I ordered this book:

http://www.acsource.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=8

and found it to be all that I needed to get started. Covers all the basics,
definitions, etc. for the different basic system designs, explains the
differences, gives procedures and so on. It helped to understand that stuff
before I moved on to the particulars of the individual vehicles I have.

Btw, in case you missed it when it was pointed out before on the list, the
A/C diagram in the Bentley repair manual, section 87.2, figure 87-882 is
incorrect in that the labels for the high side and low side are reversed.

Bob Stevens had also previously offered these links regarding conversion to
R-134a:

http://www.id-usa.com/aircond.htm
http://gerry.vanagon.com/files/technical/r134a-retrofit-for-85-91-vanagons.txt
http://gti16v.org/tb879503.htm

Hope that helps.

Robert
'87 GL

----- Original Message -----
From: "zolo" <zolo@FOXINTERNET.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, May 27, 2004 10:42 PM
Subject: A/C charging and maintenance...

I would like to ask the Honorable List for extensive advice on the subject
of the A/C maintenance and charging.  I would like to do it myself instead
of going to a shop every time I need a system serviced or change a pump or
change over to a different gas, etc.  I would feel better if I knew all that
I have to know about our vans' A/C system.
I would like to read about the principles and whatever it takes to aquire
the knowledge.  So, please enlighten me.
Zoltan