Only hard part is you need to use a compressor (rent) to blow out the
system.
----------------------
Never blow compressed air into an AC system, (rent) a vacuum pump.
Worst case blow a can of R134 through the system (not reccomended but it
oten works). Remember you're trying to get the moisture out........ not
put it in.

Stan Wilder
83 Westfalia Air Cooled

On Thu, 21 Feb 2002 21:17:03 -0500 Randy Charrette
<rcharrette@HOTMAIL.COM> writes:
Last year when my system was dry I installed an R-134 conversion
kit.Total cost was under $200. I replaced the reciever/drier and the
expansion valve, blew out the system and installed the kit with new
oil(supplied in kit). I still have to top off every year (at least), but
R-134 is a lot less harmfull and a lot cheaper. I would highly suggest
this. Only hard part is you need to use a compressor (rent) to blow out
the system. Other than that it is a cake job. Good luck
Randy Charrette
87' Syncro weekender
208K

>From: "Beckham, Chip"
>Reply-To: "Beckham, Chip"
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: Air Conditioner Question
>Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2002 16:50:32 -0500
>
>I've had to top off my A/C system every year I've owned my Vanagon,
since it
>was new. In the early years, it wasn't much Freon to get a clear sight
>glass and R12 used to be cheap. Not anymore. My system now needs both
long
>hoses replaced to hold any charge. I understand there is a better
>replacement for R12 than R134. Anyone have any luck with refrigerant
>conversions?
>
>Chip Beckham
>85 GL
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: developtrust [mailto:developtrust@HOME.COM]
>Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2002 1:41 PM
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Air Conditioner Question
>
>My air conditioner is starting to blow cool air and not cold. I was told
by
>my VW dealer that vanagons need service every year due to the long hoses

>etc. even if it does not seem to leak.
>
>This does not seem correct to me but that is their experience. Does
anyone
>have their AC system last longer than a year? At $180 to service it I'd
like
>to fix any leaks to minimize a yearly drop of almost $200.
>
>Any advice? It is 80 degrees in California today with our dry Santa Ana
>winds and also summer is coming.
>
>Has anyone solved this AC issue more permanently than replacing freone
every
>year?
>
>William Polowniak
>1989 Vanagon GL
>1988 Mercedes 300 SE

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