Compressor failures are generally caused by:

Inadequate or incompatible lubricant.
Excessive head pressure.
Contamination. (dirt, trash, moisture)

Head pressure is easy to check... which
leaves you to ponder the other two...

Good luck,

Steve
EJ22 -> '86 Westy "Escape Pod"
------------

At 07:42 AM 11/16/2003, you wrote:
>Volks,
>
>I purchased a "Front AC System" from European Cooler Air, Inc.for my VW
>Camper Van  .. last year.
>
>Drove to Dallas and had the owner, Jerry West install the system and
>re-con my factory rear system.
>
>Since that time I haven't been able to get the system to work
>consistently.
>
>The current problem ... is "blown compressors". I have gone thru two so
>far.
>
>Before I give up on getting this system to work ... I wanted to seek
>outythe groups advice.
>
>Any idea what could be going wrong?
>
>Overview:
>
>Have been traveling in mild climates, mostly, so haven't really needed
>to use it much.
>
>But have turned the system on for 5 minutes every couple of weeks to
>keep things lubed. No problem at those times.
>
>However ... everytime I go to really use it, something happens.
>
>First time: NO AC / Problem ... Leaking Schrader valve.
>
>Action: System evacuated, value replaced, system filled with R12
>(original Freeze 12 not available)
>
>Result: Works fine ... But not needed
>
>Second Time: No AC / Problem .... Compressor seized
>
>Action: Replaced Compressor and refilled system with R12
>
>Result: Works Fine ... But not needed
>
>Third Time: Fan belt started squealing, Compressor not turned on /
>Problem ... Compressor seized
>
>Action: To be determined.
>
>Note ... Was talking with a AC guy last night. He thinks the problem may
>be not enough AC Lubricant in the larger capacity system.
>
>Planned Action: I'll consult a couple more AC people and see if they
>feel this is a possible failure cause. If they agree, I'll replace the
>compressor, have extra lube added and try "ONE MORE TIME".
>
>What are your thoughts?
>
>all roads lead to Mexican VW repair shops,
>
>
>
>
>Larry Chase
>Email: RoadGuy@RoadHaus.com
>Web:  <http://www.roadhaus.com/> www.RoadHaus.com
>Cell: 480 620 8966
>What: North American Road Trip
>How: RoadHaus - 1990 White VW Westfalia Syncro
>Today: North headin South
>
>
>
>all roads lead to Mexican VW repair shops,
>
>
>Larry Chase
>Email: RoadGuy@RoadHaus.com
>Web:  <http://www.roadhaus.com/> www.RoadHaus.com
>Cell: 480 620 8966
>What: North American Road Trip
>How: RoadHaus - 1990 White VW Westfalia Syncro
>Today: North headin South