Hiya guys,
I've had my '86 car for about 2 years now and when I first got it, I had the A/C gassed by a bloke using a 'direct drop-in' gas R416A I think, which I've found out is 134a+some butane to move the oil around. It worked great for about 18 months, but now I've no gas left.
I've since read nasty stories about how these gases can muck up your system so I've decided to take the plunge and go for a conversion. Do you know if a kit is available for the Volvo 360 as well as any new parts that might be needed. The dealer will only do the compressor as an exchange item. The acummulator/drier and the evaporator and condensor are no longer available from Volvo.
Thanks in advance.
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We have carried out many conversions from r12 to r134a using a special blend lubricant & approx 10% less refrigerant gas.I would recommend renew filter/drier.Success of the conversion will depend on the integrity of the other components of the system & also the engine cooling system.(134a runs slightly higher pressure & thus higher temp).Bearing in mind the value of the car it is not an economic proposition to replace major components.Suggest you consult an independent a/c specialist.
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You can swap it over, but you'll need to add ester oil, change the fittings and swap the drier out. It may also be a good idea to flush the system.
Do you know where it's leaking from though? No point in putting gas in, only for it to come out again. Not to mention the fact that it's illegal to knowingly vent refrigerant to atmosphere, which is what you'll effectively be doing.
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Just the gas will cost more than the car's worth, surely?
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Putting in a tankful of petrol is more than the car's worth :) Economics has basically gone out of the window on this one and I know its stupid, but unless its hundreds and hundreds I don't mind what it costs really.
Dave, I don't know where its leaking from, there was leak tracer dye put in it at the original gassing, but I guess that's all long gone. As the gas is all but gone, (there is still a small, pathetic hiss when I pressed the valve on the low pressure side) would it be cheaper to change all the fittings/o-rings myself and then take it to be gassed and leak checked?
Thanks
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Sorry, one more question, parts are available from Scantech Sweden (according to their website anyway), does anybody know if they're a good company? or do you have any recommendations as to who would sell a conversion kit or bits such as the condensor if they turn out to be faulty.
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Never heard of that company, but find out what you need first, then maybe we can help.
Just because the gas has gone, then dye should still be around, so find someone with a UV lamp and get it checked out. Condensors are always a favourite, but at that age it could be pretty much anything, even a cheap O ring.
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Thanks, I'll have a look. Will a 'blacklight' from Maplin (other electrical stores are available) work OK?
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Well, I couldn't find any dye around anywhere, so took it to an A/C place to have a look and they tried gassing it. As soon as it was up to pressure a massive leak started from the condensor. I can feel the pound notes already!!!
How much would a condensor be for a Volvo 360 roughly? OEM part no:3210321. Also how much to convert it to R134a.
Many thanks.
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Tried all my suppliers, but nothing is listed. Depending on the hose fittings, you could use a universal one. Mind you, by the time you do that you may as well get one from sweden.
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I've been talking to an A/C specialist locally and he thinks a universal one will fit and I might as well have a conversion for 134a at the same time. Does 550+vat sound too much?
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Thanks by the way for the info. I forgot to say.
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