My "new to me" 86' 240 has been switched over to R134. When I put my gauges on the system is reading around 70psi "static". Jumper what I believe is the low pressure switch on the filter dryer w/ sight glass.... Nothing wait... still nothing.
Is there a way to check the voltage at the clutch solenoid, with the car not running?
Not much room for my hands in there.
This is all a little embarrassing since I am an A/C repair guy by trade

 

Fuse 12?

 

Fuses are all good and clean... Good point though.

 

A/C time delay relay is just inside the center console just behind the passenger side inner kick panel. Just don't know anything about this otherwise.

 

Of course I would like to check to see if my solenoid is getting power before tearing up the dash... Oh well no big deal I'll see what I find

 

Check out Volvo Wiring Diagrams you should be able to trace the wires and even colors.

 

If you are referring to the relay location, it's really just taking off the kick panel and reaching behind the passenger side of the center console. The relay is located behind the 2 fasteners that hold the inside kick panel on.

It looked to me in my manual like the compressor solenoid is the last connection in the system immediately preceded by the switch you were shorting. I don't see where else one could test it.

 

Never thought I'd send a link from justanswer, but here goes.

http://www.justanswer.com/volvo/3o02...html#re.v/181/

Doesn't address your problem, but I think gives a good peripheral view of the system and the electrical signal flow.

 

Ding!
I THOUGHT the fuses were all good and clean.... Maybe when I was checking #12 I broke it... Anyway clutch is actuating now, compressor sounds like a box of rocks. Looks like it's time for a vacuum and some oil... And a miracle!

 

Cool!

 

So I put my gauges on and looks like there may be a blockage on the high side. Looks like I'm replacing the filter drier. Unless there is another common blockage point, I can't see that condensing coil as getting blocked. So it's probably time for a new compressor too.

 

Fixed leak, did the pump down etc. Added new charge w/oil, now it sounds like the compressor is gonna go. Bummer...

 

Did you replace the orifice valve?