Another quick 134 conversion/VOV update.

Today: Almost 100 degrees farenheit, 90% humidity.

I'm seeing 38-41 degrees moving, with the 134 conversion and a smart VOV. Actually 38 degrees is when I'm beneath about 50mph, and up to 41 when moving at 75.

I just recharged again, replaced the accumulator, replaced the compressor O-rings and the O-rings to the accumulator and the firewall, and the vent temps are REALLY cold. A low side fitting cracked and fizzed all the refrigerant out which is why I had to do the recharge and replace the accumulator.

The vent temperature will climb to almost 50, sitting in traffic for a few minutes in direct sunlight, but I still consider this adequate given the former state of the conversion, which would climb well into the sixties.

At 85 degrees, the car gets SO cold that the system cycles on and off frequently. Even jacking the fan speed to 3 or 4 will still keep 38 degrees at the vents!

Note: The old O-rings showed no sign of wear. These were the Volvo-supplied rings (yellow).

Warning: Do NOT use an aftermarket "conversion kit". Easily available at Wal-Mart/K-mart, etc. They don't have what you need to do the job right. Do the right stuff to the A/C and you will get top performance. Apparently Bubba (posted below) has had great results from a 134 conversion as well.

It is possible!

Additionally, I have not seen the system get backed up since the VOV installation.

The best tips I can offer for conversions are:

1. Jump the cooling fan on the radiator so it runs ALL THE TIME (91-93 240s, and can be done with 700/900 series cars too). This helps a lot.

2. Adjust the pressure cycling switch to appropriately cut out the compressor for 134. They are often set a few pounds too high. (Later 240s only)

3. I sound like a broken record, but USE A VOV (later 240s, lots of 700 cars, all 900 series cars). For thirty bucks, you can't beat it. The idle performance will be tremendously improved. High side pressure will be greatly reduced, as will low side pressure.