V 70 AC -not working

Molibius · Post by **Molibius** » 19 Jul 2013, 17:37

This is follow up to my previous posting on this topic.
The facts :
pressure at the charging port reads at 80
AC compressor with the clutch is working
one of the pipe going to fire wall is very cold
the other one (with low pressure switch) is warm.
Any ideas what to do ?
Thanks

Post by **erikv11** » 19 Jul 2013, 20:11

Is that pressure reading when the compressor is running (clutch engaged), or when it is not?

Molibius · Post by **Molibius** » 19 Jul 2013, 20:45

When is OFF, means engine off.
What is the normal pressure ?
Thanks

Post by **jimmy57** » 19 Jul 2013, 20:50

at something around 25% of full charge up to full charge the system will have pressure directly related to the temperature of the components of the system. 80 psi would be about 25C.
Effectively static system off pressure is pretty much meaningless.

Molibius · Post by **Molibius** » 20 Jul 2013, 14:50

I have no idea about the AC, so what could be the problem?
Why one pipe is cold while the other is warm ?

Molibius · Post by **Molibius** » 20 Jul 2013, 17:49

One more,
I suspect that evaporator is leaking.
So how would I know it ?
The one cold one warm pipe would be a typical situation ?

Post by **abscate** » 21 Jul 2013, 04:50

One pipe cold and one warm is correct operation. The only way to confirm a leaking evaporator core is to remove it and inspect (10 hours of labour). At which point, on an old car, you would just replace it. It's about a 100 USD part.i guess it would be possible to evacuate the AV system, disconnect the two Oring connectors at the firewall, and pressure or vacuum test the evaporator in situ.

If you are adding refrigerant to your system, you have a leak. Inspect the whole system and diagnose the evaporator by exclusion. There are no connections behind the firewall, just the evap core.

Molibius · Post by **Molibius** » 21 Jul 2013, 05:04

Can I use gauge to measure the pressure so I know if the AC is charged?
I mean if I take the car to a shop, how they will know it?
I am aware of the labour involved with evaporator replacement , by the way did anybody try to sue Volvo for it?
I think all volvo victims (at least from this forum) should do it.
Now the pipes - when the AC produces cold air - both pipes are cold.
When it stops blowing cold air, one of the pipe is warm (the one with sensor)
Could it be because of low pressure/ gas level ?

Post by **abscate** » 21 Jul 2013, 05:13

I'll link to the post by Jimmy on AC measurements.

A shop will evacuate and test with dye ( drive around for a week) or vacuum test or a couple of hours to test for a major leak.

Suing over a part failure on a 16 year old car sounds like a non-starter. Loss of consortium due to no AC might be better route.

Molibius · Post by **Molibius** » 21 Jul 2013, 05:51

Oh, I miss my Toyota Camry wagon.
I did almost 600 K (kilometres ) on it.
Did just once AC - put a compressor from junk yard and forget about it.
I have brand new compressor in Volvo and the thing still does not work.
I guess starting a battle over ancient car is not a good idea, I just disbelieve how bad the Volvo is comparing to Camry.
The AC -- I think there is a leak.
Once, they over charged the system so it was freezing up.
Now after normal charge - it works for a day and then is over. Back to starting point