Replace all the hoses. Pull them all out and have the hose shop make up
the hoses as needed without splices. The 20 year old sections will not
hold the R-134A.

The Subaru compressors usually use the PAG oil. It is obviously a
different color.

Remove the front condenser and make sure the inside is clean and that
there are no restrictions. The ribbon style tubes tend to rust
internally and get partially clogged. This is a major problem with the
R-134A. While chincy in design and quality, the aftermarket replacements
make a huge performance improvement over 20 year condensers.

Replace the expansion valve. A good AC shop can get a replacement, R-134
valve. Also, consider replacing the "Trinary" switch or if you still
have separate switches, the high speed fan control. The same shop can
also get the receiver/dryer.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Warren Lail
Sent: Thursday, June 22, 2006 8:22 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: air conditioning

Greetings Lubbers,

Some of these questions have been asked on the SubaruVanagon list so I
apologize for the cross-post.  However, I have more questions.

I'm about to connect the air condtioning on Billy Bones.  I recently
converted to a 2.2 subie engine and today I had hoses manufactured to
splice into the Vanagon AC system.  Several questions:

First, the Subaru compressor runs R134a.  The Vanagon ran R12.  Should I
flush the system before re-charging it?

Second,  the guy who made my hoses left one end "open" so that I can
splice them to the VW system.  I will be using dedicated
air-conditioning splices and clamps.  Does anyone have any experience
with splices in the AC system? (good or bad)

Third, do I use Ester or PAG oil to put into the system?

Fourth,  how much of that oil do I use?

Fifth, I intend to install a new receiver/dryer.  Can I just use a
generic one that is about the same size?

Thanks in advance!

Warren L.
88 Westy "Billy Bones"