Personally I converted to R134 on one of my other vehicles and regret it.
The R 134 is not as cold. My advice is to fix the AC system and keep R 12.
Costs about the same either way.
William

> 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).
>