Date: Sun, 4 Sep 2011 13:24:33 -0500
Reply-To: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject: Re: Another AC question
In-Reply-To: <CEF3864F2320429A81B4A8079CDEA99D@KarlPC>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
I have just restored my AC system after it had been out of service and
with hoses open for several years, Not knowing anything about AC, I
worked as the go-fer for a friend who is a mechanic - while he performed
and directed the work. Because the system had been open - the following
procedure was followed -
The compressor was missing - so that was no worry on the setup - a new
compressor was to be installed.
The receiver dryer was removed, and the expansion valve was replaced.
New seals were installed at all the connections. The system was then
flushed first with methanol then with about two quarts of a citrus based
AC system cleaner. A new receiver dryer and the new compressor was
installed. A vacuum check was pulled and held for 1 hour. The system was
serviced with PAG 100 AC oil, and then with R-134a. The temps dropped
below 60 in a while - but I don't know how low it might have gone.
Didn't test it to the max. But it sure cools well now. I learned a great
deal from the experience, and would not be afraid to tackle my own AC
servicing from now on.
If yu have made the mistake of putting water in the system, yoiu most
likely have killed the AC compressor and the receiver dryer. You need to
get all that moisture out of there, The quick way to reduce it to a few
molecules residual water is to use the methanol. It is highly
hygroscopic, and picks up water readily, much the way alcohol products
in your gas tank does it. Once flushed with the alcohol, do it again
with a bonifide AC system cleaner. Replace the receiver dryer and maybe
the AC compressor, then put in new refrigerant oil.
Good luck on this.
John
John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com
On 9/4/2011 10:46 AM, Karl Wolz wrote:
> '85 Westy with 2.1L, using R-12
>
> Only blowing around 80 degrees (better than 112, but not by much), mechanic
> says 300lbs high side pressure and only about 10 lbs low side. Says he
> suspects a blockage "somewhere". He drained the R12 and blew through the
> condenser - says that's clear.
>
> Due to my ingnorance of things AC, the hoses were initially hooked up
> backwards at the compressor. Mech says running the system in reverse may
> have damaged the receiver/dryer, causing these symptoms. Last night I
> pulled out the expansion valve and am able to blow through it. AC parts guy
> says that means little, as it could be locked open or closed (this means
> little or nothing to me [I feel like Rocket with this series of questions]).
>
> I bought brass fittings last night with which to hook up a garden hose to
> the system (sans compressor& receiver/dryer) to hopefully flow out any crud
> hiding in the system, with the logic that any water inside will be boiled
> off when a vacuum is pulled prior to recharging. Anyone care to comment on
> the wisdom of this procedure?
>
> Hoping for cooler air,
>
> Karl Wolz
>
>
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