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danclark
Samba Member
Joined: September 29, 2014
Posts: 63
Location: Kentucky
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 Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2020 11:56 am Post subject: A/C Overhaul for '87 2.1 manual trans |
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I am looking to restore air conditioning to my 1987 Vanagon 2.1. The belt has been removed with the AC not functioning for at least 10 years or so.
What do I need to look at as far as ordering new parts? (I'm pretty cure my compressor is seized.)
Are there any pitfalls or special considerations I should be made aware of as I tackle this project with my mechanic?
Is there any other projects that would be convenient to undertake considering the parts of the van I'll be removing/repairing/replacing?
Thanks so much for your help!
Dan Clark from Kentucky |
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MarkWard
Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2005
Posts: 17153
Location: Retired South Florida
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| Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2020 1:32 pm Post subject: Re: A/C Overhaul for '87 2.1 manual trans |
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Dan, my next project is to get the AC on my 90 going. Compressor is also seized. My intention is, new compressor, replace all the hoses with new hoses, parallel flow condenser, new dryer, and expansion valve. Plan to flush the evaporator at the same time. I'll be using R134, but you might be interested in searching "Redtek" here on the Samba.
For the hoses, I will purchase bulk hose and new hose ends from Vintage air and have a local hydraulic shop crimp them for me. I did this with our 82, where I did a clean install of an entire vintage air system.
My preference is to do this once.
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khughes
Samba Member
Joined: July 13, 2013
Posts: 747
Location: Phoenix AZ
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| Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2020 1:42 pm Post subject: Re: A/C Overhaul for '87 2.1 manual trans |
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| MarkWard wrote: |
Dan, my next project is to get the AC on my 90 going. Compressor is also seized. My intention is, new compressor, replace all the hoses with new hoses, parallel flow condenser, new dryer, and expansion valve. Plan to flush the evaporator at the same time. I'll be using R134, but you might be interested in searching "Redtek" here on the Samba.
For the hoses, I will purchase bulk hose and new hose ends from Vintage air and have a local hydraulic shop crimp them for me. I did this with our 82, where I did a clean install of an entire vintage air system.
My preference is to do this once. |
This is definitely the way to go. No matter what refrigerant you decide to go with, the parallel flow condenser will improve the cooling. Compressors that seize typically spew metal throughout the system so the whole system needs flushed. I would (and did) pull the evap coil out for flushing and leak testing ($25 at a local mobile air shop). New hoses will be barrier style hose, so suitable for any refrigerant you want to use. Mark is dead on - you only want to do this once, and you want it to work right when you're done.
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'86 Westy FAS GenV Turbo (Marvin) |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32625
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Howesight
Samba Member
Joined: July 02, 2008
Posts: 3274
Location: Vancouver, B.C.
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| Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2020 2:34 pm Post subject: Re: A/C Overhaul for '87 2.1 manual trans |
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Jobs to do while you renew your AC system might include:
1. If it has never been replaced before, then replace your radiator when you remove and replace the factory condenser with a parallel-flow unit as Mark suggests above. You can buy these from GoWesty or from Nostalgic Air:
https://nostalgicac.com/parallel-flow-condensers/u...enser.html
Here's a couple pics showing how I mounted mine :
My AC is a custom system, which is why my condenser fittings are on the passenger side. The same Nostalgic Air condenser can be installed with the fittings on the driver side and the mounting hardware and fit will be exactly the same. I filled in the gap between the condenser and the radiator with foam weather stripping so that the rad fan efficiently pulls air through the condenser when the vehicle is not moving or moving slowly.
Using this aftermarket condenser did require spacing out the bottom of the factory radiator about 1/2". I did this by placing oversized nuts between the chassis and the lower radiator "L-bracket" supports as seen in the pic below:
2. When addressing the evaporator unit, a refurbishment always requires removing the whole evaporator cabinet. This gives you access to the evaporator fans. Clean them up and get some lube onto the fan motor bearings. Also check the fan speed resistors inside that cabinet for appearance of impending failure and check them electrically for correct resistance;
3. Check the "AC electrical panel" in the driver's side D-pillar area to see if the 50 Amp fusible link shows signs of overheating and if so, address that and the related wiring.
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'86 Syncro Westy SVX |
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campism
Samba Member
Joined: September 07, 2007
Posts: 4492
Location: Richmond VA
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| Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2020 3:45 pm Post subject: Re: A/C Overhaul for '87 2.1 manual trans |
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There's a great '87 poptop thread on an A/C rebuild, but I can never find it when I want to. The guy did all new hoses, etc. I'll keep trying to find it again.
FOUND IT!!!
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=365626&highlight=redtek
I'm going to use a photo from that thread to illustrate one thing to pursue. You will probably discover the hassle of dealing with the drip tray and hoses on removal. To simplify the reinstall, I'd suggest strapping the drip tray below the evaporator instead of having to arrange it on the floor of the upper cabinet. Also, slot the holes for the drain tubes in the sides of the upper cabinet. Make those U-shaped slots and attach the drain tubes to the already-suspended tray and you will be able to simply lift the cabinet into place without having to screw with the tray/hose routing thing.
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'87 Westy in Wolfram Grey Metallic |
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