This may be a good op to retrofit to 134a.  It is simple to do, place adapters
on the old fittings and add the new ester type oil and gas.  Of course, you need
to have your system discharged in a legal method.  R134a is legal, cheap and is
available OTC.
Good luck
-Tim
'90 Vanagon GL
Barnegat, NJ

Carl Hansen wrote:

> 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