So RGOLEN@umassd.edu says:
> 
> You really don't need to run the A/C during the winter, or at least
> in the mid 80 and later VWs. If you notice on the heater controls
> there are the three A/C settings and then the upper/lower and
> defrost controls. The order was set on purpose so that everytime
> you use the heater, you turn on the A/C for a few seconds and allow
> the compressor to turn over. 
> 
> All you need to do is to have the compressor spin around everyonce in a
> while in order to keep the seals lubed.
> 
> Ric
> 

Unless I misunderstood something here, I don't think this is true for
the Vanagon.  I believe the other water-cooled VWs have slide controls
for heating/venting/ac.  But the Vanagons slide controls are only for
heating/venting and a separate pair of dial knobs control the AC.

So you'd have to manually turn it on every once in a while to get
things lubed.

Steven

sjohnson@pcocd2.intel.com