Hi, all:

I've test driven a volvo 240, 125,000 mile, 1990. The biggest problem now is A/C. It seems the compressor can't work. I bring the car to shop, the mechanic say he can't find out whether the problem is compressor or refrigerant unless doing some extensive inspection. (may cost much). So, I have some questions:

1. Is there any easy way to find out whether the compressor work or not?

2. Generally, the life of this kind of compressor?

3. The cost to get it replaced?

4. Any one who had same experience, please give me more detailed advice.

Thanks a lot!

I saw the other responses, all good advice. I can add to it though. To the left of the radiator as you're facing it there is a cylindrical part with a switch, a couple of wires and two hoses going into it. Thats called a receiver dryer. If you start the car and turn on the air conditioning, then bridge the connection for those two wires, the compressor should engage. If it makes a horrible noise, its broke. If it works, I would check for leaks, then if ok I would convert to R134A. It costs about 6 bucks a can as opposed to 75.00 a pound. I've found that you can just add what is called 'Retro' oil to a new receiver dryer and to the compressor, evacuate the system and recharge it. This goes against prevailing dogma but there's a lot of guys doing it without any problems. I've converted lots of them for under $200.00. I've got a Volvo shop in Canby, Oregon called Mercy Motive. (www.mercymotive.com) Good luck, Chris Bogue P.S. You don't even have to remove the compressor. Just add the retro oil to it. I used to remove the compressor to drain the old oil out, but found that there was always only about a teaspoon or two remaining in them. The new oil is compatible so theres not a problem.

Hoping to reach Chris Bogue. I'm in Portland and am hoping to get updated contact info for you to schedule a time to take a look at the compressor in my 1990 volvo 240. Many thanks!

Hi,Chris Bogue,Jan Heynen,Julio Manalo

Thank you'all for great advice. I will make sure whether the compressor is still working first.

Thanks!

Volvo 240

Before the compressor of the AC can work, there has to be enough pressure (= refrigerant) in the system. There is a low pressure switch that cuts out the compressor when there's not enough pressure.

If the refrigerant (R134 ?) is lost, you first have to recharge the system and find the leak. Maybe the leak is at the compressor shaft, a good shop can change the seal.

If a shop has do all this, it's gonna cost you money (vacuum and charge the system with R134 : 100 $, find the leak : 100 $ ; dismount the compressor and change the seal, mounting, charging : 200 - 400 $).

If your system is a R12 system, it is gonna cost you more !

Maybe, you have to change the system to R134.

My car has still the R12, which is very hard to find these days.

Hi, my advice is regarding a/c's in general, not necessarily specific to your car. First of all, what happens when you turn on the a/c? does the blower work but no cold air? take a look under the hood, does the compressor spin when the a/c switch is on? look at the components..compressor, hoses, condenser, etc., do you see any 'oily' leaks? if you do, that's a sign that you lost refrigerant. You can only check this by having your technician recharge your system with refrigerant and look for leaks using soapy water. Normally, the leak is at the "shaft seal" of the compressor. In this case, you should change the compressor. Sometimes, it's the drier, or the condenser itself (the radiator looking part behind the radiator) or the evaporator (under the dash) or if the a/c cools at first then becomes warm later, it might be the expansion valve. Good luck!