Air Conditioner System Upgrades: Hoses, condenser, etc.

[vanis13]

I've looked at that unit before as an alternate solution mostly as a motor replacement and it looks shorter so it may help with the head banger issue if one is willing to change the VW cabinet. It is out of stock however. And really it seems the VW evap works well when it works.

I've been too busy to complete my redo and it's a rare opportunity to have a malfunctioning system so have been diving deep into diagnosis of a malfunctioning system which I'll be writing up as I have a chance.

One of the fun tools I got for this endeavor is a thermal camera and what it showed was a condenser full of liquid refrigerant except for the near corner of the inlet. Usually this indicates an over fill but the low side and high side pressures didn't show that and when some refrigerant was removed it lowered over all pressures but didn't change the heat pattern of the condenser image. I then felt the hoses in/out of the dryer and the OUT was colder than the IN which indicates a blockage in the dryer (a blockage is kinda like a TXV where it lets out just a bit lowering the pressure after the obstruction thus having a lower temperature). If I really want to diagnose point by point I'd just replace the dryer and refill the system and see but I'm planning on doing the bigger condenser so that would change 2 variables and really I'd likely flush the system and replace the TXV too so that would be 4 variables. TBD what direction I'll take it in the quest for specific discovery vs. overall function. If the refill process didn't cost $50-$100 each time even DIY I'd be more inclined to experiment point by point.

.... The discovery of the possible block in the dryer because of the colder OUT hose would certainly explain my system performance.

It would be nice to look at the evap unit and hear it's fan noise and cold air distribution. If it was quieter than the VW unit it would be a bonus.
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83.5 Westy with Subaru 2.5, 4 spd manual, center seat, COLD A/C on 134a!, Winter camp heated with an Espar B4 gasoline furnace

www.SuperVanagon.com - some stuff I make

[shagginwagon83]

As I am a huge fan of the stock look, I would want to adapt that aftermarket solution to the stock output.

Dimension wise, I haven not measured to see if that is possible.

The RedTek 12 pack IMO is ideal. Assuming it is true that 3x 6oz cans fills the system, then one could get 4 charges for $100 ($25 a charge).
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"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin

[vanis13]

[shagginwagon83]

Vanis13 encouraged me to upgrade my OG evaporator—and that was the key! I spent hours on custom fabrication to fit it into the original box.

This was a huge relief. Last year, after spending nearly $2000 and countless hours on R&R, I only had a small delta, which was disappointing. Now, I can comfortably chill in the front of my van, windows up, and it’s 85°F outside! It's such a new feeling driving the Westy—and most importantly, it keeps the little one comfortable in the back.

Data points for different freon and evaporator setups:

OG 83.5 Evaporator
- RedTek
Ambient: 75°F
Vent: 64°F
Delta: 11°F

- R134a
Ambient: 75°F
Vent: 58°F
Delta: 17°F

30K BTU Universal Evaporator
- RedTek
Ambient: 80.4°F
Vent: 48°F
Delta: 32.4°F

- R134A
Ambient: 85.6°F
Vent: 45.7°F
Delta: 39.9°F

For more information about this evaporator please check this thread - https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=793262
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"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin

[ALIKA T3]

So what's the deal with the evaporator? It's built more efficiently, or is it bc it's clean inside?
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Silicone Steering Boots and 930 Cv boots for sale in the classifieds.
Syncro transmission upgrade parts in the Classifieds.
Subaru EJ22+UN1 5 speed transmission
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=416343
Syncro http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...num+gadget

[shagginwagon83]

Specifically the early westy headbanger AC had a smaller evaporator compared to late model.

The universal evaporator I bought has a very large evaporator. I had to do some custom work to fit it into the headbanger cabinet:

Pics coming soon.
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"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin

[vanis13]

[TDavidson14]

Lots of great info in here, almost too much haha. I have an 87 syncro that I bought last year and AC was not working. This crazy Florida summer I decided to try and do something about it and started with someone converting to the R134a. Did that and the compressor is going bad.

Found this tread and think I am going to go with the Sanden 4434,GW is selling the same one and found it much cheaper else where. Also looks like this has oil already in it. My current compressor has vertical mounting for hoses while this new 4434 looks like it’s horizontal. How do I know which hose goes into which slot on the new horizontal?

While I am at it, I figured I change my condenser to the GW High Efficiency A/C Condenser and see if that helps get it cooler as well.

Probably change the A/C Expansion Valve since it seems like everyone is suggesting that as well.

My second question is , I am going to go to my local AC specialist to charge it up once I am done, do they also oil the system when they do that or is that is not part of charging the system back up usually? I am not sure I know what I am doing when it comes to the oil part truthfully.

Thanks for all the help. First time tackling something like this

[vanis13]

[Busfixer]

Good Morning All -

Here’s some info on my 1988 Westy ac system. I rebuilt it 2 years ago and installed all new 134a orings, a GoWesty parallel flow condensor, and a Four Seasons Sanden 709 clone compressor. Flushed the original hoses and equipment with spray can BrakeCleen followed immediately by compressed air until dry. Did not have to drop evaporator cabinet but it was difficult to undo/tighten fittings. Used Craftsman “shorty” wrenches with another wrench “hooked” onto the closed end. Reused original orifice fitting as recommended on previous pages - cleaned with BrakeCleen. Pulled overnight vacuum with Harbor Freight vac pump. All the visible water vapor comes out in the first minute out here in our 10% humidity climate. Charged ac system. Result: blows cold 40 degree air like a champ!

Here is some data from 1998 when Mom & Dad had the Blue Bus: data measured same day after ac service from Western Auto 8/22/98 - 85 F ambient temp, 40-45 F ac temp at vents, 10% humidity, 30” ambient air pressure, 45# suction (low side), 230# discharge (high side), idle rpm’s (+/- 900 rpm). Original refrigerant as factory equipped.

I will replace original hoses pretty soon. Looks like Vanaru has a complete hose kit with identical length and factory style fittings. Pricey but looks like the easiest route for DIY.

Thanks, Busfixer

[dart330]

[Busfixer]

Thanks Dart - should save a chunk of change! Busfixer

[DeLvxe]

I’m starting to revive the A/C in my 1991 with a 2000 EJ25 motor. The van originally had factory A/C, but the previous owner didn’t reconnect it during the engine swap. The system has been open for over 10 years.

My plan:
1. Flush the evaporator
2. Install a new expansion valve
3. Install a new receiver/drier
4. Install a new condenser
5. Replace all hoses and fittings using the EZ-Clip system
6. Install a “new” compressor
7. Charge with R-134a refrigerant

Right now, I’m working on hose routing so I can order the correct hoses and fittings, and I’d like feedback on the plan.

In the photo, you can see the aluminum fittings and hard lines coming off the compressor. I plan to cut these lines and weld on threaded fittings, transitioning to EZ-Clip hoses and fittings for the rest of the system.

Proposed routing:

High pressure line (fuchsia in diagram): Run around the back of the motor to the driver’s side, then follow the original path to the condenser. Concern: This route might interfere with fuel lines or contact the hot intake manifold.

Low pressure line (orange in diagram): Run across the rearmost part of the engine bay.

I’m looking for advice on whether this routing makes sense and how to avoid heat or clearance issues.

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1991 manual camper with EJ25

[vanis13]

[DeLvxe]

[vanis13]

[mood]

I recently changed the condenser on my '87 to a universal 16x22 parallel flow condenser from Nostalgic AC parts.
These condensers can obtained cheaply if you have the part number. They are made by UAC, the part number is CN 22131PFC.
They are available from Rockauto for one half of what I paid:

https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/uac,CN22131PFC,a/c+condenser,6708

[dhaavers]

^^^ Nice find!



- Dave
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86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[vanis13]

[pbrown]