If the vehicle was going to spend anytime where the A/C was going to be used 9+ months out of the year, I would replace at a minumum the hoses, o-rings and receiver dryer. If it was a Camper, I would also replace the condensor with a new parallel flow model to get acceptable cooling temperatures out of the existing system using R-134a.

If the A/C was only going to be used seasonally (3-months a year or less) I would do the minimum possible and see how it works. Chances are it will need servicing again next summer anyway due to lack-of-use.

A lot depends on how long you are going to warranty your work and what the customers expectations are. If he is expecting R-12 performance out of R-134a, the condensor will need to be replaced to even come close to having the same vent temperatures.

Here in Florida, if you can find someone to work on the A/C in your Vanagon, they will offer no warranty, even at the dealer.

Good luck,

Tim

David Marshall <vanagon@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG> wrote:
I have a beautiful Vanagon Carat here that we are doing a TDI conversion
into. I have to admit that I am not an AC expert. I know that the existing
system has (or should have) R12.

The 1998 TDI motor has a R134 compressor and we intend on using this
compressor. What do I have to change on the rest of the AC system in the
Vanagon in order to use this R134 compressor and the R134 gas?

Thanks in advance!

David Marshall

Fast Forward Automotive Inc.
4356 Quesnel-Hixon Road
Quesnel BC Canada V2J 6Z3

http://www.fastforward.ca mailto:sales@fastforward.ca
Phone: (250) 992 7775 FAX: (250) 992 1160

- Vanagon Accessories and Engine Conversions
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Due to the large volume of email we receive, PLEASE include previous
emails when responding. This will allow us to read the complete dialogue
in one message and will result in quicker and more accurate responses.

TJ Hannink
Goldibox - 1987 Vanagon Camper, Wolfsburg Edition
Winter Park, Florida
http://home.earthlink.net/~tjhannink/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wolfsburg_campers
http://photos.yahoo.com/tjhannink [Vanagon] Album

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