So after a couple of hot summers without AC, I think I'm gonna bite the bullet and do a retrofit using the Volvo 134 kit. One question: once I get all the pieces installed, I can either go to a shop to get the system evacuated and charged, or I can rent(?) an AC vacuum pump and do it myself. Has anyone done the latter. If so, where can I rent the pump? Thx.

- bill

Hi Bill!

If you decide to do it yourself check this out:

http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/VolvoR134Conversion/R134ConversionPage1.htm

Very thorough procedure here...hope this helps

DannyMac

I suppose you could rent the pump, however, there's probably not much difference in price from having a shop do it. Should cost $100-150 to have a shop do it, refrigerant + labor. Have them add UV dye to the system at the same time ($5 maybe) so you'll be able to easily diagnose a leak if one develops.

Did the Volvo kit include a 134-specific compressor or condenser?

The Volvo kit includes a new evaporator, but no condensor or compressor. It was $230 from FCP Groton.

You don't need a new compressor. You flush the existing compressor with Ester Oil (and probably not a bad idea to buy some "clean and flush" either). Then fill the compressor with Ester Oil.

Pull the compressor to work on it. Not worth killing your back leaning into the engine bay to get at it, and you can't see or maneuver at all with it in the car. You have to pull the airbox to get the compressor out without messing with the power steering pump. Be careful on the hose fittings as the aluminum ones like to strip off. Once the compressor is out, pull the valve stems out of the existing fittings on the back of the compressor. Put the new R134a-type fittings on top of the old R12-type fittings. These fittings are in the retrofit kit. Flush and fill the compressor with oil while it's out of the car, because it's nearly impossible to do it once it's back in. Replace all the O-rings in the system with the ones supplied in the kit. Sometimes you need a slightly thicker one than the original to make the joint seal. Replace the orifice tube or expansion valve with the one supplied. Now you're ready to test it with a vaccum pump.

Harbor Freight sells a venturi-style vacuum pump which will pull 30 inches of mercury (what you need for A/C work) for $10. It is that cheap because it runs off of your air compressor to create the airflow through the venturi. If you don't have a compressor a friend probably does. I bought this compressor and found that the fitting on it was garbage. I then bought a "refill" hose and canister punch for A/C systems from Advance Auto Parts for like $8. I cut one end off the hose and hose clamped it over the fitting on the vacuum pump, which gives you a nice 134 fitting to attach to an A/C manifold. I bought a set from Harbor Freight for $50. You need the gauges to read the vacuum. Bascially for $70 you are set and can do as many cars as many times as you want.

Hope that helps

Karl