my a/c doesn't work, as doesn't pretty much all older volvo's I've been in. it's not consistenly hot where I live and seeing how there's not even an a/c machine in the shop I work in


long story short I'll more then likely never get it working, though it would be cool if it was. curious if other have pulled everything out. don't really expect to gain any measurable hp or mpg. it sure would free up some space in the engine bay though.

 

Through the years I have rebuilt my AC system on our 89 740. It's not a big deal and the major cost was the compressor and condenser. I have replaced every component except the evaporator and have done the usual 134A conversion. We have the normal 4 seasons here where summer months run 80-100* temps. The car runs at 40* from the center ducts and has been no problem for years. It's an easy system to fix and keep running.

 

it would be cool to get it working. I can't say that I really now what I'm doing when it comes to a retrofit. I've yet to actually retrofit a system. plus I'm using to using professional shop grade recovering machines.

Do you have any links to info on the bare minimum on recharging or going about finding the leak and retrofiting an old system out of use for awhile??

 

I wouldn't remove the A/C components, you never know if you are going to want to fix the A/C in the future. It might also affect the desirability if you were to sell the car in the future.

 

Mine has everything to do with the A/C removed. I bought it like that, I really don't need AC though.

 

this is true. I'll probably just leave it alone and look into what it would cost to fix.

 

My A/C broke about a year ago and I didn't even bother to check what was wrong with it because I thought it was something major and my trusted mechanic had recently retired. I am now looking into it and it is starting to look like it is a $30 part. I should have checked it back then.

 

I totally agree. Mine was completely removed by the previous owner and I sometimes wish he would have left it alone so I could have tried to fix it. It gets driven the most when I put my Mustang away for the winter but, I do use it in the summer when I take my dog anywhere so, the AC would be nice to have then.

 

when I replaced the radiator on our 87 240, I removed the condensor, and about half the plumbing as the AC hasn't worked in 15+ years.

we also have a non-functional compressor, acting purely as an idler pulley for the power steering pump (the original compressor had a frozen clutch and burned the belt). IPD has a idler pulley kit that works for some years, but not 87 at least. (if anyone knows of a way to re-rig this so the PS can be driven without the AC compressor, I'd love to get rid of that bogus compressor)

I haven't bothered to remove the dryer/reciever, or the expander under the dash but if I ever have to do a heater core, I might.