Volvo 760 A/C, worth fixing?

Hi all,

My A/C in my 1987 Volvo 760GLE hasn't worked in years (probably at least 8 years).

The car has 245,000kms, B230F, and I would like to keep this car around for another 5
years or so (at least until Alfa Romeo returns to North America/Canada!!)

So, if reasonable in cost, I'm wondering if it is worth repairing the A/C. Most of the
work I can perform myself, the clutch does not kick in (no pressure in system), and I
think the condenser has a hole in it.

Typically, what needs to be replaced? (other than the obvious damaged components, and
O-rings/adapters for new style refrigerant).

Compressor? Evaporator? Dryer? I guess a leak test can be performed (they fill it with
Nitrogen?).

A/C would be nice, I think it's gonna be a hot summer!! (Toronto summer = a few weeks of
super hot temps, but still worth having A/C.

I believe I've got enough skill and the tools (I've got the proper tools to separate the
hose connectors) to do such a repair, at least to minimize the cost. Then hoping my local
shop can test it and then fill it. I think retrofits are only 80% efficient, but 80% A/C
is better than none.

 

Volvo sells a kit that I bought to convert the AC in my '87, it was actually
much easier than I expected. I did have to replace one hose separately, but
the kit contains a new reciever/dryer, orifice tube, some O rings, fittings,
and a bottle of new oil. I had to remove the compressor and drain it, then
refill with new oil. Remove the old reciever/dryer then flush out the hoses
with solvent and install the new one. Borrowed a vacuum pump to pump it down
then charged it, all in all it cost me about $200 to get it up and running,
still works.

 

Myron,

If you donnot like maintenance then don't buy Alfa Romeo.

 

The kit that James is talking about is to convert to R134a and includes
a new drier, expansion orifice and all the orings. What normally goes
wrong with the rest of the system is everything, although evaporator
failures are rare. I bet your compressor is dead as a start. It seems
your condenser needs to be replaced. The aluminum pipes don't hold up
too well in our climate, and if they're good now, some will break as
they get moved while replacing other components.

--
Mike F.
Thornhill (near Toronto), Ont.

NOTE: new address!!
Replace tt with t (twice!) and remove parentheses to email me directly.
(But I check the newsgroup more often than this email address.)

 

The reciever dryer is located on the passenger side inner wheelwell next to
the cowl. There is a large two wire connector on it. Pull it off, use a
paper clip to short the two wires. If the compressor kicks on, you have a
leak That is the low pressure switch.If it doesn't kick on, see if there is
voltage on one of the connectors. Check for ground on the other one. If you
have voltage and ground, the compressor clutch is bad.

 

I didn't say I don't like maintenance....

I said I do, just is the A/C worth fixing.

BTW: I've had many Alfas, Fiats, almost bought a Maserati Bi-Turbo at auction
yesterday....

I own 3 Fiat X1/9s, and race a GT prepped X1/9 in competition (Mosport, SMP) in Canada.
So maintenance is not out of my reach.

Also, Alfa has proven with the new 156, that reliability and Alfa can be said in the same
sentence, positively speaking.

 

There is no pressure, I believe I mentioned I have a massive hole in my condenser
hence, no pressure.

I've already tested the clutch, and it functions, the A/C compressor doesn't growl or
anything (no bearing noise), but it is unknown if it will work.

Thanks

 

It depends very much on your location, the only AC compressor failure I've
ever seen was when the clutch siezed and ran the dry compressor after the
system had leaked out. Here in the northwest AC is rarely used and tends to
fail from seals drying out from disuse before anything else.

 

I'd say it's unlikely any compressor is still going to work after not
being used for years (8 years in this case) in any climate. And he's in
my climate, which is much harder on everything corrosion-wise than yours
is, unfortunately for us.

--
Mike F.
Thornhill (near Toronto), Ont.

NOTE: new address!!
Replace tt with t (twice!) and remove parentheses to email me directly.
(But I check the newsgroup more often than this email address.)