I replaced the evaporator 2 years ago but ever since my A/C will come on and then shut down. While it is running it is very cold (around 42 degrees) btu after a few minutes or a few miles it shuts down. I can always tell it is ready to shut down because it gives off a funky musty odor that I know means my A/C just crapped out. SOmetimes it will restart after I shut it down but in general it works 1% of the time and is not working 99% of the time.
Question.... Is there a Pressure sensor on the compressor or seperate from the compressor that is sensing a build up in pressure or a loss of pressure in the system?? SHould I just give up and go for a new compressor?

Marty

Before you get a new compressor, check and see of the clutch on the compressor is worn.
The simplest way is to get the car engine warm and have the compressor stop cycling. You already know how to do that! Then, very carefully, take a small broom handle and tap the non moving clutch and see if it engages. Watch out for the moving S belt and the other moving parts!!! If the clutch engages, the idle gap is too large.
The gap should be around .02in, if I remember correctly. The clutch can come off and the spacers behind it should be moved to the front to reduce the gap.
Do a search on compressor for finding a write up. Or try http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/index.php
http://www.brickboard.com/AWD/index.htm?id=1180317

Klaus

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1975 164 w/174,800mi (Sold) 1995 850T w/91,000mi, 1998 V70R w/129,000mi

Thanks Klaus. I did a search and found some good things here and it looks like this may be a nromal wear item. Do you simply move the washers up or can you take one of them out to make the gap closer?

Marty

Naty,
Check this post out. I posted it last year. You may not have run across it in your search.
Tom
http://www.brickboard.com/AWD/index.htm?id=1087625
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Tom 69-1800S, 72-1800ES, 96-850T,2000-S70 GLT-SE

The hard part is getting the clutch/pressure plate off of the front of the compressor. Then all you do is move one or two spacers from the back to the front of the clutch. Sounds simple? Getting the clutch off with no space to work on it is a killer.

Klaus
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1975 164 w/174,800mi (Sold) 1995 850T w/91,000mi, 1998 V70R w/129,000mi