Shops in different areas charge different amounts. I would recommend taking
it to a shop that will 'check it out' while you wait. If it really just
needs a re-charge, then you're looking at a basic 'service'. With strict
regulations now governing shops in most states, most places (notice I didn't
say all) will require that you have a 'service' done. That means they hook
your AC system to a recovery system, check the pressures on both high and
low sides and look for leaks. If all leak testing shows nothing, then
they'll recharge. I have found where I live in Virginia, that many shops
will put a dye in the system so that if it does leak in the future, they can
find it more easily. While you're getting your van checked, have them
replace the Schrader valves. Anytime I have a vehicle that needs a service
or recharge or has lost its freon for whatever reason, I have the valves
replaced. It's cheap and eliminates a potential problem that is often
overlooked.

Ok, back to you're question. What's it cost? Like I said, each shop (and
some local laws) are different. I live in Virginia (suburbs of DC), where
they are annoyingly controlling over AC work (well, everything, for that
matter). Don't forget that your current freon type makes a difference too.
If you still have the original R-12, then you're talking an expense for
replacing R-12, or a conversion to R-134a. I haven't found any shops local
to me that carry any of the new 'alternative' refrigerants to replace R-12
or 134a without doing a full system conversion (e.g. replacing the dryer),
just a system draw-down and re-charge. We've been using a new refrigerant in
the National Guard called Freeze which we use without the requirement to
replace the dryer. I know there's variations of it, but its a consideration.

So, anyway, I had my system 'serviced' and the Schrader valves replaced at
the beginning of the summer season. The cost was $240 using R-12, which I
would consider reasonable considering the cost of R-12.

Good luck with your AC and let us know what happens.

Gregg
85 Westy (cold AC, even with the windows closed)!

-----Original Message-----
From: sharks [mailto:jayshark@ARACNET.COM]
Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2001 1:17 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: how many $$ to recharge the AC?

i have a 1990 GL with the normal factory installed AC system.

the last time i used my AC was early last summer, and it worked okay, but
didn't get very cold.  now it seems to not get cold at all.

assuming that it just needs a new shot of freon stuff, how much should i
expect that to cost?  i definitely don't need AC enough to pay big bucks
for any real repairs, but if it's just needs more freon, i might consider
it.

as always, thanks for any advice-

jay
1990 Vanagon GL "deep blue"
portland, or (soon to be missoula, mt)