A/C questions-generic & '95 VR6 VW Passat

[William Magliocco]

1)  generic questions first:

Anyone found a competent rebuilder for Sanden compressors?  Anyone done it themselves?

Anyone used "Arctic Freeze" R134A from Interdynamics on a new fill?  I thought I would try it due to alleged superior performance.  What I did not realize is that each can had 2 oz. of "lubricant" on top of the refrigerant.  With 3 cans of that stuff in the system, I inadvertently added 6 oz of "lubricant" on top of the ~5 oz. of PAG 46 compressor oil with the brand spanking new compressor...I can't get the low side below 40 PSI and can't get a fresh air vent temp below 56 F.  Something tells me I have way too much oil in the system, reducing its performance.

At least it does not appear to be leaking.

2)  '95 VW Passat VR6 questions:

Anyone know where the electric/vacuum solenoid is that controls the recirc/fresh air flap?  Is it possibly in the driver's side fender by the battery?

At what point on the firewall does the hose pass through to the interior?  Is it possibly a small plastic fitting on the plastic piece where heater hoses connect?

I've not had this car too long and haven't sprung for the Bentley just yet.  The PO of the car apparently replaced the heater core.  The a/c was not working at all when I bought it, I have changed out the compressor due to shaft seal leak as well as replacing the low side service fitting.

There is a hose that has a golf tee plug on it that could go to that fitting on the heater core ass'y, that runs right back to that solenoid noted earlier.

thanks