Kim, do you have actual experience with Duracool?  If so, did you use the
Duracool tune-up and sealant kit?

John
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kim Brennan" <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, May 24, 2005 11:13 PM
Subject: Re: all my R12 is gone..? (bummer)

>A properly working AC system in a late model (86 and later) Vanagon (or
> Westy) will cool you quite sufficiently (I've traveled across the
> country, California, Arizona, Texas, Florida. If your system was not
> cooling sufficiently on R12 you need to find out why before you start
> exploring alternatives. At this date, I'd suggest taking it to a
> qualified service facility and 1) have them check it for leaks, if
> they find them and 2) fix the links. If you live in a state where shops
> can use Duracool, I'd have the shop convert your system to Duracool. If
> you don't live in such a state, have them convert your system to R134,
> then evacuuate the system, and get Duracool yourself and put it in.
>
> My Westy's AC can work so well that you'll need a sweater in the front
> seats. I only have it functioning at full blast for a few minutes after
> getting into a  parked car, then I have to turn the fan down and lower
> the thermostat. And I have a dark westy (Burgundy) with a dark roof.
>
>
>
> On May 24, 2005, at 6:53 PM, honemastert wrote:
>
>> Curious as to what others in hot climates have done,
>> and or 'are' doing.
>>
>> Tried to make sure that all through the winter months,
>> I fired up the A/C from time to time.  Keep the system
>> lubricated, keep that precious and 'expensive' R12 in
>> the system.   My plans seemed to be working, until
>> we hit record highs last week in the 'Valley of the Sun'
>> (should be fire BTW.. but I digress! :-)
>>
>> Anyways, now I have an A/C system that seems
>> to be cycling on properly, but no cool air (or at least
>> very little) to speak of.
>>
>> Need to get the system checked out for leaks, etc,
>> but wondered what the consensus was for a 'Westy'
>>
>> Even on R12, this system is nothing to write home
>> about,  I'm thinking of just checking, make sure I have
>> no 'massive' leaks, then go and get my EPA license
>> so I can buy cans of R12 off of ebay.
>>
>> Some folks I've talked to say that even with an 'all
>> new' system (compressor, hoses, dryer, cleaned out
>> condenser etc) that the most you can expect is 2-4yrs
>> between recharges?
>>
>> Ideas, suggestions welcom
>>
>> TIA
>>
>>  -tim
>>
>> 90 syncro westy
>> mesa, az
>