Transferred from other posts to consolidate similar topics.
kosho Junior Member # 255 posted 08-08-2000 12:11 PM
What's "134a"? Was it used in any of the Vanagons/Westy's, or will I have to convert even if I find a 91 parts car?
Capt. Mike: R-134a is the type of freon currently used by most A/C systems. Production of old R-12 freon has been outlawed and it is only available to licensed A/C shops. As supplies dwindle, price is skyrocketing. The two are NOT compatible, but the systems can be changed over. You must completely evacuate, purge & flush the old system; change the receiver dryer; flush & change the compressor oil; and many recommend you change the seals & O-rings in the sytem. There are kits available, both good & lousy, but if you're installing a new system, it will be a lot easier because of access. To answer "kosho" since all freon will be lost when you break apart the old system, it doesn't really matter. None of the Vanagons were factory filled with R-134a.
Newer style A/C compressor on 79 Westy
Screamin' Jimmy Junior Member # 580 posted 02-01-2001 01:56 PM
Hi all,
The original (dealer installed?) York A/C compressor on my '79 Type II Westy gave out last summer and I am looking to upgrade it before summer hits again. I can have a rebuilt York installed locally for around $200, but I've been told that the newer style compressors are much more efficient. I've never seen one installed on a bus, so I need help to know where to start looking.
Although I need info on what compressor to look for, I'm more concerned about the mounting brackets. If I absolutely had to, I could fabricate whatever I need to make almost any compressor work. But I need to minimize down-time, so it would be most helpful if there were a supplier of off-the-shelf brackets to put a later compressor on my Type IV engine.
Have any of you ever done this? What compressor/brackets do you recommend?
Thanks in advance,
James
Capt. Mike Moderator Member # 11 posted 02-01-2001 11:12 PM
In '79 there was a factory air but it was rarely found on US bound models. The Cool-Aire supplied, factory authorized unit installed at dealers or POE was a superior unit. If your evaporator & fan unit is under dash, and the compressor fits into a cut out to the left of the engine, it was the US supplied unit.
I can't add any information on changing compressors, however. Sorry; I know I'd consider it myself along with conversion to R-134a. Not from an efficiency point-of-view, I don't think that's major, but for the smoothness of a rotary vs. a piston compressor and probably more reliability.
R134a conversion
dpender Junior Member # 759 posted 05-26-2001 02:44 PM
I recently found a pretty obvious leak in my AC system; the hose coming from the compressor is leaking at the fittings on both ends. Thought I would go ahead and replace all the hoses coming from the compressor and dryer, though there is no indication they are leaking.
My question is, is it worth the effort to go ahead and do an R134a conversion and does this conversion require replacement of the dryer?
Thanks
Capt. Mike Moderator Member # 11 posted 05-27-2001 08:04 AM
Yes, and yes.
If the system has to be opened for any major repair, it is worth while to do the R-134a conversion. Just the difference in freon costs should justify it, and R-12 will only get worse.
Do consult with a professional A/C man over the conversion. There are shysters out there that will just change the compressor oil and freon and let it go at that. NOT the way to go. System must be purged, flushed and most recommend changing the seals & o-rings, too.
Second, the receiver-drier should be replaced any time the system is open for major work. It's a must for the conversion, but the cost for what is basically a consumable service item anyway doesn't justify opening the system back up later. Plus the possibility it could release some moisture and trash it's trapped over time back into the system. Old receiver-driers eventually lose their ability to trap moisture and you end up with more freeze-ups and related problems. However, they are generic so you don't have to go the VW OEM route as long as it fits. Get one with a sight glass.
What is the A/C Charging sequence?
jpquick Junior Member # 121 posted 06-21-2001 12:35 PM
HELP!
85 WESTFALIA A/C R134a charging sequence.
Compressor oil? Does pag and ester mix.
Does the compressor oil stay in the compressor? Does it matter if the van is angled rear downward when charging or must it be on flat ground?
The Bently lists an 85 with a Sanden 508 compressor. Has there been a change in model#'s. I ordered a Sanden 510 listed for an 85 from VANAGAIN along with a receiver dryer. Hope it fits?
Any help appreciated.
Capt. Mike Moderator Member # 11 posted 06-21-2001 08:11 PM
A major change in converting from R12 to R134a is the oil. They are NOT compatible and the old system must be completely purged, cleaned and empty before adding the new. In fact most recommend changing ALL seals as the old ones will have been contaminated with R12's & its oil so may lead to failure of the system under $124a. The receiver-drier must be changed.
Although the system should be reasonable level during maintenance, the purge is done by vacuum so isn't that critical. Only a commercial purge vacuum pump will suffice. This is NOT a home job.
I don't know where you got your compressor info. My copy of the Bentley does NOT list any compressor suppliers as VW rarely discusses such matters in the Bentley. Consult your dealer for the official parts from the fiche. Although VW used a fairly generic compressor, it does NOT mean they were all the same nor are interchangeable. The usual differences are in clutch, fittings and arrangement.
jpquick Junior Member # 121 posted 06-27-2001 11:34 AM
R134a A/C 85 WESTY RETROFIT
Ccheck VIN# and Bentley to make sure you are buying the right compressor and receiver-dryer if needed. 85 Westy with Sanden 508 compressor pump, contrary to my Bentley's Sanden 510 listing. (A four hour complete and careful job including replacing the compressor and receiver dryer.)
I figured out the whole R134a Conversion.
First of course, make sure your system has been profesionally purged (including old R-12 oil) to keep the environment and law happy. My old compressor blew and so the R-12 escaped. I was told by a professional tech, "Hey, a person can't forsee everything, so that is why we now use R134a." I also self purged the system myself with a brake line vaccum pump. Don't do it yourself if you know there is R-12 in your system -- go to a professional shop to have it enviromentally safley evaccuated. Check Jiffy lube and see if they can get the old oil out. If not, pay other shyster prices to have it done.
Next for the do-it-yourselfer like me (I saved hundreds). Go down to Shuck's, Craigen, or Walmart and buy a complete R134 Retro Kit. approx. $39.99 ( contains 3 cans refrigerant (12 oz. each and oil charge with o-ring conditoner (11.5 OZ). Buy a fourth R-134a can (around $5.99 for a 12 oz. can) seperately to make a total of 48 oz. refrigerant.
Change Receiver Dryer with new (must do) and O-rings if needed (recommended). Follow the retro's simple instructions. Try to do it on flat ground. I did mine on a slight rear end downward angle toward my garage to veer off nosy neighbor's wondering if what you are doing is safe. I used white high pressure pipe sealent on my original O-rings to ensure a tight seal. I've also uses it for propane connctions-works great.
Carefully follow the Bentley's A/C capacity listings. I was told by an ASE parts pro from Schucks's to use 90% 134a for old R-12 refrigerant capacity. Do your own investigation to make sure this is right.
I used the whole 11.5 Oz. oil charge with O-ring sealent and did not overill system- works great. I also used a special lube shot for compressor (in a black plastic tube $5.99) from Shuck's claiming to lower A/C temp by ten degrees.
Results = 56° idle / 48° degree driving at 2,000 to 2,500 rpm for 8 minutes so far.
My New Sanden AC compressor w/clutch from VANAGAIN.com was $175-call to confirm price before you buy. Ken at VANAGAIN says this price is no longer available, but with stiff competition. Bus Depot lists it for $179. Bus Depot also lists on its web page that new A/C compressors start at $169.99. Call to avoid being unhappy. Ask for warranty -- I took a chance without finding any info. from VANAGAIN.com on its actaul site. My receiver-dryer was $45 -- from VANAGAIN.com -best price I found on the net.
Take your time to do it right.
JP
[ 06-29-2001: Message edited by: Capt. Mike ]