V50 AC : Quick ac question

[Wild Thing]

Usual woes. Had the system regassed and 2 weeks later it has stopped working. With the gas now leaked will I be able to see any residue where the leak is. Have bumper off and can see no physical leakat radiator for ac. Please advise

[electrocoolman]

Hi, some volvos had a UV dye added as standard from new - see if there is a label on the radiator cross member....it might tell you there.
If you can get hold of a UV light source (also known as a Black Light Blue) then you might be able to see the source of the leak. Best to try looking in a dark garage or at night, especially if it's a low power light source.
Obvious areas are condenser in front of radiator, joints etc. you should also be on lookout for oil seepage at site of leak.

[R7 OKX]

Same issue with my 08 C70, main dealer visit reported that it was yet another faulty condenser, even though the car is out of warranty, Volvo GB customer service paid 100% of the bill... Worth a go.

[Wild Thing]

Originally Posted by electrocoolman

Hi, some volvos had a UV dye added as standard from new - see if there is a label on the radiator cross member....it might tell you there.
If you can get hold of a UV light source (also known as a Black Light Blue) then you might be able to see the source of the leak. Best to try looking in a dark garage or at night, especially if it's a low power light source.
Obvious areas are condenser in front of radiator, joints etc. you should also be on lookout for oil seepage at site of leak.

No visable signs of oil on front of condensor unless there are some behind it and infront of water radiator. Thats why I ask if condensor is shot will there deffo be a sign of oil.

[v40bart]

Oil stains might be on the back side of the condenser as the fluid gets pushed to the rear by air rushing through the condenser. Mine had two big stains on the reverse.

[Wild Thing]

Thanks for the feedback guys we are going to strip the condenser out tonight and see if it is the problem. Will keep you all posted.

[msh]

Hi
My air con packed up about 18 months ago (2.0d 2005 s40) I was going to get it regased but after reading the above would like to look at the condenser first.

Is there a simple way of looking at the back of the condenser or do i have to remove the radiator first.

thanks
Mark

[Bendolfc]

The condenser on the earlier ones isn't as bad as on the later ones so is less likely to have gone.

[Wild Thing]

Originally Posted by msh

Hi
My air con packed up about 18 months ago (2.0d 2005 s40) I was going to get it regased but after reading the above would like to look at the condenser first.

Is there a simple way of looking at the back of the condenser or do i have to remove the radiator first.

thanks
Mark

It is a stripping session front bumper then the ancilliaries rad will drop down ok and condenser can then be removed.

Update, left condenser to a auto radiator specialist to test, they can either repair or provide new conderser, I will be going the route of new.

[msh]

HI

Is the general opinion to regas first and hope all is ok

Thanks
Mark