850/V70 AirCon Evaporator fixed: when?

Thanks to my 1993 850 GLT having been written off by another's stupid
inattention.... I'm shopping for a replacement. Looking at 1998-2001
wagons, and wondering if/when Volvo caught on and fixed the Evap "bug"...
anyone?

Thanks,

Kevin

PS - got photos if you want to see what an 850 looks like when T-boned along
the axis of the drivetrain by a Civic sedan (which, while much newer, is
*much* more written off!).......

 

IIRC, it was an pretty much industry-wide problem with the introduction of
R134a. I guess they made the evaporators of something different and lotsa
1993 and 1994 cars had evaporator leaks. It took a while to identify the
problem and determine it was corrosion resulting from dust and pollen
collecting in the condensation on the evaporator to make an evil mud. The
solution was the addition of cabin filters and, in some cases, running the
evaporator fan after the A/C or engine was shut off to dry it. If the model
you are looking at has a cabin air filter you should be okay.

Mike

 

I've seen cabin filter retro-fit kits advertised on eBay for 850s. What is
the procedure for installing such a kit, is it a small, medium, or big deal
for do-it-yourselfer?

Thanks,
Pat Q

 

That's something I sure don't know... but I bet a few people here do!

Mike

 

Raise the hood. Unscrew the two T25 fasteners nearest the right side
hinge. Pinch the hose clamp on the cowl drain and slide away from the
nipple. Raise the cowl panel enough to see the fresh air intake scoop.
Install the rubber gasket on the edge of the scoop. Run a small amount
of silicone around the gasket, or ivory soap, or somethimg else slick
that won't attack the rubber, press the filter holder onto the scoop.
Snap in the filter. Reinstall the two screws. Refit the hose. Slide the
clamp back in place. Close the hood before driving away.

Bob

 

Bob - great instructions. Thanks.
Pat

 

I installed the Volvo factory kit on my '96 way back when soon after I
bought the car. I did it simply to keep dust and junk out of the car
and the system as it seemed to be a good idea. So far no failed
evaporator on my car.

The installation is easy. Just remove a few screws from the plastic
shield below the windshield, lift up the shield, replace and existing
slip-on open air intake with the special intake which accepts the
filter, then put it back together. 5-20 minute job depending on how
comfortable you are doing the work.

John