A/C questions
#1
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?
#2
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!
#4
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.
#5
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!
#6
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.
Last edited by Moetheshmoe; 01-24-2018 at 09:22 AM.
#7
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.
#8
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.
#9
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.
#10
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.
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.
#11
#13
#14
Great
As soon as heat kicks in here in Mo. I will be working to get mine in mid 30's.
#15
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.
#20