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Subject:AC converted to 134 - now what?
From:Jay Roth
Date:Thu, 14 Jul 2005 20:09:14 -0500

Volks:

Today I picked up the Westy from the shop from having the factory R12 AC
converted to R134. Although the compressor is noisy, the diagnosis was
that the high pressure hose was leaking, not the compressor as I
anticipated.

Here's the concern:
I turned on the van, pulled out of the parking lot, and turned on the
AC. Drove 25 feet and the radiator fan (which is running on speed 2 as
it should) jumps to speed 3. Of course, I check the gauges and notice
the temp gauge hasn't moved yet and the AC compressor is still running.
I recall that when the radiator fan ran at the highest speed, the
compressor, when it was R12, would stop so as not to overheat the
system. Concerned and curious, I drive it home through heavy stop & go
traffic in summer heat of 90F and notice that the radiator fan cycles
between med and high speeds. On the interstate I believe that it does
*not* remain at high speed as it wasn't when I pulled onto the exit
ramp. (An FYI - it does cool sufficiently).

My question is - with the higher pressure of R134, is this normal? Have
all the other R134 converts had this same experience? Or has the ballast
behind the driver's headlight ironically malfunctioned at the same time
and need replacement? Or has the shop missed something that I can alert
them to?

Advice sought soon so I can call the shop ASAP if necessary.

In *V*olkswagen *W*esty Love, Light, & Laughter,
Jay
'87 Westy
Springfield, Missouri

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