Now that I've bought the 965, I'm looking at parts to get for some R&R and fix a couple of things. I appreciate all responses!

1. The 92 came with R12 refridgerant. The PO has done a R134a conversion, with what seems like the Volvo conversion kit. I'm looking into either getting just the AC compressor clutch, or go ahead and get a reman'ed compressor. Could I get a compressor from the later 960s that were designed for R134a, and bolt it up to the 92 block? Are there any physical differences between the compressors that were used in the R12 system vs. the R134a system?

2. Once I get the compressor in, where could I find PAG oil, as specified by Volvo? I've been to AutoZone and Pep Boys, and all I can find is ester oil. Should I go to a Volvo dealer?

3. I'll be doing a timing belt change, and was wondering if there is a way to use the wider belts from 95+ on the 92 block. IIRC, the FAQ stated that a 92 uses 21mm belts and 95+ uses 28mm belts. I'm guessing this would need at least 95+ cam gears, but would I need the newer idler, tensioner, and crank??

4. I'll also replace the water pump, and was wondering if the B6304 engine uses the same water pump as the other Volvo motors. I found some water pumps for volvos, but their fitment is listed as 2xx/7xx/9xx... Is that true?

5. Finally, are the front brake rotors different between 92 (with ABS) and 95+??? I haven't measured them yet, but the FAQ stated 900-series with ABS has the Girling 287mm rotors up front.

I apologize for being a total newbie, but I tried searching through the FAQ and other websites for this info, and came up empty. Thanks!!

Hi NormL,

1) A reman'd compressor would be easier to install then just the clutch. Good idea about the later model R134a compressor but I don't know what else was changed by Volvo to deal with the change to R134. The newer compressor model might nrequire a different evaporator or condensor. Check with someone who knows for sure.

2) I bought my PAG oil from the dealer. Wasn't too badly priced but I only bought a small can. A/C outfits should have it and cheaper as well.

3) The 20K mile timing belt was upgradeable to a 50k belt (IIRC) with a kit from Volvo changing out the gears, pulleys, etc... They did not offer a kit to go to the 70K belt on the 95-later models to my knowledge. I don't know if you can just take the parts off a later model and go 70K.

4) The water pumps on these engines last a long time. I just did the T-belt R&R on our 95 with 152,000 miles and did not replace the water pump. No leaks, noises or other unusual signs so I left it in on the recommendation of Volvo mechanics who said "don't change it if there's not a problem".

5) Don't know about the rotor size but any shop can tell you. But have you checked the wheelk lug torque on each nut?

DEWFPO
--
1998 S90 068,300 and 1995 964 152,300

Checked with the dealer, and apparently, the 93/94 compressor bolts right in. So I'm looking at getting a reman'ed R134a compressor, a new condensor, oil and o-rings... an independant shop wanted $900, the dealer wanted ~$1300... WOW!! I'm definitely doing this one myself.

Apparently, the only thing that shops have heard of on the timing belt is the damper on the exhaust cam. I looked over the FAQ, and the timing belt job on this car seems fairly easy... maybe I'll just stick to the 30k schedule.

I'm looking over the brake rotor chart in the FAQ, and it lists the same rotor for all 960 w/ ABS 91+... 287mm with 26mm thickness. I guess it doesn't hurt to try it out.

Thanks for the replies!

1. Not sure, but I don't think I'd replace any more than what is necessary for now.

2. Don't know

3. No, you cannot use a 95+ timing belt. Change tensioner if there is a sign of leakage

4.Like #1, I wouldn't change the water pump until it needs it. Doubt whether it will be the same as other models

5.Likely they are the same, but visit FCP groton and see how they're listed.
--
John Shatzer, '97 V90 @ 105K