My '93 945T's A/C didn't work, so I got it recharged and checked for leaks at a local shop. Now it works pretty well, but not as well as the A/C on my last 940.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Jeff Pierce
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'92 Mercedes 190E (my daily driver), '93 945 Turbo (a kickass family car), '53 Willys-Overland Pickup (my snow-plow truck/conversation piece)

The system is factory-original r-134 -- I think all of them were in '93.

The condenser is clean and free of all bugs & sand (that was the first thing I checked).

But the technician did not check the system after he filled it -- he couldn't get it come on because he had the "A/C Off" button in the wrong position.

Is there further adjusting or measurements that need to be done once the system is refilled and running?

Thanks for your help.

Jeff Pierce
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'92 Mercedes 190E (my daily driver), '93 945 Turbo (a kickass family car), '53 Willys-Overland Pickup (my snow-plow truck/conversation piece)

Sounds like he isn't familiar with Volvos. That probably also means he didn't put the correct amount in. The only way to do it is to evacuate/reclaim the system and then put in the correct WEIGHT of R134. Old R12 systems could be optomized by reading pressures and temperatures but I don't think your system even has a high side port. (Mine doesn't)
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'96 965 with 16' wheels at 105K. Had '85 745 Turbo Diesel for 200K.

If you decide to clean and straighten the fins on the condensor as Robert suggests, get one of those fin straightening tools. They're like little rakes and have several heads for different fin spacings. This tool makes the job much easier. I got mine at an AC shop but I've seen them in auto parts places on tool racks.

R 134 is about 20% less efficient than R12 in case you converted this car.

That statement runs counter to what I've been led to believe. It is different so the orfice and some of the control switches need to be changed to account for the differences. The amount of R134 required is also less but it should work just as well as R12 providing the retrofit was "complete"!
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'96 965 with 16' wheels at 105K. Had '85 745 Turbo Diesel for 200K.

Typically,a R134 conversion will produce 10-20% less cooling capacity than R12 in an R12 system.

R134 develops higher pressures, so you should in fact use about 20% less R134 by weight than R12 after conversion.

I understand factory R134 systems have components (condensors and evaperators) optimized for the refrigerant different characteristics.

Bob

Pop the grill off and take a real good look at the condensor fins. Allof those little tiny rocks and bug carcases wedged way in there are blockage. Grab a dental pick and a very small flat screwdriver, pull up a chair and spend an hour or two getting all of the restriction out and all of the fins straight.
This will make a difference
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-------Robert, '93 940t, '90 240 wagon, '84 240 diesel (she's sick) , '80 245 diesel

Check that your heat control valve isn't leaking that will let hot engine coolant past into the heater core that in turn "dilutes" your cold A/C air. Just a thought.

bl