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Seattle AC shop recommendation please
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2dogs1van
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Joined: September 17, 2013
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PostPosted: Sun Jul 22, 2018 11:58 pm    Post subject: Seattle AC shop recommendation please Reply with quote

I have an 87 Westy with factory AC. My local vanagon mechanic hasn't been able to get my AC working, despite working on it multiple times the last two years (new compressor, hose connectors--he's tried everything. And I've spent thousands of dollars on it) The air blows cold a day or two and then just blows warm air. He is a great mechanic but he can't seem to find the leak or problem. After two summers of no AC I think it's time to consider an AC specialist. Can anyone recommend a local Seattle AC shop that works on vanagons? Or is there a Seattle Samba member who knows these systems well and I could hire to fix my AC once and for all? I'd pay well to get it fixed! And I really need it fixed because it's been too hot this summer to drive with my mutts in back. Thanks.
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djkeev
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2018 3:18 am    Post subject: Re: Seattle AC shop recommendation please Reply with quote

While I cannot reccommend a shop for you, I can recommend a procedure for you.

There are many Vanagon owners who have declared the Vanagon A/C system to be junk and that it simply doesn't work!

Many have ripped it out completely.

The problem is that you have spent way too much money having your system "fixed" when it actually needs to be rebuilt.

You have 31 year old components and you have been paying to have them simply patched.

You need to rebuild your system using new hoses, new hose ends, a new condensor, a new comoressor, a new rec/dryer, remove and clean the evaporator and expansion valve.

All told about $1000 of parts and supplies when it is a DIY project.

A shop will typically charge 2-3 times more than the parts alone cost.

You have a new compressor? Good, that saves you some monies (unless the oid system goo has mucked it up) but you honestly need new hoses too.

This thread details the older system and how to fix it once and for all (1986) but the principles apply nevertheless.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=583818


Dave
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jimf909 Premium Member
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Location: WA/ID
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2018 3:49 am    Post subject: Re: Seattle AC shop recommendation please Reply with quote

Have you tried Eion’s? He’s kept my system running well for several years. It worked great in Oregon and Idaho last week and I’m hoping it works on the drive home across WA on I90 tomorrow. Very Happy

The hoses do need to be replaced. As I understand it, R134 molecules (current refrigerant) leak through hoses made for R12 (what our vans were built with).
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Ahwahnee
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2018 6:23 am    Post subject: Re: Seattle AC shop recommendation please Reply with quote

djkeev wrote:
...(you are) having your system "fixed" when it actually needs to be rebuilt....using new hoses, new hose ends, a new condensor, a new comoressor, a new rec/dryer, remove and clean the evaporator and expansion valve.

All told about $1000 of parts and supplies when it is a DIY project.

A shop will typically charge 2-3 times more than the parts alone cost...


That was my situation - finally just accepted it and had the whole thing rebuilt by a shop that knew Vanagon AC.

Everything Dave mentioned excpet the compressor as it was newish, plus replacing my 84 fan with the later 3-speed version. Replaced the radiator too. I stayed with R12 since in the scheme ($$$) of things it was not much more than the alternatives - though we used barrier hoses anyway just in case the future calls for them.

More than 6 years now and it still cools like it was done yesterday.
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2dogs1van
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2018 7:16 am    Post subject: Re: Seattle AC shop recommendation please Reply with quote

Appreciate the good advice Dave. I guess I wasn't clear in my initial post. I am not looking for another "fix". I want my system fully rebuilt as you suggested. I'm not a mechanic, so I have neither the equipment nor the skills to do this job myself. I'm a retired MD, and as in medicine, I want to hire a "specialist" who knows what he's doing so I can get my AC working once and for all. (And that AC specialist might be a local Samba member rather than an AC shop.)
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HBB
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Joined: April 04, 2014
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2018 10:46 am    Post subject: Re: Seattle AC shop recommendation please Reply with quote

jimf909 wrote:
Have you tried Eion’s? He’s kept my system running well for several years. It worked great in Oregon and Idaho last week and I’m hoping it works on the drive home across WA on I90 tomorrow. Very Happy

The hoses do need to be replaced. As I understand it, R134 molecules (current refrigerant) leak through hoses made for R12 (what our vans were built with).


Seconding the suggestion for Eion's, he's serviced the AC on two of my vehicles.
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