Date:         Fri, 9 Apr 1999 07:57:47 -0500
Reply-To:     Darrell Boehler <midwesty@MIDWEST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Darrell Boehler <midwesty@MIDWEST.NET>
Subject:      Re: R-134A retrofit (JC WHIPME content)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

-----------------
Hi Don,
    The switch from r12 to r134a is a good idea especially if you have lost
the r12. A friend of mine and I switched an 86 westy last year. This van
cools like it never did before. He is a retired  ac guy and is of the
opinion that if it cooled well before it will cool just as well with 134a. I
agree, this westy will freeze you out, like reefer cold.
    There is now some pump lubricant available that is good for both r12 and
r134a systems. He used this stuff, still have the empty bottle in the shed
if anyone would like the name on it. If you use 134a lubricant you should
change the dryer and do a thorough cleaning of the system before charging
it.
    When you order from jc whitney remember the blue and red adapters must
fit on the same size schrader valve on our beloved vanagons, hint hint.
    Fellow listee Michael Modl has written several good posts on vanagon ac,
including the pressure and temperature readings  you should get with the
system. He is right on with his numbers and I feel he must have btdt. Dig
them out of the archives they will help you a lot.
Darrell

Ps. I plan to put 134a in my double cab and my 87 van this spring. Also if
needed napa has a seal kits for our van compressors  for about $15.

-----Original Message-----
From: Don Record <DrocerNod@AOL.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Friday, April 09, 1999 5:31 AM
Subject: R-134A retrofit (JC WHIPME content)


>I purchased a 87 Westy in January and have since resealed the heads and the
>other expectec vanagon "maintenance".  The PO said the AC was not
operational
>but"just needed to be charged." My original plan was to take it to a AC
>specialist, have them pressure test and diagnose any problems and order
parts
>from the Bus Depot if any are needed.
>However...What do I see on the back page of the 135th catalog JC Whipme has
>sent this year...A Do-It-Yourself R-134a conversion kit for only
>$49.95....Includes- Service port adapters, 3 12oz cans of R134a, 1 8 1/2oz
>can of ester oil charge "O" ring conditioner, a retrofit label, and a can
of
>stop leak and detector.
>I know from the archives that some have made the switch but I welcome any
>comments, flames, threats etc.  Sound Do-able???   I am considering this
swap
>more on the availability of "Freon at free market prices" than any
perceived
>or otherwise environmental threat.
>Don
>York, PA
>