John, did you watch the video I made about this subject on Youtube?
https://youtu.be/IZJAlpXZQgg

It is really for 86-91 Vanagon and Westy owners as the earlier Vanagon AC
system was significantly different.

My experience with the Vanagon AC system is this, if there is a small
charge still in the system, it is worth a couple of cans of R134a to see if
you can make the system work.  I have had great luck doing this over the
years.  It costs very little to try to get the system back online, and if
it lasts that summer, that is how long some factory fresh systems lasted
from when the vans where new anyway so don't feel too bad.  I have had vans
that needed a recharge every spring, would last the summer and I did that
for 10 years in a row and it just worked.  There didn't seem to be any ill
side effects except having to charge it once a year.  I have had other
folks go the "replace everything" mode, spend $1500 on the AC system and
the next spring or two later, guess what?  It needs a recharge or there is
some problem with the system that requires works.  The reality is that the
AC systems in these vans can get really expensive, really fast.  If the
system won't hold a charge for more than a month or it is blowing fuses, or
the compressor is super noisy then it is time to invest some money.  But
otherwise I leave it to the customer for their decision.  Usually they
choose to try the cheaper option and see what happens.  Most of the time I
don't hear from them again that summer about the AC because it is just
working.

"Don't let better get in the way of good enough" is a great motto when you
are dealing with Vanagons.  Something can always be "better" as perfection
isn't actually attainable by us mere mortals.  As long as it is working and
doing the job, I will driving and smiling.  It's gonna be a hot one this
summer folks.

HTH,

Ken

On Sun, Jun 19, 2016 at 8:51 PM, John Rodgers <jrodgers113@gmail.com> wrote:

> Went to recharge the AC today. Everything went well until ---
>
> I got one can of refrigerant into the system, cranked the engine and found
> the clutch will not engage, nor will it take any more refrigerant with
> engine running or not. Refrigerant lines felt cool as the first can went in
> but not since. The AC controls were set properly, but no go.  How does one
> go about checking the clutch while the compressor is on the engine? I can
> hear a faint clicking like something turning on and off, but not sure what
> it is. The system still had some 135a in it but it got low enough to shut
> itself off last year. Haven't run it since.
>
> This is my first foray into the vanagon AC. Lots of mysteries to learn
> about. Any suggestions?
>
> John
>

--
Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com