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Sun May 03, 2020 5:27 pm

Im disassembling my van in an effort to access all the AC components. This afternoon I brushed off a very resistant hangover and began removing the overhead cabinet, the evaporator and expansion valve.

1st thing I noticed as is par for the course with this van....The PO had already been in the cabinet and this guy was not a fan of tightening nuts and bolts or replacing all the parts. I removed the hand tight hardware and dropped the cabinet. The expansion valve appears to be a replacement and has an r134a sticker attached. It looks fairly new.
The hoses dont look that old either. Is there a way to determine if these are original hoses before I get too deep into the removal process. Would there be a diff in diameter or appearance? My hoses are labeled in standard measurements, not sure this matters. They also don't show a lot of wear or signs of being dried out as one might expect from an AZ vanagon.

Ill post pics. in a few mins.

Sun May 03, 2020 5:34 pm

Generally, the sidewalls of newer hoses are much thinner, hence the hoses are a smaller diameter.

Dave

Sun May 03, 2020 5:53 pm

Smack! I’m no longer hopeful but here’s the pics. Just loaded them all. I realize a few won’t tell us much

Sun May 17, 2020 11:09 am

So it turns out that my AC guy thinks my AC hoses are not that old. We decided to leave the line from the receiver drier to the expansion valve and the line from the condenser to the drier. Ive flushed those hoses, the condenser, the evaporator and the expansion valve (by itself off the van). Ive replaced the drier and am in the process of pulling the compressor to drain and refill the PAG oil.

While dicking around under there I had a mishap :roll:

Accidentally toasted a ground coming from my 4 pin connector.

Anyone know if the wire can be removed and replaced. Its the ground between the two white connectors. If removable it could be a quick fix. Do these connectors come apart. I searched but didnt find anything in 30 mins.

Appreciate your thoughts.

Sun May 17, 2020 11:55 am

AZ Landshaper wrote: So it turns out that my AC guy thinks my AC hoses are not that old. We decided to leave the line from the receiver drier to the expansion valve and the line from the condenser to the drier. Ive flushed those hoses, the condenser, the evaporator and the expansion valve (by itself off the van). Ive replaced the drier and am in the process of pulling the compressor to drain and refill the PAG oil.

While dicking around under there I had a mishap :roll:

Accidentally toasted a ground coming from my 4 pin connector.

Anyone know if the wire can be removed and replaced. Its the ground between the two white connectors. If removable it could be a quick fix. Do these connectors come apart. I searched but didnt find anything in 30 mins.

Appreciate your thoughts.
. Round Pin?
Usually a round pin removal tool make short work of depressing the little tabs that hold the pin into the connector body, then a plunger that’s inside the hollow portion of the round tab depressing part, pushes the pin out of the connector. You just need the right size removal tool , they are a bit pricier than flat pin removal tools since there’s more to them.

Sun May 17, 2020 12:13 pm

Something u buy at Napa?

Sun May 17, 2020 4:50 pm

Wiring repaired using a Macdonald’s straw to remove the old pin.

Anyone know where the relays and such are in the 85 AC system. There’s nothing behind my closet but two hoses and a small wiring loom headed to the evap and blower. 1985 Relays location?

Sun May 17, 2020 6:25 pm

AZ Landshaper wrote: ...Anyone know where the relays and such are in the 85 AC system...

On my 84 they are behind the upper grille on the left hand (drivers) side.

Mon May 18, 2020 6:46 am

AZ Landshaper wrote: Wiring repaired using a Macdonald’s straw to remove the old pin.

Anyone know where the relays and such are in the 85 AC system. There’s nothing behind my closet but two hoses and a small wiring loom headed to the evap and blower. 1985 Relays location?

If it's dealer installed (single AC control on left side of steering column) all the relays should be under the dash. If you have the 3-speed fan the relays are likely attached to the fuse panel.

Mon May 18, 2020 8:19 am

On my 1984 wolfsburg they are above the fuse panel on drivers side A pillar. Here is a diagram of my AC.

Mon May 18, 2020 8:44 am

Westified wrote: On my 1984 wolfsburg they are above the fuse panel on drivers side A pillar. Here is a diagram of my AC.

My '86 is basically the same, except with a 3-speed fan, so I have low, 2nd stage, and 3rd stage (12VDC direct to fan, no dropping resistor) relays. Fan relays on mine are attached to the fuse panel, with the rest shown as in your diagram. I also added relays for the evaporator fan (now fans since I modified the headbanger to accept the later evap with the dual fans) since the fan switch wasn't really rated for the load. Smoked a couple.

Wed May 20, 2020 6:35 am

Thanks for the diagram. Seems these aftermarket 85 AC systems are a bit diff than the later model factory stuff.

Anyone know if it’s possible to use the ez clip stuff w standard barrier hose? I need to decrease hose lengths and add a trinity switch port. I’ll look for an o-ring style to attach to the drier but in leu thought it might be possible to splice something in w ez clip system, but not if it requires all new hose

As some old koot told me a couple weeks back. There are some great posts on this site re the AC refurb. Just takes a few mins to understand what your reading. I’ve finally had an ahh haa moment and am comprehending the literature. Lol.

Thanks a lot to those who have posted info on these systems.

As I slowly move forward on the backs of those who went before me.

Wed May 20, 2020 7:29 am

djkeev did a complete AC resurrection with EZclip fittings, although also all new hoses.

I'm sure it was easier than my project (all new crimped fittings on new hose).

It's definitely a b!tch trying to snake the fittings through the existing holes, nooks &
crannies. But then I'm cheap, plus now I know how much smarter he is than me... :roll: :wink:

- Dave

Wed May 20, 2020 8:04 am

From the $ I see online the ez clip system may not be very expensive. The savings from doing the job yourself is pretty substantial. The pinchers and clamps are fairly cheap. I would do myself some good by being more cheap. Wife has me beat there.

Wed May 20, 2020 8:14 am

Turns out ez clip requires ez clip hose. Not applicable to other hoses due to variety of hose Outside diameters.

Wed May 20, 2020 8:36 am

Sorry if I missed it- but why are you trying to avoid the Eaton hose? It is thinner, so easier to maneuver, and far stronger than the original hose- sounds like a win/win?

Wed May 20, 2020 5:35 pm

AC guy in town says my hoses are relatively new. Installed just a few years back. Why spend the money if the AC pro thinks its not necessary?

Its all barrier hose.

Wed May 20, 2020 5:40 pm

AZ Landshaper wrote: AC guy in town says my hoses are relatively new. Installed just a few years back. Why spend the money if the AC pro thinks its not necessary?

Its all barrier hose.

Ah, gotcha. Carry on!

Sat May 30, 2020 5:39 pm

Ok got the system back together after replacing some hose, adding oil, pulling a vac for four hours charging with red tek. I also replaced the drier and installed an updated condenser.

Ive got 30/200 for pressures and still have 77 degree air coming through the vents. The compressor runs as it should and the rad fan is on as soon as the switch goes on.

Any suggestions?

Sat May 30, 2020 7:16 pm

What was the ambient temperature when you recorded those pressures? Seem a bit low if your in the 90's +.