Hi guys, im trying to identify a few problems on my sisters 1994 Volvo 850 N/A. It started one night when i started it up and it started making a loud whirling sound, i thought it was the steering pump low on fluid. One of my friends looked at it and said it was the A/C compressor that since i have never used it, it has been running on empty and has had no oil circulating through it so it might lock up and break my belt. I would like to get your input on this and how i can go about this. I never used the A/C and dont really need it much up here in the North. Car has about 70k miles on it and it has been ticking for the longest, mayb you guys can help me there? thanks.
Heres a video of the noise i just put up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6na-9BUhBs

 

Remove the serpentine belt and spin each pulley and see what ones makes noise.

 

Hey, I'm going to check tomorrow but I'm pretty sure its the A/C compressor that crapped out. Can i just go ahead and buy a shorter accessory belt and completely ignore the compressor or will i have to take more steps to completely disable it? I will be using this Belt Part Number: 4060500 Size: 6 ribs 50.000 inch. The noise only seems to happen at start and when idle/stopped. when the car is running above 30mph the noise goes away. Thanks again.

 

I have heard of a few that have bypassed the A/C but never seen it first hand.

 

You ought to be able to bypass the A/C compressor, the parts store should be able to get you the proper belt for an 850 without A/C.

 

i have a working a/c compressor. pm me if you are interested...

 

A/C systems have a switch that shuts the compressor down if the freon level gets low. The Oil will stay in the system, it is throughout the system with the bulk resting in the compressor itself. Even when the freon is gone the oil is there.
If your system is full and you turn on the A/C and the clutch engages turning the compressor, the noise should go away. If it stays then you could have a bad compressor.
If you are hearing the noise when the A/C is not on then you could have a bad clutch.
Keep in mind, there are other moving components down there...Alternator and power steering pump.

Whatever you find, I have the parts if you are interested:
https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-850-16/parting-out-my-1995-t-5r-33942/

 

Also, check the contact surface (actually the both sides for serpentine belts) for glazing. If glazed, it would have to be replaced.

As long as you do not use the A/C, the pulley is just idling as already stated. Check all components driven by the serpentine as already suggested, as well as the security of the compressor.

FYI: The most common reason for A/C failure/refrigerant leak is neglected use. The A/C has to be operated at least 10 minutes/week, ESPECIALLY in winter. The A/C compressor can be operated with the heater on, and when you place the heater control to DEFROST, the A/C compressor turns on automatically (only for EEC?).


JPN