Bad A/C Compressor Clutch 1999 S80 2.9 Non turbo

[jvo]

Hi,

I have a 1999 Volvo S80 with approximately 92,000 mi. While under way my A/C works fine, however when I am at a standstill or in stop and go traffic my A/C compressor shuts down. I can turn it off and when underway turn it back on and it blows cold air like there is not a problem. I have been told that it is a bad A/C clutch and I should replace the entire compressor (about $1,000). Is there any way to fix the A/C clutch? It seems a shame to replace the compressor and spend a $1,000 when the compressor is working fine...any thoughts?

Thanks in Advance,
JvO

[MadeInJapan]

So you are saying that with minimal RPM's the belt doesn't turn fast enough to engage the compressor and the clutch is at fault? I have not seen anything written up on your particular car but this is fairly common on the older 850's and the early 70 series cars. and there is a remedy. The only issue is how much of a gap is suppose to be on your car as is on the 850/early 70 series? VADIS says that the S80 compressor was redesigned to have higher output than the earlier 70 series (thus the 850 as well)...so that is the lingering question...something someone here might be able to answer or a good Volvo tech could answer for you (ask- they might tell you). Anyway, here are some treads from another site on closing the gap (shims) on an 850/70 series compressor that might be of some help (otherwise you could take the compressor out and have it rebuilt somewhere): http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.ph ... opic=16658
http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/Ac-Therm ... 76833.html