Dennis, I responded to Ken's email. Thought I would respond to your email
by sending you a copy. Thanks.

John
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "John Rodgers" <jrodgers113@gmail.com>
Date: Jun 20, 2016 09:36
Subject: Re: AC INOP 1988 GL WBX 2.1
To: "kenneth wilford (Van-Again)" <kenwilfy@comcast.net>
Cc:

Ken, thanks. I haven't seen the vido, but will look it up. The compressor
> is a rebuilt one I got from you some years ago. It was noisy from the
> get-go but has otherwise been fine. Two years ago the pressure got so low
> that the system shutoff automatically. I haven't fooled with it until now.
> I had it checked, and low and behold it still had pressure, but not enough
> to start. I wanted the new refrigerant - HFC 152a, which proximates R12 in
> performance - to go back in it.  The system was evacuated, and then vacuum
> pumped down to minus 29 inches of mercury. Then, using an AC manifold and
> gage system, added the first can of 152a. Everything went swimmingly until
> tarted to add the second can with th engine running and the AC cycleing.
> (1) It would not take the can (2) the compressor clutch did not seem to be
> engaging(3) now that I speak of it, I don't remember the radiator fan
> running, though it runs properly otherwise.
>
> I had an engine harness fire a while back and it took out the ECU
> possibly the ISC, so it is disconnected. I know the ECU takes a signal from
> the ISC to control the Idle speed, especially when the AC is on. But with
> the engine rev'ed to run or fill the AC system, it should have no effect,
> if I recall. That's only at idle with the AC on that it kicks up the rpm.
> Above 1500 rpm it drops the signal.
>
> So, thats what I'm dealing with now. I need first to know how to test that
> clutch operation while the compressor is on the engine, if possible. I just
> need to isolate it and  determine it is working. Then I can back trace
> through the system and see what else might be wrong - switches, relays,
> wiring, whatever.
>
> Thanks a bunch.
>
> John
> On Jun 20, 2016 09:00, "kenneth wilford (Van-Again)" <kenwilfy@comcast.net>
> wrote:
>
>> 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
>>
>