Bob,
The A/C has a high-pressure cut-out switch which will dis-engage the
compressor. This could be caused if the fins on the A/C condenser are
damaged, so that it is not cooling properly. In addition, since the radiator
is right behind it, this is reducing it's cooling capacity and causing the
fan to come on sooner. Once it cools down, it is normal but then starts over
as it heats up. You might try straightening the fins, there are special
combs for this. The condenser might also have been driven into the radiator,
damaging it.
Good luck,
Jerry
----- Original Message -----
From: "Trooz" <Trooz@GTE.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, September 30, 2001 7:39 AM
Subject: air conditioning

> I'm hoping listees can point me in the right direction.  Earlier this year
I
> had some repair work done to the front of my van.  When inspecting the
> finished repairs, I noticed that the cooling fins on what I presume to be
> the a/c radiator (the frontmost one)were damaged.  Whether from the
accident
> or during the repair work, I don't know.  Now, I notice that the auxiliary
> cooling fan kicks in much earlier than usual, and during a long, hot road
> trip recently when the auxiliary fan kicked in at high speed, the air
> conditioning started blowing warm air.  When the fan dropped down a speed,
> the a/c worked again.
> I'm thinking that the radiator (or whatever you call it) should have been
> replaced.  Any ideas would be appreciated.
>
> Bob Trousdale
> '90 Westphalia