it's easy enough to just leave connected to the system if you're concerned
about that.
I just leave the hoses on, and hang it by heavy duty bungee cords up out of
the way.
They seem to have something in them even after a long time.
crack a hose fitting and see if anything hisses or escapes.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dan Barrett" <dbx@POBOX.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, October 03, 2008 12:48 PM
Subject: AC system still charged after six years?

> Dear All:
>  This weekend, I have to replace the holey rear exhaust header on my '90.
> It looks to me as if it would be much easier to get at the left
> header's bolts if I first removed the AC compressor.  The AC system on
> this bus was non-functional when I bought it six years ago, so I'm
> wondering if I can disconnect the AC compressor without worrying about
> properly evacuating the contents of the system -- do you reckon that
> after six-plus years of inactivity, there is still refrigerant in the
> lines?
>
> Best,
> d.
> 1990 GL -- "Mudskipper"