You don't want to intentionally release the refrigerant. Have it recovered.
Maybe you can rotate the compressor 90 degrees if you can refit the hoses.
If you broke it once you know any type of weld repair will be even weaker.
Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
David Clarkson
Sent: Saturday, July 07, 2012 7:05 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: A/C compressor repair

 I have a broken ear on my was working perfectly 1990 ac compressor. I don't
have the piece that broke off (too much torque on adjusting-arrgh!). I was
wondering if discharging the system and removing the compressor to have
another ear aluminum welded on was a viable alternative to another
compressor. Anyone have any experience with aluminum welding? Would this be
a weak spot that would likely break when adjusting? Thanks list.

David Clarkson
1990 Westfalia