Hello all! My first post on Brickboard.com. I have a 1989 760 Volvo Turbo Intercooler with M-46 (4+1 O/D) transmission and Independent Rear Suspension. I converted my A/C system recently with a little help from the local A/C "expert". My Volvo began its life in Europe, and so, it is a little different than the stateside models. I purchased a new R-134a compressor, had it installed, and the got system flushed. Vacuum, check for leaks, fill with correct amount of ester oil and R-134a, and all was well. Blew like Alaska even on the hottest days.

Then, oil leaks started to show up where the compressor pipe connects to "muffler pipe" on the front passenger side of the car near the bumper. I had the "experts" evacuate the system, "fix" the leak, vacuum, refill and away I went. 3-4 days later, oil spots underneath the same connection. This happened 6 times before I gave up and decided to not worry about it as the A/C was still putting out reasonably cold air. Then, the compressor to condensor pipe sprung a catastrophic leak (metal bracket rubbing on pipe for 15 years) and all the oil and gas came out in a big mess.

I cut the belt on the compressor so it wouldn't run without lubrication and purchased a new pipe from fcpgroton.com (Great service, not associated, yadda yadda yadda) I took the car to the local Volvo dealership and they replaced the pipe, and then told me that the high side pipe that runs to the expansion valve needed replacing (I guess it is leaking?). The previous "experts" had cut the high side pipe and welded in a valve so they could read the high side pressure.

Does anyone know where I can buy the high side pipe that runs from the condensor to the expansion valve (on the firewall)? Where will the high-side valve be located? The compressor has no valves on it, like the old R-12 one did, and I have no idea where the valve should be. Is it possible for a good shop to fabricate such a pipe with a valve in-line? Isn't is just aluminum tubing with flare fittings? I have done hours and hours of research on this, reading the FAQ, the archives, searching the Internet, and even the great DIY instruction by Mr. David Urban don't work in this situation. Oh, and I'm living in Turkey with my Blue Bomber, so trying to make all this happen is doubly hard. Things over here are a little, well, different, and I've been having a time of it trying to get my A/C going. Any help would be greatly appreciated!