Over the years I've found many of those serpentine in wrecking yards. I've
found both the double condenser type and single type.
I've used several of the tube type on R134a conversions with excellent
results.
What wears your compressor out is, oil starvation, to high head pressure,
contaminated refrigerant. These things can be caused by slow flowing dryer,
stoppages in the suction valve and moisture causing lubrication to clot like
cottage cheese.

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

----- Original Message -----
From: "George Mercer" <Gamercer@AOL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2005 10:31 AM
Subject: A/C Condensor--Serpentine vs Tube Type

> Has anyone found an after market a/c "serpentine" condensor for the 86-91
> Vanagons?
>
> The one I recently ordered and is also offered by my local VW dealer is a
> tube type condensor.  The OEM condensor is serpentine which I'm told is
40%
> more efficient.
>
> I'm also told the tube type condensor will put 40% more load on the
> compressor and thus wear out the condensor sooner and provide less
cooling.
>
> Supposedly the manufacturer of the after market product also makes
> serpentine type condensors but for some reason decided to give vanagon
owners
> something less than OEM spec and performance.
>
> Big difference in price;  tube type, less than $200, serpentine  available
> only from VW (I'm told) is $570.
>
> Thanks,
> George
> '72 Bus
> '84 Vanagon
> '88 Westy