I replaced a dryer for about $28.00 and an expansion valve for about $30.00.
These two parts are cheaper than the recharge if you replace one and not the
other.
It's also a great idea to change all the O rings now to the newer type so
you can easily transition to R134 later.
The 134 O rings are compatible with R12, I'm thinking that the ester oil for
the compressor will work with both so you can change it too.
There are lots of A/C websites that chronicle the changes required for R12
to 134 refrigerant.

Stan Wilder
Engine Ceramics
214-352-4931
www.engineceramics.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Kim Brennan" <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, June 27, 2005 10:28 AM
Subject: Re: A/C question

> If there is water in the system, the expansion valve could be
> freezing up, true. One of the things not listed as being replaced is
> the drier.
>
> I know (several years ago), when the GoldBrick's AC system was
> getting switched over to R134, the evaporator had gotten clogged up
> with some black junk. Never understood what it was, the dealer
> replaced it (they also swore that they had cleaned the system prior
> to switching oils...)
>
>
> On Jun 27, 2005, at 11:23 AM, Robert Cardo wrote:
>
> > Sounds as though the expansion valve is plugged up.
> >