940 ac

[volvo always]

I have a 1996 940.

A week ago I replaced 2 AC O rings and a used condenser clamp and had my AC system re-gassed.

It's worked for a week and today no AC!

The AC tensioner is missing and when AC on compressor would squeal, as belt slipping.

The clamp is weeping a bit, but don't expect it to of lost all of its gas this quick. Previously, leak was worse and lasted 5 months.

The compressor clutch is not engaging today.

If I bridge the pressure switch, the compressor clutch engages. Says to me either faulty pressure switch or low on gas again due to the leak or leaks.

Thinking not to bother as regas cost £83 as said holds nearly 2 cars worth!

What would you do? Not bother and use my Toyota in hot weather!

James.

[griston64]

Pity with all the effort you have put into it James. I've never had it in my 940 so don't really miss it. Having said that it's nice when I use the V70 with ice cold aircon

[volvo always]

Originally Posted by griston64

Pity with all the effort you have put into it James. I've never had it in my 940 so don't really miss it. Having said that it's nice when I use the V70 with ice cold aircon

I know!

I'm thinking I have spent enough on the AC on it, in the 4 years I have had it that not to bother!

I reckon with used compressor £35, new condenser £65, fitting used compressor and regas £140 and 1 re-gas since around £350 spent! Who knows if the evaporator leaks!
Think it's time to give up on the AC on it!

Like yourself, just use my Toyota that has fully working AC!

Thinking now to get the sunroof leak free! Sealed it with gorilla clear tape 3 months back as leaked like a sieve. Need to check the drain hoses.

James

[mjk164]

Hi James. My car is a 1993 960 but the a/c systems are very very similar. You clearly have a leak of gas somewhere and my experience would first point at the pipe from the compressor to the receiver-dryer, up next to the n/s suspension tower. That pipe runs along the top of the chassis member and is secured with 1 or 2 pipe clips with foam type material wrapped around the pipe. That pipe is pressure grade aluminium and the clip readily collects road water and salt and its the latter that attacks the pipe and eventually is the source of a leak. I would remove the pipe clips and check the pipe in that area and you might find your problem. If your recharge had any leak detector dye in it, the leak will show up with a neon light or similar. My understanding is that the pipe is still available (as mine was) and a simple renewal resolved the problem. Mine has been fine for about 10 years now since doing that repair.

[volvo always]

Originally Posted by mjk164

Hi James. My car is a 1993 960 but the a/c systems are very very similar. You clearly have a leak of gas somewhere and my experience would first point at the pipe from the compressor to the receiver-dryer, up next to the n/s suspension tower. That pipe runs along the top of the chassis member and is secured with 1 or 2 pipe clips with foam type material wrapped around the pipe. That pipe is pressure grade aluminium and the clip readily collects road water and salt and its the latter that attacks the pipe and eventually is the source of a leak. I would remove the pipe clips and check the pipe in that area and you might find your problem. If your recharge had any leak detector dye in it, the leak will show up with a neon light or similar. My understanding is that the pipe is still available (as mine was) and a simple renewal resolved the problem. Mine has been fine for about 10 years now since doing that repair.

Thanks for the info.

I'm going to leave it for now as getting expensive. In my case leaking a bit still at AC condenser clamp and who knows where else that's hidden like the evaporator! I have bought both pipes, used as spares, so may revisit the AC in a year. Probably not worthwhile though as only use it for work. Most journeys to work all local.

James.

[Forrest]

I think it was cheeky of your mechanic to charge you that much. I have had mine regassed for the normal sort of price. They have commented on the amount of refrigerant it takes but it’s win some and lose some as far as they are concerned and the gas is not that expensive.

As part of the regassing process they should have vacuum tested the system so you might at the very least expect them to cooperate over a problem that may have dumped the whole lot in a week. That said, it is quite possible for a system to hold vacuum and not pressure if a seal is faulty.

Since you need to be sure the system is empty before doing any more DIY repairs I’d feel inclined to go back to the place that filled it and at least get them to evacuate the refrigerant and tell you how much you’ve lost.

It is illegal to fill a known leaking system.

[volvo always]

Originally Posted by Forrest

I think it was cheeky of your mechanic to charge you that much. I have had mine regassed for the normal sort of price. They have commented on the amount of refrigerant it takes but it’s win some and lose some as far as they are concerned and the gas is not that expensive.

As part of the regassing process they should have vacuum tested the system so you might at the very least expect them to cooperate over a problem that may have dumped the whole lot in a week. That said, it is quite possible for a system to hold vacuum and not pressure if a seal is faulty.

Since you need to be sure the system is empty before doing any more DIY repairs I’d feel inclined to go back to the place that filled it and at least get them to evacuate the refrigerant and tell you how much you’ve lost.

It is illegal to fill a known leaking system.

Initially said £60 but said can't do it for that when started as found out how much it takes. The machine was on it for around an hour. Got the receipt where it says pressure test passed.

I have spoken to them on the phone and they asked me to bring the car in to see if they can find the leak. I suspect the AC condenser clamp as dripping a bit and possibly evaporator. Not bothering to do any more repairs on it.
Would be interesting to see how much it's lost though and be more green getting it evacuated rather than leaking to atmosphere!

James.

[360beast]

My 940 held a vacuum for over half an hour with no leaks and then after gassing it all leaked out in about an hour after a drive, a vacuum test tells you bugger all really

[volvo always]

Originally Posted by 360beast

My 940 held a vacuum for over half an hour with no leaks and then after gassing it all leaked out in about an hour after a drive, a vacuum test tells you bugger all really

I know how you feel!

My AC has only worked fine for 5 months a few years ago. As the components are so old the AC is just not worth the cost to get working. Would probably need new evaporator, all O rings replaced, Possibly new compressor or old refurbished to get it to stop leaking.

Apart from the AC, I like driving my 940 and everything else is great even with 203,000 miles. Built to last and easy to maintain.

James.

[Laird Scooby]

Was it a hot day when you had it regassed James?

If so, the gas they put in might not have been enough, if it vacc'ed down ok and held pressure, chances are it's not leaking but they didn't put enough gas in for it to stay working on colder days, particularly if you've got a sensitive low pressure switch.

All to do with Boyles Law and expansion of gases.