Date:         Fri, 16 Jul 1999 15:33:22 -0500
Reply-To:     "Keese, Brian W" <bkeese@INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Keese, Brian W" <bkeese@INDIANA.EDU>
Subject:      Receiver/drier & other AC info
Content-Type: text/plain

Hi group,

I recently converted my 84 Westy to R134a.  I used the "least cost"
conversion with just the ester oil and new fittings.  Got it a Pep-Boys, no
o-rings or anything.  Things worked great until last weekend when the air
went totally warm.  I brought it in to a trusted AC tech and he checked it
out.  Found out that there is a bunk of sludge in there because the receiver
drier is kaput.  Now I've read again and again that the receiver/drier needs
to be replaced when the conversion is made, but I have seen no alternative
source for the part.  Any ideas? Or is it a dealer only type of thing.  It
seems like the kind of part that would be widely interchangeable.  Am I
wrong?  Here's a source for a $30 one: http://www.air-tique.com/hose.html.

In my search I found what I think are some very informative WebPages:
General air conditioning diagnostics:
http://www.aftermarketworld.com/tr/tr49844.htm
VW (85 and up) air conditioning specs and part #s:
http://www.gti16v.org/tb879503.htm

So, where do I go to get the dang receiver/drier cheaply?

Brian Keese
84 Westy