850 1995 - Air Conditioner runs for approx 10 minutes and then stops

bartra

Hi,
I have had such success with the last two questions I had on this site. Thank you so much for your help. Now, of course, you won't get rid of me!

I have a manual 850 1995 with an air conditioning problem. Given the heat lately it has been unbearable to drive (I live on a dirt road and don't like to open the windows until I hit the tar). The air con runs beautifully for roughly 10 minutes and then shuts off. The fan continues blowing.

I would love some clues on where to look for this. Given it runs, it seems like it must be something reasonably simple.

Much appreciated,
Tracey

nickm

Compressor clutch shims, Google Mathews site. But you can bodge it with some zip ties :)

nickm

bartra

Thanks for that Nicko, very much appreciated. Will check it out.. have looked at Mathews site so have a decision to make here... I have also found someone doing it with mechanics wire - he says it is more permanent. Thanks again, Tracey

Ex850R

This site just gets better with pics and info !! Onya @nickm !

bartra

It is a fantastic site. I have had 3 queries so far and all have been responded to in super fast time - with relevant, helpful information. I am extremely impressed and it is now my first 'go to' site.

bartra

Just in case anyone else is interested in the fix with mechanics wire - here is a link
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showthread.php?t=258604
There are lots of pics and instructions in the thread.
in Australia, I think we call it baling wire. It is the flexible wire farmers use.

nickm

Hi Tracey
If your not going with the whole re-shim thing, just use the zip ties. It has worked for over 12months on mine with no issue.
It is in a pretty tight space down there and hard to wind up the wire tight.Also I think the wire has more chance of coming undone and winding around things that it should not.

Tigabu

Wise and prudent...

bartra

Thanks Nicko,
I am getting a price for someone else to do the re-shim thing. If it is too expensive, I will follow your advice and use the zip ties. Will let you know how I go. Thanks again, Tracey

Vee_Que

Another compressor shouldn't cost too much rebuilt I'm sure? Regas is $100 or so.

Ex850R

Mm , i think i looked at new A/C comp before and came up with overseas like this

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/VOLVO-8601498-AIR-CONDITIONING-COMPRESSOR-AC-OEM-NEW-850-V70-S70-/160923549473?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2577ca7f21

Not cheap and i am sure similar here , just do the fix till it breaks?

Vee_Que

Hm. Position in the market then :p

Ex850R

Geex yeah ! I dont know how long they last but you could be onto something Alex! Have a few on eBay/Gumtree at any one time and let them sit! On the club site too? Go for it Man.

bartra

Hi Nicko,
My other half has a question re the zip ties. How do they work? Do they make the compressor run all the time? He is concerned about fuel consumption. Thanks again, Tracey

nickm

The AC runs as it should.
To clarify, the shims/washers on the compressor clutch are worn so when it heats up it disengages.
The zip ties bring the front section back into line so it does not shut when warm. It operates as normal turning on an off with the AC.
It will still cycle or shut down if there is insufficient gas or other issues.
If the system is otherwise in good condition you are not doing any harm, you do not need to re gas. You do not need to remove the compressor.
Total cost about $0.20 at no loss or harm. It is common well documented problem with the 850 style compressor.

http://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-850-16/c-compressor-clutch-reshimming-6665/

bartra

Thank you once again, I can put his mind at ease.

PaddlerEd

If it's like my V70 air con was it'll also only work when it has enough gas in it... That though would be showing as not working rather than the intermittent that yours is.

Rob

Did this to mine today. Gap looked good before I started but tried anyway. Easy task but didn't fix it. Going to get the gas situation checked out Thursday.

Ex850R

Does IPD et Al have shim kits?