John, Volks,
What you say cannot be. In our now past 100+ heat that lasted nearly 3 weeks
the high speed on my rad fan was kicking in quite often and would stay on for
entire trips around town (20 or more minutes). However the A/C continued to
throw ice cubes through out. I have no data that when the high speed fan kicks
on, the A/C compressor is disengaged. Yet I know it for sure isn't doing it on
my 90 Carat. (could this be diff for a 84 model?: I wouldn't think so)
BTW, if anyone is fearing a hot rad system, use 100% distilled water with Red
Line Water Wetter (bought at performance shops). This stuff is phenomenal and
will lower radiator temps as much as 33 degrees.
Regards
Mark Magee                                                90 Carat
Kemah TX USA
John 14:6

John Lauterbach wrote:

> I have an '84.  With the Georgia heat, A/C is on all the time.  If your
> cooling system is in good shape, the heat from the A/C will not cause
> problems.  However, beware of the high temp coolant cut out.  When the
> radiator fan need to go to high speed, it cuts off power to the A/C
> compressor.  Stop and go driving with outside temps at 95F+ will cause this
> to happen.
>
> John Lauterbach
> Macon, GA
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: PSavage <psavage@saber.net>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Sunday, July 30, 2000 11:29 AM
> Subject: Using Vanagon AC
>
> > My '85 Westy had a brand new AC unit installed just before I bought her
> last
> > fall.  I run it five minutes a week to keep it lubricated, but haven't
> used
> > it much for fear of overheating the engine.  Can anyone offer guidelines
> for
> > AC use?  I'm heading into the Nevada desert end of August & might find
> > myself tempted to reach for that Max Cool knob. Will I suffer a drop in
> > engine power & lowered mpg?
> > Thanks!
> > Phaedra
> > '85 Westy-Wolf
> > "Hester"