I'm going through the process of cleaning out my AC and recharging. I didn't
get a new compressor, but I did drain the oil and refilled it. While you're
doing your work, you may as well replace the receiver/dryer and the
expansion valve. They are fairly cheap. I am about to find out if generic
O-rings will work, but you can always get a kit or something from one of the
Vanagon vendors.
Once you've got it all hooked up and ready to go, pull a vacuum on it with a
pump and see if it holds. Once you're sure it's not leaking, fill 'er up!
I'm using Redtek and have had good results before. It's an R12 alternative
that's supposed to be better than R134.

Maybe you already know all of what I just said, but I'm just finding it out
through having to deal with mine and thought I'd pass what I had learned.

On Wed, May 11, 2011 at 10:01 PM, Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@q.com> wrote:

> I have a new compressor (SD5) and would like to resurrect my '85 Westy's
> AC.
>
> I'm pretty sure I'm going to need to replace all of the AC hoses (they're
> over 25 years old!) and replace with newer hoses designed for R134a
> (tighter
> rubber or lined, IIRC).
>
> Any recommendations on a source for the hoses?  I'm in a big city (Phoenix)
> and can easily source locally if it's advisable to have them custom made
> using either my old fittings or new ones.
>
> Any recommendations on the job in general.  I have a good local mechanic to
> lean on, but V'gons are not his "thing".  However, being a mechanic in
> Phoenix, AC has to be his "thing".
>
> Karl Wolz
>