1. Home
  2. Volvo automobiles
  3. 245 ac how difficult?

245 ac how difficult?

Hello I am proud owner of new/used '88 240 Wagon. The ac compressor is missing according to a mechanic. I don't know too much about cars in general but I'm picking up on several ideas. Since I need to buy a compressor anyway, should I consider converting to R134? How much of the process can I do myself, considering I have no car mechanical background (well I know what a wrench is)? Do I have to use a Volvo kit for conversion or can JC Whitney or someother outfit get me the parts I need. Where would I find instructions to just repair with old R12 system? I bought the car pretty cheap and was hoping not to spend thousands of $$ on adding AC but it sure would be handy for those hot New York City summer nights. I love the vehicle other than that, and could get by but it's pushing it when I have my baby in the car. I am a fairly able guy when it comes to troubleshooting but basically want to see if doing part of the job myself is realistic -- will it save me money in the long run. I appreciate all comments even suggestions for mechs. in NYC/Brooklyn area. Thanks for your time.

Reply to
Lance Rieck
Loading thread data ...

If the compressor is missing, then the brackets that bolt to the compressor are also missing. And who knows what else is also been removed. Judging from your questions, I would say that you probably don't have enough experience to figure this out yourself. If you want to try, your best bet will be finding a dead car with a complete A/C to use as a donor and transfer the parts over. I would definitely start with a new compressor and convert to 134a, simply because it will cost you a fortune to do trial and error with R12.

Reply to
Mike F

I appreciate the info. There is also a R12 substitute that is cheaper than Freon but cools better than it as well. I think it is twice the price of 134, though. I have my Haynes manual and I agree is probably over my head. I think that it would also be good for a retrofit with electric cooler fan and switch that were put on later 240's. Any ideas on what a fair price might be if I find parts myself, say on ebay??

Reply to
Lance Rieck

There are lots of alternatives to R12 and R134a (including for a while R134). I summarized what I knew here:

formatting link
I'm selling a pusher fan + brackets for $40. It's far from a bolt in kit, and I'm not even sure how well it works (it seems to spin fine and such) but it'll come with a reasonable warranty.

I've never looked for one on eBay, but I'd say anywhere from $20-$50 would be a reasonable price (it's all dependent on what you're willing to pay). Of course new, the fans would be super expensive. What may be worthwhile is trying to find a fan from another car in a junkyard and rig it up to fit your Volvo. The 700s had much bigger pusher fans apparently, but I don't know how well they'd fit in a 240.

- alex

'85 244 Turbo '84 245 Turbo

Reply to
Alex Zepeda

Those have all sorts of disadvantages though, some are highly flammable, some decompose over time, others are more prone to leakage, etc. The compressor is missing so the lines are open, so at the very least he'll need a new compressor, new reciever/dryer, new O rings, oil, etc, which is most of the parts that need to be replaced to do a proper R134a conversion, and R134 is readily available, won't void any warranties, and AC shops all over will still work on it. I did the conversion on my car myself and it went smoothly, I highly recommend it.

Reply to
James Sweet

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.