Hello Volvo enthusiasts. I have a 1995 850 GLT with 112,000 miles. A pound of AC charge used to last a year and now it seems to leak out in about a month.
All the connections look tight and dry.
Just curious as to the common areas of leakage on this vehicle. I have added some compressor oil while recharging and have yet to see any oil leakage anywhere.
Does the evaporator have a history of problems or possibly the compressor? It seems since the leak is not that evident the problem must be in the low pressure side.

Any suggestions on the fastest way to diagnose this A/C leak would be greatly appreciated.

 

Use refrigerant with u/v dye in it next time you recharge, then use the glasses to spot the leak.

 

http://m.autozone.com/autozone-mobil...265k?id=217367

 

Please don't add too much oil. Since you are not seeing any oil leaking out adding it will cause an overcharge of oil and cut down on the amount of freon the system can hold. The less freon, the poorer the systems performance will be.

You should use freon with a UV dye. Let the system run for a time and then check over the fittings and hoses with a black light to see if you can find an area that "glows". You will need a light source and the glasses help to increase the contrast. The pair sell for around fifteen bucks at most auto parts stores.

Show and tell:

 

The evaporator in 850 is known to develop leak due to age, no matter what (poor water drain design).

Replacement requires removal of all dash parts, including the steering wheel. I believe Tech posted a step-by instruction, or there are some instructions at other Volvo forums.

After seeing the pics, however, I felt like .

JPN

 

Thanks for all the responses. I found a slight seapage at the high pressure filling point fitting. The hose snakes around from the firewall to the compressor. Any short cut clues on replacement of this hose assembly. Most appreciated. Thanks.
BTW Happy New Year to All!

 

There is a high pressure switch on the high pressure line but the port for filling the system is the LOW side. If it's the schrader valve itself, that can be unscrewed and a new one installed rather than the entire hose.