I have a 1989 760 Turbo that won't hold freon more than 6 months without a charge. One of the leaks is at the threaded fitting on the "muffler" that looks like a charging connection, but I doubt that's what it is. I have been told by others on this list that the muffler doesn't really serve any useful purpose.

Does anyone know if there is a replacement line without the muffler available? If not, can the threaded fitting be ordered by itself from a dealer? I want to get the a/c back up before it gets warm out, but this time I want to make sure the system is tight. The leak didn't show on a 45 minute vacuum drop test or a 30 minute pressure test, but I can see where the oil has leaked out so I know I have a leak path.

Thanks for any and all help, as always.

someguyfromMaryland

Thanks for the excellent feedback. I will check to see if the o-ring will correct the problem, the leak is indeed right at the threaded connection. I would love to know what the real intended benefit of the muffler was by the swedish engineers that decided it necessary. Has anyone ever heard of any complaints of noisy "un-muffled" refrigerant systems?

someguyfromMaryland

BTW, yellow O-rings for R134. I think yellow are OK for R12. Black or
blue-green rings for R12 are not good for smaller R134 molecules. Volvo itself does not use or supply the muffler anymore. Years ago, an AC tech at Western Auto removed it from 760 and put in its place a rubber hose with couplings. AC worked fine and quietly as far as I could tell.

As far as I know, Volvo discountinued that line with a muffler and a relief valve on the muffler in favor of a line with a relief valve but without a muffler. To check what is available from Volvo, you can check with Phillip at www.swedishengineering.com in Marietta, Georgia. I bought the parts from him this week. Or check with Scott Beekman at www.borotn.com Either way, well over $100 list just under $100 discounted. You can also replace that line with a Goodyear Galaxy rubber hose with fittings that any A/C tech or parts store can make for you on the spot for around $30. Before you do any of the above, you may want to check whether all you need to change are O-rings that cost next to nothing. Keep in touch, I am overhauling the entire A/C in my 760.

Riverol:

I just came across your response about the A/C muffler and caught that you're overhauling a 760 A/C. I've got a '88 760 Turbo and recently found a lot of oil/greese on the topside of the airdam (near the compressor) as well as on the A/C compressor (it was black with oil). Seems like I blew a gasket on the compressor. Do you think this is fixable or is this time for a replacement compressor and 134a conversion ?

Kanabea

Check the thread "Brickboarders, please help with A/C" from February 15, particularly the post by "ringlee" and links he provides. You will learn about AC compressor "black death" and how to prevent in the future. If that black oil you found is from the compressor, it likely died the black death. Make sure that black oil is indeed from the compressor and not another source. If your compressor died the black death, you will find from the links Steve Ringlee provided that a lasting repair will not be cheap or easy. I am not knowledgeable about AC, or have access to a shop, air compressor and the like. Therefore, I am following instructions and replacing every AC component in the engine compartment with new Volvo parts, even aluminum lines. I bought Volvo parts at a small discount from Phillip at www.swedishengineering.com in Marietta, Georgia. Perhaps the best source for Volvo parts at a discount is Scott Beekman at www.borton.com If you want cheaper aftermarket parts, try www.hancockindustries.com in Texas.

I see where http://www.thepartsbin.com/ has a replacement hose without the muffler for fifty bucks. If you go there select "A/C hose" under the climate category and choose the "comp to cond" hose. There you will find the hose with a note about how they decided to remove the muffler on the replacement hose.
Hope this helps

Bob Agle '87 745t