Well, I lost this fine forum and Steve's essential FAQ a couple years ago, when the younger kids in our family outgrew our '88 745T's jumpseat, but since the oldest is now driving, we're the new owners of a '96 850 Turbo sedan. Has 100k, and I'm catching up on a few issues--already did the leaking CV boot, and the ABS module is headed Victor's way this week. But I've searched, FAQ'd, Bin 13'd and read Haynes, and I'm still muddy on 3 issues:

1) The a/c is short-cycling, so I opened the low-side port cap. It was coated in bright yellow-green liquid. Normal, or is that the leak point? Car already had a new evaporator some time ago.

2) The cabin/pollen filter is a mess, and I can't sort out the changes to buy a new one. The filter is Volvo p/n 9184130 and the holder is 9184129. Is this the 'upgrade' or original for '96? Do I need another holder, or just a filter to match this one?

3) Does this car have the equivalent of the infamous Y-pipe on the 745T/B230FT that clogs with oily crust? If so, where is it? I've only seen the discussion for the flame trap on the NA engines.

TIA for the help!

If you replace the valve be sure to not overtighten it. I believe there's a torgue spec on the cap. I cranked mine down too much to try to stop a suspected leak and ended up replaceing the whole piece of tubing. If you take the cabin air filter holder to the auto parts store you may be able to find a engine filter that will fit for less money. I was able to find a STP filter for only about $7 but needed to cut out an inch or so in the middle. Seems to work fine.

Don't you just love all of the electronics????

1. Find a friendly AC shop and have the schrader valve replaced. My 1998 V70 did the same thing, with the yellow die and it helped considerably.

2. There is only one pollen filter holder and one size for replacement. If you feel rich, you could opt for the charcoal filter for double the cost.

3. No flame trap. There still is an oil separator under the intake manifold. Unless there is positive pressure at the oil filler cap or dipstick tube, the system should be OK. The hose to the turbo intake line does get old after a while and usually needs replacing at 140-180K miles. Using synthetic helps a lot.

We are here to help with other questions,

Klaus
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Please answer, we need to know if the advice is good or bad. The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are 2 turbos :)

Thanks for the help.

I tried a shot of R134 tonight, and it stopped the compressor short-cycling. We'll see how long it holds--the PO charged it a year ago. If I replace the fill valve, can the be done with the valve core part from eEuro? I assume I'll have to evac and refill. Really need to get adapters for my old R12 gauge set!

On item #2, agree--finally realized that Volvo #9184130 and #9171269 map to the same replacement parts. Not sure what Volvo's difference is, but one's on the way from FCP, along with an oil return line to replace the leaky one in the car now.

If it isn't already, it'll be on synthetic oil this weekend. A few more service items, a gasket or two, and the ABS module back (currently on the counter headed to Victor) and it'll be like new!

The fill valve is standard issue for r134a systems, and yes, you will have to evac and refill. The schrader valve tends to wear out after multiple refills.

Klaus
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Please answer, we need to know if the advice is good or bad. The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are 2 turbos :)

Welcome to this side of the aisle. Two years ago I started with FWD's amd ot os different for sure.

On the AC it sounds as if you are low on 134. Can check this easily with one of those cans with a gauge.

Cabin filters: Easy to change by taking out 3 (I think) T25 screws, releasing the rubber drain hose from the pass. side and lifting the black plastic. You may and may not have the holder. If it is there it does not need to be replaced.

No Y pipe like the B230FT but it is a flame or oil trap mounted to the engine. You do have to remove the intake manifold.

Good instructions can be found on Volvospeed and Bay 13 of the same site. Get on the message board, go to 98 and prior and then up a line or two you will find PINNED repairs. Unfortunately Steve Ringlee isn't in to FWD Volvo's and there is no one like him to do it in such an organized fashion. I subscribe to Alldata for information and have a Chiltons for help.

Have fun,


dick