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A/C conversion[740-760/1986] posted by Lujo Bauer on
Monday, 6 April 1998, at 10:28 a.m.
I've seen a lot of vague references to converting A/C systems to R134, but I haven't seen any solid information. What's involved? How much does it cost? My A/C compressor needs fixing, and I'm wondering if I should take the chance to convert it.
Thanks much.
-Lujo
Re: A/C conversion[740-760/1986] posted by Steve Seekins on
Monday, 6 April 1998, at 12:49 p.m.
On your 240, you may be better off to stick with the old refrigerant unless you need major work done on your A/C system. The reason is that for the 240 cars, the new R134 does not work as well and in order to keep reasonable performance for the system, you must replace the evaporator unit inside the heater housing. Although this is not hard to do (you can get to it without tearing the dash apart), the parts are expensive. Otherwise, there are only minor parts that need to be replaced along with a different type of oil for the compressor.
Volvo Club of America
Re: A/C conversion[740-760/1986] posted by Jim McDonald on
Monday, 6 April 1998, at 9:38 p.m.
The official Volvo retrofit kit is about US$200[from RPR] for converting to R-134a. It has a new evaporator, o-rings, a hose, oil, drier, etc. If your compressor needs replacing, I'd go for it[I just did], since a new compressor is ~$150 anyway, and R-12 is $$$. It definitely won't work as well as with R-12, but it'll be acceptable, and a lot cheaper in the long run.
Re: A/C conversion[740-760/1986] posted by bn on
Tuesday, 7 April 1998, at 2:46 p.m.
before you start your conversion to R-134a, don't forget to get the
service bulletin from a volvo dealer (28 pages).
inside it will tell you that you need 2 cans of oil.
1 more can than they provide in the conversion kit.
the conversion kit has: 1 hose, expansion valve, evaporator, receiver/drier
I got my kit for about $175 (with discount) at westside volvo. culver city, ca.
they give discounts (15-20%) for volvo club members.
I think they're having a small car show april 18.
got my compressor (w/out clutch) there too (about $200).
Re: A/C conversion[740-760/1986] posted by Glenn Goodspeed on
Tuesday, 7 April 1998, at 9:14 p.m.
For more detailed information about R-12 to R134a conversion, check out this story on my web page:
http://www.startext.net/homes/ggoodspe/ACCONVRT.HTM
There are links at the end of the story for more information.
If Volvo makes a conversion kit, I say go for it. Quick, before they're all sold! I wish there was a kit to convert my 1800, but I'm going to have to muddle through it myself. -Glenn.
Goodspeed's Volvo 1800 Newsletter
Re: A/C conversion[740-760/1986] posted by Mikey on
Wednesday, 8 April 1998, at 8:31 p.m.
R-134a can be retrofitted to Volvo 240 easier than you think and without
changing major components. All you need to do is remove ac compressor and
drain oil. Replace with Ester oil. Change o-rings, compressor fittings,
reciever-dryer and expansion valve. Flush condensor and reinstall.
The expansion valve has an adjustable orifice inside which can be fine-tuned
to produce superb performance . Add the correct amount of ester oil to reciever-
dryer. Vacuum the sytem down and add one pound of R-134a along with the correct
oil charge. Then s-l-o-w-l-y add a small amount of R-134a until gauge pressures
are correct. This produced absolutely icy conditions inside my 85 242ti.
P.S.- When idling in hot weather an electric fan is essential and in high
heat-high humidity conditions you may experience marginal performance at
idle. This is due to the physical characteristics of R-134a. To completely
overcome this problem a larger condensor is needed. No evaporator change
or flush is necessary but you must use Ester oil which is compatible with
traces of mineral oil left in the system. Do not use PAG oil.