Date:         Wed, 18 Jul 2012 11:11:19 -0500
Reply-To:     mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: AC Question
Comments: To: Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <9FF1FF22-F45D-4B21-8E4C-6436F34D56D5@mac.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

All that may be true, but mine has only two speeds, so far as I can tell.  1991 Volkswagen Vanagon GL Campmobile.  It definitely does run full time when the A.C. is on.  mcneely

---- Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM> wrote:
> On late model vanagons (86 and later) the radiator fan is a 3 speed fan. Under most normal circumstances it will only run on the lower two speeds. The slower speeds go through a resistor pack (hidden behind the driver side headlight.) If the resistor pack goes bad, then the radiator fan can only run at full speed (which is incredibly loud.)
>
> When the radiator fan runs at full speed a signal goes to the compressor, that disables the AC compressor (engages it's clutch), so that the AC isn't contributing to the (theoretical) excess heat that caused the radiator fan to need run at full speed.
>
> Under normal operation, when the AC is on, the radiator fan is on, at a minimum of the low speed.
>
>
> On Jul 17, 2012, at 11:17 PM, JRodgers wrote:
>
> > AC was putting out the barest of cool air on full at night - could not
> > feel but hot air during the heat of the day. Added R134a and now it
> > works great. BUT - it seems the radiator/condenser fan up front runs as
> > long as the AC is turned on - and I think that is as it should be -or is
> > it? But this evening - while ambient temp was still quite warm, not far
> > from home I turned the AC off when stopping for a light (idle stabilizer
> > doesn't work so engine would stall otherwise) and when I turned it back
> > on - I noted that radiator/condensor fan didn't work - didn't turn on.
> > The AC continued to put out cold air - but now fan doesn't run - which
> > incidentally up to now sounds like a jet engine running.
> >
> > Can anyone tell me about how this is supposed to work - and do I have
> > something wrong? Or am I fretting over nothing?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > John

--
David McNeely