Westy Tiico (Marvin)