So here's the situation.  I haven't used the air for several years because
I thought the R12 had all leaked out because of a faulty high pressure
hose.  Last fall I had to put in a Radiator and disconnected the A/C line,
'cause I figured the R12 had all leaked out, and to my suprise - I found
pressure and fluid.  Well, since it was going on Winter in MinneSnowta, I
figured that was not the time to refurb the system.  It now being HOT in
August, I have a desire to fix up the A/C system.

What's the lists collected advice for me?? ( besides use it more often. :) )

1.  Is there a set of seals I ought to replace, just because the vehicle is
12 years old?

2.  Yes, the compressor clutch spins OK, there is a little drag there, but
I suppose that's not a problem?? Or should it spin freely??

3.  Any other recommended maintenance besides the obvious check the
condenser coils to make sure they aren't rusted and corroded badly??

4.  I will, of course, fix the offending high pressure pipe that fooled me
in the first place.  Probably wire brush it down to mostly metal and apply
something like EXTEND.  Extend combines with the rust to inhibit any
further rusting.

5.  Can I pump up with 5 to 10 psi air just to check if system integrity is
there prior to taking to Dealer??  Dealer keeps talking about spending $50
just to check if system is good, and if it isn't, fixing things, then
recharging AGAIN???  Somehow I would think the process ought to be check
system seal integrity FIRST, then proceed with R12 charge.  Am I missing
something here?

OK, I'm talking about my '87 16V here, but (obligatory vanagon content
follows) I figured my good friends on the Vanagon list ought to be having
the same kind of experiences and might have a few tidbits of knowledge to
impart as well.  SyncroBeast's front end is still torn down, 3 feet up in
the air, and waiting for me to find the time/$$/German Shocks to fix her.

TIA

Ch
'89 SyncroBeast Vanagon

'87 16V GTI - now w/ 2nd gear, and windshield!
'80 850 Yamaha Special

'87 16V GTI w/ hale damage - parting out
'89 16V GTI w/ toasted motor

'86 Scirocco (8 valve w/ auto) - SO's

Prior Lake, MinneSnowta
well, ok, it's summer
Land of Sky Blue Waters        and HOT August days