240s and AC/freon

Thank you for all your replies regarding my 240 hunt! I have found a
few finds, mostly all have no working AC, and I am wondering about the
possibility of recharging the existing R-12 (think that's right, the
old one) AC system.

I am in metro Los Angeles, and there are many good Volvo shops around
here, however, I am unsure how this all works with the environmental
laws. I get the freon myself and then try and find a mechanic who will
work on it? Or will they most likely want to do conversion? Is this
supposed to be clandestine and under the table or something? Should I
make a trip to Mexico? This all assumes that a recharge is all these
cars need, which could be utter blind faith but I am curious anyway.
Thanks!

bhr

 

The A/C in 240's did not work that well when they were new. I have had a
couple of late 80's cars converted to R134 and it was relatively inexpensive
(< $100 USD which was less than 2.5 lbs of R12) and worked well. If all the
existing major components are working and if auto freon is legal in Mexico I
imagine that you could get the system recharged and leaks fixed at an A/C
shop there (TJ or Ensenada). Without the correct credentials you cannot
purchase freon in the US and it is illegal to bring bulk freon into the US
undeclared.
If it were me I would drive the car without A/C (yes I live in Ca also and
do drive a 245 without A/C). My next choice would be to convert it to R134
but given what I have read I would not expect the A/C on a 240 to work very
well due to its' design.

Howard
1985 245
1993 945T
1989 Mustang

 

Have it converted to R134A, I did it myself on my 740 and it wasn't hard,
you'll have better luck in the longrun than if you try to charge it with
R12.

 

Well, I think that AC repair people can still get freon, but it is not
available over the counter. I have heard of people using a retrofit kit, to
convert to r134a. I have seen these kits at stores like pep boys. I think
the show two guys garage on speed tv did a show on the conversion, you may
want to check out their website.

I know that freon was being smuggled from Mexico, with all the cars in the
south that are older and needing a recharge.

 

I know that freon was being smuggled from Mexico, with all the >cars in the
south that are older and needing a recharge.
Think about this. There is a reason its being smuggled.
Those who do smuggle or use this older freon are indirectly causing
enviromental damage. Including skin damage and eye damage to yourself, your
immediate family and your grandchildren. Keep cool, let everyone else pay.
Change it over.

 

Year before last R-12 was the number contraband seized by customs. Right
behind cocaine.

Bob