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I don't think there is such a thing as being "too anal" with some parts of cars.
For the benefit of others (you're probably VERY well versed in PAG oils):
The PAG oil is an important fact about later Volvos. It is very hygroscopic, which has often led to evaporator failure and condensers rotting, and all sorts of other things. Plus it eats the system because of the acidity.
This might or might not have anything to do with a lot of the later model evap failures in the Volvo product line, but it has shown to be problematic in other cars. It just shows a very strong need for thorough system vacuuming in the later (R134a) systems, as well as replacing most of the oil when working on the system.
Unfortunately, wiht PAG oil, it has been mentioned frequently that the oil itself will boil off in a vacuum, almost as fast as the moisture in the oil. Therefore some of the oil loses volume when you vac the system and after a couple of recharges like that, you end up with a system that doesn't have enough oil in it.
You can "usually" get away with too much oil rather than too little. You should worry, though, if you are getting twice the oil in the system. That would be way too much. Erring a little bit too much oil, is better than not enough. But a little too much refrigerant is never good with R134a systems.
PS: it would be great if you could post some of the information you get on PAG oil use in the later cars. There isn't enough information out there on later A/C systems. It seems as if a lot of the 800 and S series Volvos are going to the dealer or A/C shops, and it hasn't been covered too well in FWD. I think that Rafael Riverol posted about PAG oil use in the S90 system. I'll try to look it up.
I'm curious because when I talk to people who are well-versed in A/C, it seems as if they really don't know the answers either. Sadly there is so much emphasis on the EPA regulations, that the actual repairs sometimes fall behind.
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chris herbst, near chicago
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