>
>
>Yes, I read elsewhere that the stuff has propane in it.  So do some
>other refrigerants.  Pretty good thing to have leaking in the engine
>compartment, I'd say.

I've been following this thread for some years and realized that If
you are really concerned about what the EPA has written on this or
what VW has written on this or think that several ounces of flammable
gas in your AC system is a serious danger you should take your
Vanagon and checkbook and turn the van over to your local AC shop.
Tell them you want it "legal", you want it "cold" and to call you
when it's ready.

If you are going to DIY and you realize that there are already
everyday flammability issues in a Vanagon you won't have a problem.
Leaks? Bad seals or 134a with it's smaller molecule leaking thru the
hose itself? Both fixable.

Want to do a search for AC stuff on the list?
I some suggestions to try:

R12 to R134a Air Conditioning Conversion from June 2004
Re: 134 conversion from January 2005
Re: A/C resuscitation - where to start? from May 2007
Re: Air Conditioning Question (NOT conversion related) from Aug 2007
Re: How to convert to 134? from May of 2008
Re: AC High Side - line leak - rubber hose from June 2008
Improving the performance of the Vanagon air conditioning fan and
saving the switch from Mar 2009
Re: AC System Repair/ Upgrade from July 2009
Re: Adding freon from April 2010
Re: A/C work question from May 2010

If you have access to the subaruvanagon list archives I can get you
some more 'ideas' of threads to search for.

Rob
becida@comcast.net