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air conditioner rehab


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vwcamper

Thu Nov 17 2011, 05:22PM

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Location: hayes, va
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So I have decided to get the air conditioner going again after many years of going without one on my '89 water cooled 2.1 vanagon (it has never been switched over to the newer refrigerant). Is this a job that any shop can do or are there wrinkles to the project that are going to make me wish I took it to a VW specialist? (the closest one I know of is over an hour away)

'89 vanagon GL

bear

Thu Nov 17 2011, 07:44PM

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All that is needed is the connectors changed to fit R-34, then draw the system down and re-fill with R-34. I presume that you have all the leaks fixed on the system and a new drier installed. Make sure to get enough oil in the system.

Good friends are like stars, you may not always see them, but they are always there.. Phil Cain 205 Old Stagecoach Rd. Easley SC 29642, 864-859-8256

Gratefulbuses

Thu Nov 17 2011, 08:53PM

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) I thought this might be a thread on replacing the rubber seals around the front vent windows.

Todd and Wendy
Westy Jefferson, NC.
67, 69, 77 Westies

mdwdrw

Fri Nov 18 2011, 10:55AM

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Physically most AC systems work the same. So a shop that works with AC systems should be able to change the compressor oil, change the service valves and recharge the system. If there is an electrical problem or two, a VW specialist might be better suited for sorting that out.

An ac system that has been sitting unused for a few years, may have some problems that come up after the system is activated. In other words be prepared to spend money and keep spending money until it is working reliably. Hoses dry out, compressor seals fail, expansion valves plug up, the list goes on. Otherwise, if you don't want to spend the money, better to not start down this road.

Another thing to look into if you end up replacing the compressor, is the newer "barrier" hose for R134. There are also newer designed AC condensors called "dual pass" that work better with the 134. Replacing the hoses and condensor along with the drier and compressor will give you basically a new reliable system.

Our van did not have AC when new. Rather than deal with installing a used AC system, I opted for a Vintage Air in dash system with heat. I have a modern a/c, that is basically brand new. Should give years of reliabilty.

Mark, Donna, and Jake. 82 Vanagon Diesel Camper

Fri Nov 18 2011, 07:49PM

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R134a works better with newer higher pressure systems, it will work with a Vanagon system, but Redline makes 'R12' that is compliant with current regs and works better with those systems.

To rehab the system, check/change oil in the compressor, put brake line anti-freeze in the lines and blow it out with compressed air, low side to high, then high to low. Pull a vaccum on the system and see if it holds, then recharge.

jt
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Kudzu

Fri Nov 18 2011, 08:32PM

Kudzu

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JT - What is brake line antifreeze? Never heard of it before.

1986 Westy Syncro "Bullwinkle"
1986 Wolfsburg Weekender poptop w/ 2.5 Subaru engine
1984 Vanagon - donor vehicle
Will you look back on life and say: I wish I had, or I'm glad I did.

Rico Suave

Sat Nov 19 2011, 09:00PM

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Kudzu wrote ...

JT - What is brake line antifreeze? Never heard of it before.

You can buy it at most auto parts stores I believe. It is used in air brake systems not hydraulic.

Kudzu

Sun Nov 20 2011, 10:08PM

Kudzu

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Thanks, JT. No experience here whatsoever with air brakes.

1986 Westy Syncro "Bullwinkle"
1986 Wolfsburg Weekender poptop w/ 2.5 Subaru engine
1984 Vanagon - donor vehicle
Will you look back on life and say: I wish I had, or I'm glad I did.

Mon Nov 21 2011, 08:17AM

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What it does is help suck up the moisture and clean out the lines, evap, condenser, ect. Putting a vac on the system checks the seals and evaporates anything that's left.

Big Money

Wed Nov 23 2011, 05:41PM

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Location: Belmont, NC
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Great info on the antifreeze procedure.

Ron

Sat Feb 09 2013, 09:05AM

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I know it's been a long time since you started this project but I've found an R12, and for that fact an R134, replacement. I replaced the compressor in my 85 Vanagon Westy and installed freeze 12, which is mostly R134, didn't work well at all. I found Enviro Safe on the internet. It can replace R12 and work better than R12. Only 1/3 as much is used. The only draw back is it is flammable. This doesn't bother me as most leaks are on the outside of the van. Enviro Safe requires no license and is compatible with all oils and R12 and R134. I also bought their recharge hose with a gauge on it. Look it up on the internet and check it out.

[ Edited Sat Feb 16 2013, 07:18AM ]


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