240 Aircon repair

GreenGL

Now that my 240 is back up and running, it's time to tackle an issue that has been there for a good while, non working air-con.

The car is an 88' model, I've established that the electricals look good right up until the compressor itself.

The compressor looks like a Nippon-Denso. The magnet clutch is faulty, so I am going to get the unit replaced, I've read a number of 240 owners have had good results from the Sanden 4664.

After I get any remaining R134 evacuated from the system, is it a relatively straight forward job to swap the compressors at home, then take the car to a workshop to get it all regassed?

Major Ledfoot

In your place, I'd be tempted to find a replacement 4664 compressor at a sensible price, then take it to a shop to have the system vacuumed down (and the old r134a removed) but also get them to fit the replacement compressor, and to pressure test and charge the system. This is presuming of course your TX valve has been set for 134a. If they fit the unit and there are leaks, it's on them to sort it.

You may also need to replace the receiver/ dryer if the system has been open to air for a while, but YMMV.

jamesinc

I'd replace the dryer just to be safe either way.

With respect to fitment, aside from safe disposal of the refrigerant as @Major Ledfoot mentioned, the compressor is fairly easy to replace.

One thing to note is that you will want to replace the o-rings on the fittings, if you get an assortment of high quality Viton o-rings this should cover you, but you can also buy them from Volvo by part number. Don't get the cheap eBay Viton o-ring assortments, they work fine in some applications but they tear up easily and I've had trouble with them in A/C systems.

One last tip is to dress the o-rings with Nylog Blue which may seem pricey but costs a lot less than regassing your system!

GreenGL

Thanks guys.

Is the sanden going to be comparable to a jayair compressor, or is it noticeably better?

TL_V70

GreenGL

Sanden all day. Nothing against jay air but your dollar gets you what you pay for. It's like Bosch or china knock off Bosch. The latter is hit and miss. If you plan on keeping it Sanden, the are a good brand good quality, if you were flicking it to sell I would say Jay air from cooldrive as it's their brand

GreenGL

Whats a reputable and well priced source for a sanden 4664 these days?

Major Ledfoot

GreenGL Whats a reputable and well priced source for a sanden 4664 these days?

Dunno about reputable, but I've found my last 3 new replacement compressors on Ebay for fair money - i.e. less than what the aircon places want to sell me one for. As soon as they hear 'Volvo', the price tends to go up.

VolvoHugger

Well, you didn't mention your budget. Judging by your other post, since the compressor was overhauled back in 2013, I suggest you ring around and find someone in your area who will look at the compressor and let you know if he'll replace just the magnetic clutch coil (without any "guarantees").
My personal experience is that most will want to replace the entire unit, because they don't want to deal with getting "blamed" for it failing a week later (due to some other problem), etc.
Also, have you measured the coil resistance? Just because it's getting 12V and not engaging, doesn't mean that it's open circuit.

My S60 was diagnosed with a faulty compressor and nearly $2000 repair, and so jumped at the chance of unbolting a nearly-new Volvo compressor at a wrecker to replace it myself, but when I had a closer look at my S60, it turned out the A/C guy was exaggerating and merely the clutch gap required adjusting for the A/C to work again, which I did myself. Moral of the story: only do the work required, put the spares in a dust-proof box for an even rainier day.

TL_V70

If the compressor is 12 yrs old replace it for reliability, yes you can replace the clutch it's most likely and air gap issue most likely if its Sanden there are shims that possiblely can be removed from behind the clutch but if it was me replace the comp as 12 yrs old new Orings cool ( JayAir ) drive will have the ones you need no blue sealant required just put some aircon oil on them when you fit them so they dont pinch and leak.

Replacing the receiver dryer is a must as it serves 2 purposes 1 its full of desiccant which removes moisture from the system and its also the filter for the A/C system gas. Eg you wouldn't change the oil with out replacing the filter.

Just my 2cents