Another purchasing question, this time a/c related
 

So I am considering looking at another 87 wagon. It has 315k (eek?) but sounds like it has been maintained very well. And apart from that, it has everything that I am looking for. Bad idea?

I asked the guy how the a/c is working, and he said

"A/c works Whenever the a/c axillary fan is hooked up and the car is running it runs so i unhook the fan when not using a/c"

Off the bat, this doesn't sound like a big deal, but I am confused. Any ideas?
Sounds to me like some screwy electrical problem, not related directly to the actual ability of the a/c to do its job.

Aaa long as that is true, you're likely looking at a fairly cheap fix. Temp switch or pressure switch.

mine has the same issue, what I found is that there is no where to mount my temp switch. the dryer was replaced in the past and there was no port for the temp switch. i think the aux fan is for the extreme conditions like stalled in traffic with the air on. i was going to hook mine to a switch inside but it never seemd to get hot enough to worry about

On the '87, the fan runs on low with the A/C on, and high when the coolant temp is above setpoint.

Low runs from the A/C pressure switch on the filter/dryer, through the ceramic resistor beside it.

Interesting. Perhaps there is no problem at all then? I guess I really won't know until I go see it. I am waiting to get the VIN # as well as see if it has the replacement head on it....I'm assuming that since it has 315k and is still running fine, it very well may.

I am having a hard time getting over this....it seems like too many miles (overhaul soon?) but everything else about it is exactly what I am looking for. And the a/c works! (presumably)

Thanks for your help!