Interestingly enough I am not seeing the usual a/c questions for the beginning of the warm season. I am viewing this summer with some trepidation, as I have known since winter that my a/c freon will not stay in the a/c system for more than 2-3 weeks. I have a leak, and generally a fairly hot car in the afternoon.

I know that in my car at 35,000 mile mark, about 135,000 from its present mileage of 170,000, the o-rings and evap were changed for the a/c. So I expect that the engineering and installation were superior to oem. Nonetheless I have a leak, which I would prefer to be repaired without the cost of >$1000 at the local indy if in case the evap was the culprit again. I know the condensor cycles, and stops cycling once freon is added to the proper amounts, and the a/c is wonderful cold again for 21 days or so.

Can I troubleshoot the leak myself? The repair may be more problematic for a person of my mechanical skills. Or is it just best to go to trusted mechanic probably non-volvo specific and have them diagnose?

The other sad alternative is to continue to put in 2-11oz cans of freon every 21 days or so until mid october.

There always something with a volvo, but they drive great.
TIA,
Lunchman.
'95 850 Turbo, Bilestein all around