Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
Subject:Vanagon A/C: R-12 to R-134a No-Mod Changeout
From:Mark B. Magee
Date:Mon, 18 May 1998 20:23:40 -0500

Volks,
It's getting hot and smoky down here in the South. I have to leaky
Vanagon A/C's, I am hearing much talk of successful changeovers from
r-12 to r-134a by doing nothing except evacuating the r-12 and putting
in the r-134a. All blows cold and no problems.
Now before anyone flames me that this is not what the book calls for, if
you go and purchase a r-12 to r-134a kit from VW for Vanagons after 85,
they tell you to only change out:
the compressor oil to ester,
the accumulator (for system was opened up)
new 0-rings on accumulator.
evacutate
install r-13a

Therefore the old mineral oil left in circulation must not be a big
issue. So what's wrong with the mineral oil in the compressor????
This is experimental for sure, but apparently this is being done daily,
that is the direct changeouts r-12 to r-134a with -no- modifications and
all is working fine.
Anyone done this, I will do it on my 91 Westy irrespective due to being
out of refrigerant, and I must find the leak with the r-134a.
All feedback appreciated, throttle back any afterburners however.

><>     ><>     ><>     ><>     ><>     ><>     ><>     ><>     ><>
Shalom
Mark B. Magee
82 Diesel Westy
87GL
91 Westy
96 Suzuki 4WD Sport
Kemah TX USA
John 14:6