The deal is, that for the system to be recharged, there has been a leak
somewhere.  Usually you can spot it by looking at hose connections, etc, and
you will see a sorta oily connection where the freon and lubricating oil
seeped out.

    You must have R12 in the system for that is what is meant by old style
freon, and it is pricey.  The dealer may have ran the system under load and
seen or heard a faulty compressor.  Although, sometimes in a compressor
merely the clutch on the front of it (the part that makes the pulley engage)
is at fault.

I learned to do my own AC work a long time ago, and do what I can on my own
for it is generally high dollar repair work.
Adam Puzerewski
81 westy
74 beetle
86 cabrio
Vanagon Partsmobiles
----- Original Message -----
From: "robyn and heather rudisill" <rudisill@uswest.net>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2000 1:40 AM
Subject: [VANAGON] air conditioning 1991 Westy Syncro ?'s

> My AC seems to need to be recharged.  I spoke to two shops and got two
> stories...
>
> Dealer said I would need a new compressor and new o-rings.
> AC Shop said they "test" my system and recharge it with "old" style
> refrigerant.
>
> What's the whole story here?
>
> Everything (compressor n stuff) was working fine, but haven't really had
to
> use the AC in a year or so.  We are going on a all day drive to pick up a
> new puppy in August and wanted to have AC for the ride home.
>
> thanks for your time.
> robyn
>
> seattle.