BrickBoard Archives
The files contained in this listing have been automatically archived from the active forums. Because the vast majority of posts are now in one place, this archive is considered legacy. You should use the SEARCH feature OR choose your topic and select date tabs within the forum you choose.
1800E A/C parts?[ALL/1998] posted by Chita on
Sunday, 27 July 1997, at 11:51 p.m.
The 1800E A/C appears to be in good shape - except that all the seals and gaskets must be replaced. I have no idea where to look for a compressor rebuild kit, if it needs one. This sounds like a big ole drag. The heater box is intact and clean, so there's not much excuse for putting a Vintage Air combo setup in it. Nothing seems bent, broken or splintered. I'm not sure I can get the appropriate parts to put the old system back together. If I can, it goes back to standard. If not, I figure on putting a Sandin compressor in it and fill it up with R-406A. Most of the car is being insulated, with double layers on the firewall. I don't much like the looks of the console/controls, etc., but as long as they're functional, it'll do for now.
I don't have any A/C parts showing in the Village Volvo catalog or Volvo Sports America Western States Magazine. Any ideas about any possible sources for A/C gaskets, seals, compressor rebuild kit?
Here's the current plan - open for comment. Zero Hour is next week, so if ya have anything to say, speak NOW, before I've ordered the parts.
Re: 1800E A/C parts?[ALL/1998] posted by Jim McDonald on
Monday, 28 July 1997, at 10:05 a.m.
Most[all?] of the 1800 A/C I've seen used a generic York[aluminum] or Tecumseh[iron] compressor. I don't know about rebuild kits, but rebuilt compressors go for ~$100 and are made everywhere. Try your local auto parts store.
Re: 1800E A/C parts?[ALL/1998] posted by Chita on
Monday, 28 July 1997, at 10:25 a.m.
I'm afraid I'm remembering the quality of service this car got when it was new. That was a major factor in my retiring it.
Thanks for the tip on rebuilt compressors, Jim. My only hesitation is that rebuilts seem to have a poor reputation around here. The placement of the unit in the 1800E makes it easy to access, but the refrigerant - that can be a big drag, emptying it for service. It costs some money just to fill it for testing.
Re: 1800E A/C parts?[ALL/1998] posted by Glenn R. Goodspeed on
Monday, 28 July 1997, at 7:26 p.m.
Around here (Texas), there are many shops that specialize in air conditioning, and as a result, there are several a/c shop suppliers in the area, too. Check your Yellow Pages for automotive a/c shops and suppliers. You might even find a shop with a parts counter.
The York compressor used on the 1800 was also used on many American cars, so parts are easy to come by and cheap. Ask the counter person for parts for a York compressor. If you mention "71 Volvo," they won't bother to check. Might be best to bring the thing along and plunk it on the counter. Some seals and gaskets are different from one York to the next.
I would not bother to rebuild the compressor unless it knocks. You are right to replace all the seals and gaskets, though, and dump out the oil and replace it with oil made for the refrigerant you plan to use. The oil is available where you buy parts, and you should use it to coat the seals and gaskets you replace.
I don't blame you for being leary of rebuilt equipment, but this is one of those items that's very hard to find new and very easy to service, unless it has major problems. I've been running my present York for about six years without problems. Pulled it out of an early '70s 140 in the junkyard and replaced the seals. -Glenn.
Goodspeed's Volvo 1800 Newsletter