Date:         Tue, 21 Jan 2014 17:38:28 -0400
Reply-To:     Robert Fisher <garciasghostvw@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Fisher <garciasghostvw@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Air Conditioning help
Comments: To: mcneely4@cox.net
In-Reply-To:  <20140121162459.IZVXO.110458.imail@eastrmwml206>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

What I've always read (but have not researched for myself) is that the R134
molecule is smaller than the R12 molecule and so will eventually leak out
through the hoses unless one installs "barrier hoses" or adds an
appropriate sealer to the existing system.
On Jan 21, 2014 5:25 PM, "Dave Mcneely" <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:

> My 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon GL Campmobile with factory air conditioning and
> a 2.1 liter engine (159k miles) loses refrigerant over the course of a
> summer.  It had it converted to R134a two springs ago.  It got all new
> fittings, the system was flushed, and new proper lubricant for R134 was
> added.  It cooled wonderfully well, but by summer's end it was not doing
> so, despite two shops claiming not  to be able to determine that it was
> leaking.  They reported that with a "leak down test" over 24 hours, it held
> proper pressure.
>
> So, next spring it needed recharging again, and again, "leak down test
> reveals no leak."  By summer's end, it was not cooling.  Recharging
> resulted in the thing cooling marvelously, air temperature from the plenum
> being around 48 F.  So, what do I do now?  I plan to use the camper this
> spring, summer, fall and will need air conditioning for some trips through
> the plains and Southwest.
>
> Help!
>
> David McNeely
>