The evaporator can freeze up even in warm temps if the fan speed is low
or the evaporator is clogged. The real problem since there is no low
pressure protection on the low pressure side is the possibility of
liquid refrigerant returning to the compressor. This can damage the
compressor.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of James V
Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2004 8:37 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: AC Thermostat

After trouble-shooting my non-cold AC, my mechanic friend determined the
AC
thermostat (in left-rear pillar housing) to be bad.  The part costs
$160,
which doesn't seem so bad in comparison to a new compressor and/or R12.
But
my friend suggested that I just bypass the t-stat for now.

He explained that the t-stat functions to protect the condenser from
freezing if it gets too cold, but that this wasn't very likely to
happen.

Is this bad wisdom?  I'm sure the t-stat is there for good reason, but
if
I'm only running the AC in 80+ temps, is freezing actually an issue?

Thanks,

James V
90 Carat