Part of that is due to the original leak not being fixed. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Dave Mcneely
Sent: Thursday, October 3, 2013 10:26 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Vanagon AC

---- JRodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 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.
>

That matches my experience.  Leak down test reveals no leak, but after several months, the unit cools less effectively.  Recharge, cools again.  mcneely

> 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
> >

--
David McNeely