Volks -

I found out why the air conditioning in my '87 Westy died last month.  When
we had time to check the system, there was virtually no pressure at the low
pressure valve, so we charged it with nitrogen to see if we could see a
leak.

Found it up front.  The condensor is in front of the radiator, and on mine
it is touching a frame member.  There may have been pads at one time, but
they aren't there now, and it rubbed through on the passenger side.

I might suggest that you pull the grille on your Vanagon if you have A/C and
see if you have the same potential problem.  When I put this back together,
I will definately pad the spots where it touches the grill!

Now for a couple of questions.  Our local welding shop says that they can
weld it for about $25 if I pull the condensor and leave it with them.  A new
one is about $150 from the Bus Depot.   What do you think?

The refrigeration techs I know recommend FR-12 (R-416?), so I'm probably
going to go that route.  The lower pressure is attractive on an old system.
While I am doing this, do you think I should replace the reciever/drier, or
just pull a vacuum on the system for awhile and use the existing one?

The most urgent question in either case is pulling the condesor.  Bentley
doesn't say much.  Do I have to pull the radiator to get it out?  Can I do
that without draining the radiator?  Any suggestions gratefully accepted!

Mike Finkbiner
'87 Westy

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