I wonder if anyone has a recent experience of getting a retro ac conversion kit for volvo 240 that were born before 1990. I found some ac conversion kits online, but these are for younger cars (Volvo A/C Conversion Kit (240) Genuine Volvo 9145666 | FCP Euro). My mechanic also wasn't able to find one where he gets his parts.

If these are not sold anymore are there any other ideas of how to convert a/c?

 

After doing extensive search for the retrofit kit (p/n 9134808-6) I am persuaded that it is not available anymore. What are the alternatives for bringing my a/c to live if any?

 

Go to a shop that specializes in A/C, they can retrofit your car. Cost will depend on whether you need a compressor, hoses, etc. The system is a closed loop under pressure, once there was a leak, gas escapes, seals dry, contamination ensues. After a prolonged period of non use, no telling what needs to be replaced to bring things to operational; but definitely not an impossible task--just $, like everything else...

 

AC components aren't at all volvo specific, except the control panel. in fact, Volvo's AC uses a bunch of GM designed stuff. you'll need a new dryer, new seals. the compressor, evaporator, and condensor should be flushed out with a solvent to clean out the old AC oil, before installing a suitable amount of the correct oil for a R134a system. the system needs evacuating before charging, and should hold a pretty hard vacuum for a couple hours, then you charge it and hopefully its gold.

the biggest deal is getting sufficient air past the condensor, as R123a isn't as efficient as R12. if you have an electric fan, its a good idea to rewire it so it ALWAYS runs if the AC compressor is on. if you don't have an electric fan, consider getting one and retrofitting it

 

Volvo made it pretty easy to replace AC parts. Through the years I have replace the compressor , condenser , all hoses and the receiver /dryer.There are Volvo parts distributors and aftermarket parts places that have all of the parts that you need. I would go to Vintage Air or some other AC parts seller and get a new compressor . Go buy a flush can at a parts place and flush the hoses and evap and condenser. Replace the receiver/dryer and vacuum it down and recharge it. Also any AC guy can get these parts and do a turn key installation buy it's gonna cost you between $600-$1200.

 

Thank you all for help. Somehow I supposed that the kit is crucial for retrofitting, as I was told by the shop where I service the car.

I understand that retrofitting may end up pretty expensive, thus I would like to do as much as possible on my own. Right now my ac system works but almost does not cool the air. This makes me pretty optimistic about its condition.

Do you know any good instructions online for ac conversion to R134? In particular is there a significant difference between volvo 240 made before/after 1990? Somehow there are two different conversion kits, and most people are discussing retrofitting post 1990 wagons. I am just confused about which parts to buy, for example is this evaporator a proper replacement or no?

 

replacing the evaporator is a major mess of a job, your whole dashboard has to come out and everything behind it has to come apart. not something you undertake unless you absolutely have to. the parts that you need for sure are the receiver/dryer (beer can shaped thing under the hood), all the O-ring seals, and the 'orifice' (which is in a pipe near the dryer).

 

The 1st thing I would do is to evacuate and vacuum down the system to check for leaks. Based on the results I would replace the affected components. Is the present system R12 or has it been recharged with 134A. Have you put a set of gauges on the system to see what the pressures are. If you have R12 it just may need a small charge.

 

The a/c system is R12 and it wasn't converted to R134. The car was living next to the ocean for some time, thus nobody was using a/c.

 

So far I got an estimate of 350$ for conversion to R134. I guess it does not include a new evaporator.