In a message dated 9/1/02 9:07:03 PM, dave@SPARKPLUG.COM writes:

>
> Yesterday I turned my AC fan on just to get some circulation, not expecting
> cold air ... and within 3 minutes .. I had cold air again. I can't tell if
> it was as cold as it used to be ... I just had it recharged in June.
>
Since your problem appears to be intermittant, I'd suggest taking a look at
your thermostat switch (that which controls the tempature of your AC...and
whether the compressor should activate.)

Since you have an 86...I know that the tempature portion is on the same
switch as you use to turn the fan on (speed is controlled via a 2nd switch).
On the Westy, this is usually mounted to the right of the radio, which means
access to it is pretty easy.

Pull the ashtray and pop out the switch. Disconnect it from the wire harness.
There will be 4 connections. The 2 lower ones control whether it is on or
off. The other two are a rheostat (variable ohm resistor) rated at 20K ohms.
One direction (full cooling) should read 0 ohms with a Ohm meter, the other
direction (just after being turned to the ON position) should read around 20K
ohms.

If it reads no connection anywhere double check that you have correct tabs
(figure out the two that are the ON/OFF switch tabs.) If the no connection
remains on the rheostat have found your problem.

Its about a $14 US part at the dealer.