Hi, my '93 850 needs the a/c compressor replaced. Wondering if I should take it to the shop or do it myself. Most things have been amazingly simple to repair. Thanks for any input.

Mark

Unless you have a AC vacuum pump, you cannot do a proper repair yourself.

AC work is not simply replacing components. The system is a hermetically sealed system. When air and moisture get in to the system, you have to deal with those issues.

Did the earlier 850s come with R12 systems? If so, you can't work on it unless you are licensed.

You should have a AC shop do this. You need to evacuate and recharge the
system; add proper amount of oil (depending on parts replaced); etc.

What makes you think the compressor is bad? Just asking because
leaks are common on Volvo 850 AC systems (causing AC to fail)
and the compressor is typically not the problem. I just ask in
case it has not been trouble-shot by a dealer (I would use a dealer
to at least trouble-shoot the system since they know the common
problem areas and are likely to trace it to the correct component).
Note that trouble-shooting AC is somewhat complex since there are
a lot of components (so it might not be cheap).

wife was driving it home the other day and the belts were squealing and she said she could smell burnt rubber. also all the dash lights came on and of course no old air.
mark

That could be a lot of things since anyhting on the accesory belt
could have started to lock up and cause the problem. The AC does
have a clutch on the compressor so I guess that could be it. But,
the AC parts are pretty expensive and service is expensive so I
think you will need a mechanic to diagnose it.

I do many repairs myself and have even done complete engine swaps
(in my youth). But after reading the service and trouble-shooting
procedures for AC for Volvos (at alldatadiy.com, you need a subscription)
the AC is one thing I'll leave to the experts.

My wife's 95 855 Turbo has a leak in the compressor?! SO, I thought about replacing it, as the part is $430, and labor is $325. Looked at the Hayne's manual and it could take a while (3 1/2 dealer hours = 5 1/2 my hours), the only tricky part that I could see is the drive belt. Then I hear that you need to replace some other filters while your in there, O rings, and who knows what else. SO its not just ordering the compressor, which is back ordered or not available at a few online sites I tried, but all of these other parts that I probably wouldn't be able to get or just forget to order.

What did I do?

Can of $20 sealant, and 2 cans of R134a. Done for another year!

Good Luck!

-Ananda
98 S70 T5 SEM - IPD ECU/Exhaust, K&N, SAM Strut bar
95 855 Turbo - Cold A/C

Can of $20 sealant, and 2 cans of R134a. Done for another year!


do this ..... we have our system replace at dealer 2 times, at $1500 each.. now it leak again.... recharge is the way to go... you fix it will fail again.. cheaper just charge it 2 can done deal

what kind of sealant and where did you get it? sounds like a reasonable cost.

The main manufacturer is Interdynamics Inc.. They made the kit and r134. They make a seal kit (cheap $12), but i didn't get it. It had 2 little whimpy cans and it didn't even connect via hose to the low pressure inlet, just a press on adapter. So there was another manufacturer, I don't know the name, but the package was black and yellow. I got them at Checker Auto Parts.

Interdynamics has quite a few 134 cans, and some of them have the oil, stop leak and conditioner and max cool all inside it. But I figured that I'd get a can of fix it, and a can of 134 with just the oil. I'd rather buy items that are good in one area rather than try to get one that tries to be good in 4 areas.

-Ananda