1. Home
  2. Volvo automobiles
  3. A/C Line Burst While Recharging System - '96 850 GLT Non-Turbo

A/C Line Burst While Recharging System - '96 850 GLT Non-Turbo

Well, as the subject line says, I started with a can containing 8 1/2 oz. of compressor oil and 2 1/2 oz. of R-134. That went in fine. Then, I followed up with a normal can of R134 and partially through, I heard a pop, rushing sound and oil all over the place. (Naturally, this happened as I was showing off my mechanical prowess to a pretty neighbor lady).

Turns out the joint or coupling leading into the receiver disengaged/separated/popped out, leaking everything out. This is the line with the valve and cap, which makes a 90 degree turn into the receiver. I'm not sure why that happened, but my concern is driving the car with disconnected lines, for fear of the compressor lubricant leaking out and seizing the compressor.

1) Is this a legitimate concern? 2) What caused the line to burst to begin with? 3) What does it cost to repair the joint/coupling?

I'd appreciate any input, as I have to use the car tomorrow.

Reply to
pkallis
Loading thread data ...

By receiver, I think you mean evaporator, that's what the 2 connections at the firewall are for. There's supposed to be a coil spring inside that rolled over flange on the pipe that engages the flare on the evaporator pipe. There's a special tool to lift the spring into the top of the "roll" to allow disassembly. There's something wrong with this connection on your car, you can try to see exactly what's missing by using a mirror to look inside the other one.

The compressor won't run when there's no refrigerant in the system, so your only worry is long term - with the connection open, moisture will slowly get in. Pushing the lines back together temporarily will minimize this.

Now you do need to take it to someone with equipment to evacuate the system before recharging, so it may be a good idea to let them fix the burst connection.

Reply to
Mike F

No, I mean receiver/dryer, a canister-like cylinder, located in back of the radiator.

Reply to
pkallis

Silly me, I forgot that connection is like the ones for the evaporator. Everything I said about the other connections still applies.

Reply to
Mike F

"pkallis" wrote news:GY_lc.2882$ snipped-for-privacy@newssvr28.news.prodigy.com...

Hi there. I would like to do some repair on my A/C, but I don't know what to do about the recharging. It seem to me from what you wrote, that it's possible to obtain a can of R-134, does this come pressurized? Do you know of any online shop that sells this stuff.

Regards

Per Hauge

Reply to
Per Hauge

Reply to
Phil Kallis

I just checked with a mechanic, who tells me that the receiver-dryer is likely plugged and will have to be replaced.

Is that likely? If so, can it be unplugged? And, what does another receiver-dryer cost (non-Volvo/Aftermarket, of course)?

Thanks...

pkallis wrote:

Reply to
Phil Kallis

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.