My experience ('89 Syncro Westy) is that using the AC has little discernable
impact on fuel mileage, though it does definitely rob the engine of a
noticeable amount of power (to the extent that I usually turn it off while
climbing hills).  I have never had it cause the engine to overheat, though,
even in stop-and-go traffic in 90-100 degree weather.  The cooling system
definitely seems able to handle the extra load.

I say use it whenever you want, assuming your cooling system is in good
order.

Brent Christensen
'89 GL Syncro Westy "Klaus"
Santa Barbara, CA

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
Of PSavage
Sent: Sunday, July 30, 2000 8:30 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
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"