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[email protected]
Samba Member
Joined: July 14, 2003
Posts: 61
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 Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 7:17 pm Post subject: A/C Question |
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My '84 Westy has A/C. The previous owner never used it and did not know if it works. Fan works but no cold air.
I went to the only credible auto repair place in town today and was told that the conversion to the new R 34 (?) freon would cost 300-400, but a VW dealer might be able to recharge the existing R12 system for about 300.
Is that guy nuts or is that a correct estimate of what it could cost? I have no idea when the A/C last worked and what condition the compressor and other parts are. I was willing to spend $50 to see if it works or not.
Are there any online vendors that sell R12 and recharge kits?
Plan "B" is taking all the A/C stuff out and use the compartment for storage. Here in the Pacific NW the need for aircondition hardly ever comes up.
Neal |
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mightyart
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2004
Posts: 6188
Location: Portland, Oregon
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| Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 6:45 am Post subject: |
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The cost is correct, since the EPA started regulating freon (it damages the ozone layer). Gone are the days you could pick up a recharge kit and a couple of cans of freon for $15.00. The only thing I would do is have it checked to see if it has any freon in it still. If the compressior ran for any lenth of time dry, it is more than likely shot (The gas is what lubes it).
The first thing that got ripped off mine was the A/C , but I also have an older aircooled which needs all the hp it can get. I think your $50.00 would be beter spent elsewere.
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edgy
Samba Member
Joined: January 22, 2003
Posts: 424
Location: Bel Air, Maryland
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| Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2004 6:02 pm Post subject: |
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| My 87 was converted to R134. I had to by pass the high pressure/high speed fan(as if over heating) since the R134 runs at higher pressures. There is a high-high cut out switch so if it gets too high (as in "plugged") it will shut off the compressor. |
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comdesigns
Samba Member
Joined: July 22, 2004
Posts: 6
Location: Idaho Falls, ID
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| Posted: Thu Jul 22, 2004 10:15 pm Post subject: R134a |
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Before converting to the cheap a/c stuff you should check if your condenser unit is copper. If it is then you can't convert (or at least that was what the VW mechanic told me so I it must be true, right? My 87 syncro couldn't do it so it was not cheap. I also had to buy a new expansion valve. The VW dealer wanted >$100 but found the part on the internet for
< $30 with shipping.
The A/C is great now.
MIke |
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