A/C questions
 

Everyone who's owned a Volvo knows how weak the A/C systems are. But why is that? The dryers, evaporators, condensers, etc are pretty similar to most other cars. Is it the compressors? I have a '92 Dodge Dakota that's never been recharged and blows ice cold. Has anyone ever put a US made compressor on a Volvo?

I disagree that Volvo A/C is inferior to others. Our cars are older than many others and this affects them. The compressors themselves are made by various sources. A/C systems are simple: gas, hoses, seals, radiators, compressors, etc. All the current Volvos I have, six in total, ALL have working A/C, from 1992 to 1994 models, 240, 740(2), 940 (3). 60k miles to 250k. It's all about the owner when it comes to most automotive reliability issues!

IMHO, the A/C on our 1987 240 never worked that great even when new, while the one in my 1992 740 worked great even at 250000 miles..

In the early cars with R12 freon they ran very cold and were pretty efficient. As the systems started to leak and be repaired they converted to 134a which requires a larger system volume to be as efficient as R12 . So because you can't put in a larger condenser and evaporator you got what you got. Most replacement compressors were sanko or similar which are very good.

My info(and opinion)comes from 4 different Volvo forums. And the consensus is the same...they aren't as good as other marks. My '93 940 has a completely new a/c system yet it can't hold a candle next to my '92 Dodge pickup. It won't blow as much air, it's not as cold, etc, etc. You've been lucky.

That makes sense. Yet, all the other post '93 European systems(Mercedes, Bmw, Audi) with R134a that I've experienced all blow ice cold with R134a(when they're charged properly). Go figure? One thing that I have noticed is the volume of air moved by the fan at it's highest setting. Volvo's from that era don't move as much, which goes with what you said. And I'm forgetting Japanese cars, they have great a/c systems even with R134a. Compare a '95 Toyota to a '95 Volvo and you'll see what I mean.

Through the years I have replaced all of the AC system except the evaporator. I did the conversion to 134 a long time ago and have found the system to work pretty good considering. I find once the car is sitting in the sun it takes a longer then usual time for the car to cool down but once it does it works well and I drive with the fan on the lowest setting. I also find when I 1st start the car and take it out of the garage and turn the AC on it works great regardless of the outside temps. Is it as good as any of my newer vehicles , no , but good enough.

depends where you live. If your up north then you probably think you ac is good. I live in mo. when its high humidity and high temps. The volvo ac cant do its job. I work on ac systems and fine tuned mine, still sucked. So I installed a electric fan on the condensor and that helped. I then start playing with different refrigerant. Got it to cool better. Finally got it where I can live with it. Think this yr. Im gonna tint the windows. My volvo is a 90, I know either 92 or 93 have a better system in them.

You're right, when it's not so hot(70 to 80 degrees) these systems seem to work ok but above 80 they really don't perform well. Mines a '93 and it's not much better. On those rare days around here when the temperature hits 90 it will actually shutdown for a while(freezes up?) then restart. But when it does it might get down to 50 at the vents. I've hooked up low and high(at the compressor) side gauges and everything is within specs. I just put it on the list of things Volvos don't do well - A/C, leather, paint, etc.

I will add my experience here as an independent dealer in Birmingham AL selling mainly Volvo for the past 20 years.

We sold a lot of 240 vehicles and the air conditioning was inadequate for a hot southern climate like ours. The reason was that the system was not sized for a hot climate like Alabama, Georgia, Florida, etc. If you look at Sweden, it is about on par with Canada where you might see a high of 85 degrees.

In 1991 the 240 received a new climate control system that was basically a GM evaporator and accumulator unit, cycling clutch and orifice tube. That system was upsized about 20% and was now adequate for hot climates. The 740/760/940/960 had adequate sized AC systems from the start.

My suggestion to anyone with a 1990 and earlier 240 is to consider switching over to the 1991 and later system. Of course, use the 1993 system which was designed for R134a from the start.

It is a DIY job if you have the equipment knowledge and experience.

Try duracool
 

I think duracool would help. I'm gonna purchase a bigger condenser this spring. I really don't want to change the evaporator. The electric fan helps cause it drops the pressure then you can add more refridg.

Good idea. Since I replaced everything else I'm going to try Duracool.

By the way I keep a small AC thermometer in the center vent of my 89 740 and in 90* outside temps the system blows at 40-45* on 134A. Just an FYI

Great
 

So is a 740 system exactly the same system in a 240. I've around allot of 240's; when it's 80 out they do fine. When in 90's and high humidity they don't do so well. You can still buy R12, that's probably the best stuff. Then duracool.
As soon as heat kicks in here in Mo. I will be working to get mine in mid 30's.

I wish mine did. I can get mid 40's if it's under 75. Above that it starts to rise with the temps. I must be doing something wrong.

IMHO, the 740/940s have a much better ventilation system. the fan moves more air and is quieter

Is there a better replacement fan?

its the whole design of the 240's airbox thats at fault. its something out of the 1960s

I guess that no one read my post above.

sorry tony I missed it. The way I interpret is, you want to upgrade all of our ac systems. I just need to know your address so I can bring my car first. Just kidding, Ive hit the pick n pulls around here, 93's are scarce, 91 and 92's Ive found but been uncorked for long time.