R134.....R134....R134....

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike D." <md03@XOCHI.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2003 11:41 AM
Subject: R12 or R134?

> Hi all...This list is great!  My first post:
>
> I've got an 85 Westy, purchased about 4 months ago.   When first
> purchased, the AC worked poorly.  After being in the shop and not
> getting much driving, I recently discovered the AC didn't work at
> all.  It sounds like the compressor engages, but when I tested the
> valves there was no R12 pressure at all.
>
> So my theory is that there is a slow leak (6 months or so to fully
discharge).
>
> So, any advice on the pros & cons refilling with R12 or converting to
> R134?  My theory is that if there is a slow leak, I'd rather be
> leaking R134 than R12.  Cost is definitely an issue, so the $40
> do-it-yourself R134 conversion is attractive (assuming that having a
> mechanic fix the leak and refil with R12 would cost hundreds of
> dollars).