I'm about to embark on a brave (and potentially $$) venture. After not being used for five seasons, I'm about to embark on repairing my R12 air con. system. The kids are driving me crazy on long trips (can't blame 'em). It's all part of an all-around reconditioning to keep my cherry brick on the road and avoid having to buy a newer vehicle.

I know one of the front pipes (high) is cracked and needs replacement, other than that, I have no idea what to expect.

After lying dormant for so long, I am concerned I've got dried-up seals/o-rings or seized compressor or who knows what else. Anyone have any ideas as to what I can expect or had a similair experience bringing an a/c system back to life after extended dormancy?

By the way, if all goes well, I'm going to use "duracool" refrigerant. In Canada, we do not need to convert to R134 fittings before utilizing duracool, so my repair could be cheaper than a R134 conversion alone would have been two or three years ago.

Many thanks in advance for your warnings/thoughts/horror stories.

KenC

1990 745 b230f m47 - 121,000 kms, 91 240 sedan b230f aw71 204,000 kms

I belive duracool is approx 80% propane... and 20% R134... This is what allows it to carry the R134a compatible ester oil. In time, the smaller moleculed R134a can leak out and you will e left with only the propane, which will not carry the ester oil to the compressor and hance have a 'black death' scenario.

I suggest you find all relevant leaks, and then either convert to r134 or have a shop recharge with r12. Remeber if you convert to flush the system and do a proper conversion, with new orifice valve and dryer. Note the volvo kit for your car is approx 85$ CAN and hence no big expense, if you can perform the job. You need to remove the compressor, dump the mineral oil and refill with ester 100 oil. The high pressure hose (compressor to condesner) often goes and needs replacing. Try www.fcpgroton.com for inexpensive parts.

All really depends on how long you are planning on keeping the car.

Good luck!

Greg
Montreal - Ottawa
greg_mustang@hotmail.com

The seals do not dry up, so they should be fine. I would remove the compressor and dump out the old oil, replacing with new. I would also vacuum test the system to find any leaks. I'd fix the leaks, then install a new accumulator, and then recharge.