As I understand it, if you convert to R134a refrigerant the system will
leak because the 134a molecules are smaller and find their way through
the hoses.It's a slow process and if all the connections are up to date
with the right kind of seals - an annual refill is about all you will
need. The only way around that problem is to replaces the hoses - which
is rather pricey.

John

On 10/2/2013 8:41 AM, Stephen Grisanti wrote:
> Here in Virginia the A/C is essential.  My '87 Westy had a complete system but it blew hot.  The pile of receipts from the two POs showed a lot of money spent on service and repair.  I figured I had nothing to lose by playing with it so tried one of the cheapo R134a conversion kits from an auto parts store. That worked to cool things down.  I suspect a leak somewhere since I must recharge annually, but that is very little trouble for the real benefit it provides.
>
> My new-to-me '91 Westy, on the other hand, is missing the belt and the PO (the original owner) told me it never worked reliably, so I do not know what I will discover when I begin tinkering with that system but I think that work can wait for spring with other jobs having priority.  Good luck!
>
> Stephen
>
>
> ________________________________
>   From: Alain Thibault <alainthibault@TELUS.NET>
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Sent: Wednesday, October 2, 2013 12:20 AM
> Subject: Vanagon AC
>
>
> Allo
> My 86 comes with AC but the belt is not there... I presume since AC is not a necessity here in Vancouver BC that it was left unrepaired. Any idea if the AC in a Vanagon is something prone to break and not worth the expenses? What is the reputation of the AC system in the 1986-1991vanagons?
> Alain
> Westy 1986
>
> Sent from my iPad 2
>