What type refrigerant came on our cars? I too want my AC back

[jdbubb at verizon.net (Dan Bubb)]

Well, as pointed out it isn't the oil that is illegal anymore, it's the refrigerant.
Specifically, R12.
The socially acceptable substitute is R134A.
It requires new fittings, which just screw over your existing fittings and depending on who you talk to you may also have to replace the existing oil in your system (not compatible with R134A) and all your o-rings. It may also be required to flush your system.
You can buy a kit that has the fittings, oil and refrigerant at your local FLAPS.

I would imagine that in your case, the system not having been run in forever, that you probably have a very low refrigerant charge. There is a switch in the system that prevents the clutch from engaging and the compressor from running if the charge pressure is too low.
So, the first question is, is the face of the clutch actually turning when you turn your AC on or is the pulley just freewheeling???
If the clutch is actually engaging then there are a multitude of things that could be wrong.

I wish I really had all this AC stuff under control. i.e. that I could make my cars blow COLD air!
What I do know is that I have all the o-rings (patiently ordered from VW cause I couldn't find an o-ring kit anywhere) and I'm going to measure all those little fookers so I can buy them for cheap from www.mcmaster.com!
I also know that on both my cars the vacuum actuator was busted and would not close the recirculation flap in the raintray. That by itself pretty much limits the lower AC outlet temp. $36 at www.worldimpex.com.
I also found out that my 77 Scirocco Bentley has an excellent troubeshooting guide for the AC system that looks to be applicable to all Sciroccos. Gotta scan that an upload it somewhere!
The troubleshooting comment that I like best is "feel the coolant lines to the heater core and make sure they're cool"!!!! ;^)
I'm sure I'll know more in a couple months when I actually get around to working on my 16V's AC and get it working.
Dan


From: "Neptuno" <neptunonc@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 11, 2006 9:32 PM
Subject: What type refrigerant came on our cars? I too want my AC back
 
 
> Ok List,
>
>  Was it the  50 refrigerant oil that came on our cars? I can not 
> remember..... I believe that I saw some of this stuff on Ebay....what is 
> funny about it is that I thought that we could not "legally" use the 
> stuff....what is the status of that legality issue?
>
>  I was finally able to find the correct belt to put arround that factory 
> (york) compressor. The thing about it is that now that the belt is in 
> place I really dont know if it is working. It is spinning, the blower 
> inside the car is blowing, but no cold air :( It is a shame, and it is so 
> freeking hot!
>
>  EL Tony