At 11:59 AM -0600 4/3/98, William Ward wrote:
>I've decided to take the big plunge and have the A/C on my 86 GL repaired
>and need advice.  It does get hot here in TX.  First, it's completely empty
>- no freon (R12) and it has an aftermarket compressor which could be a
>Sanden, York or Tecumseh unit.  Next, my mechanic suggested I replace all
>the O-rings before we make a leak test or waste any refridgerant.  He also
>suggested I consider converting to R-134A, for all obvious reasons.  From
>visual inspection, all components appear to be okay, the compressor turns
>freely, all wires and hoses are intact, all fans and controls function, but
>the compressor clutch does not engage (because there's no freon, I suppose).
>This is a large unit with the major components mounted in the top rear and a
>long duct along the roof to the front of the Vanagon.
>
>Any and all advice on what to do first, how much $$$ to expect to dish out,
>and who to perform the task (dealer or ... ) will be greatly appreciated.
>
>
>Bill Ward               86 Vanagon - recently purchased
>Pottsboro, TX           65 Mercedes 190 Sedan
>                        56 Chevy PU, BBW, V8 - For Sale
>                        58 Plymouth Belvedere under construction

Bill,

I recently had some A/C work done on my 90 Multivan.  I too considered
converting to R-134 but because all I needed was a recharge I saw no reason
to go through the expense of converting.  I think it really comes down to
the price of the conversion vs just fixing what you have, do whats ever
cost effective.  As far as having a dealer do it--forget it, take it to an
independant VW mechanic or an A/C & radiator shop that works on German
cars. I took my van to a dealer last summer for an A/C check and they
totally missed diagnosising the problem, they also wanted to charge me
$2000 to fix it, it ended up costing me about $200 at an independant VW
garage.  Beware of VW dealer service.

Good Luck

Tim