I'm having problems getting the A/C compressor to turn on on my '87 240. When the garage charged the system, they said they had to use a jumper to get the compressor to turn on so they could charge it (to bypass the on/off switch, not the pressure switch), so when I got it home I removed that portion of the dash and was going to swap the switch with one from my '85, but there's a capillary tube running from the switch to somewhere under some sticky foam-like stuff, so I didn't swap it. However, in messing around with it, the compressor came on and worked for several days. However now it's giving me problems again. I've taken the lower dash apart and then the compressor engaged, but after 30 minutes or so disengaged again and I cannot get it to engage again. How do all the wires and capillary tube interact in the on/off switch? Do you think the switch is the problem? If so, how do I change/repair it? Thanks for the help.
Marlin

The switch and tube are a unit, and have to be changed as such.

What does the tube connect to? How do I disconnect it?
Marlin

One or two hose clamps hold it in place (it literally slips under the belt of the hose clamp) against the expansion valve refrigeration line. Usually, you have to peel the black goop away to see the simple hose clamps holding it in place.

Is that tube filled with Freon? I thought that the tube transmitted pressure to the switch, with pressure varied by the temperature of the freon tube that the capillary is laid on, under the insulating black stuff?

Also, I thought that if the tube is broken, freon escapes and the switch is rendered useless and unreparable.

Am I on target?

Thanks,

Bob

:>)