Date: Sat, 9 Dec 2017 12:05:33 -0600
Reply-To: John Rodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Rodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Air conditioning compressor
In-Reply-To: <CA+az7_46TAiYd445kXVSWSKBd+AyLeCPz2Eo21M4hfseNRTWLw@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
Doug, thats a pretty good task to drop that cooling unit down to get at the
expansion valve. Labor involved takes a bit. Is very heavy.I had to do it
once, but even then had to build up a stand to support the thing.tookok a
good bit of monkeying around( time and money if you hire it done.) , having
never done it before, but if someone can help you youc ould do it yourself
( but then I'm a great on for do it yourself projects.)
If done right, whoever does should flush out the system as a last step to
ensure all crud, corrosion and corruption has bee n removed. A new
copmressor is pricey, and lower priced ones can be obtained thru EBAY.
Unless already empty, your system, before it can be opened, must be
evacuated of any R-12 or 134a. It can't be bled off into the air. This is
mandated by law. A certified shop an do this.
Some things to know - 134a molecules are smaller that R-12 molecules. In
time they will leak thru the old R12 HOSES and you will find yourself
adding 134a periodically. The 134a has a much higher head pressure and may
cause compressor problems. If you use a remanufactured unit, check to be
sure it has been updated to work with 134a. I chose to use HFC 152a instead
because it was cheaper, and specs more nearly matched the old R12. AND, it
can safely be bled into the atmophere and the others cannot.Abig plus when
doing one's own work.
Hope this helps a little.
John
On Dec 9, 2017 11:04, "Toomey Douglas" <drt@uoregon.edu> wrote:
Great to see the list back up and working! Thanks!
Recently the a/c compressor on my 87 vanagon began making a noise and
appears to be going bad. I’ve removed the belt for now so that it does not
turn. Last summer, made the switch from R12 to R134a. Also left off the
cowling on the ceiling that comes with westy. Worked great, really cooled
car pretty quickly and not having cowling allowed air to come forward more
quickly.
I got a quote from a local service station that many use in the area
(Eugene, OR). They recommended replacing compressor, expansion valve,
receiver/dryer. Apparently, the labor price goes way up because of
expansion valve and access. If the expansion valve does not need to be
done (i.e., no metal bits in coolant), it is $1300 (~700 parts, 600 labor).
Still a hefty price in both categories.
A couple of questions:
1) Parts cost is high by $200-300 relative to what I can see on vanagon
related sites. Is that normal? The mechanic said they would not use parts
I supplied, must buy their own. Reason given is the 2 year, 24K warranty.
2) I can do much of the labor for allowing access to expansion valve. I
stripped the entire interior of the car last year for body work, so know
what is involved. Will most garages allow a client to do that?
3) Can anyone suggest a/c mechanics in Oregon with vanagon experience?
Other advice welcome!
Doug
