1999 S70 To replace or not replace my A/C compressor

volvooh · Post by **volvooh** » 30 Mar 2015, 12:16

So I am trying to bring back to life the A/C on my 1999 S70. When I bought it, it did not work. Did some initial surveys on it during the end of last summer. Had a condenser that was in aweful shape (bent in a V) and some fairly rusty connections on the hoses.

Anyway, I tried shooting in dye do see if I could find anything major (without compressor running of course) and when I viewed the compressor, on either end it was thin ring of dye. I assumed at that point the compressor had lost its seal.

Am I right in this assumption? I am replacing the condenser, dryer, and hoses to and from the condenser as well as from the compressor to the dryer due to extreme rust. Is my thinking right to replace the compressor as well?

Post by **FLXC90** » 30 Mar 2015, 14:05

is the compressor not running because it's toast, or because it is not getting a signal to run?

Post by **abscate** » 30 Mar 2015, 15:33

In your mission to achieve coolness, you should be prepared to part with about 1000 USD to ensure success. In humid OH, its likely that your leaky AC needs a new dryer, possibly a new compressor, but most importantly, you need to evaluate the evaporator buried under the dash. You can get a look at parts of it by pulling out the AC blower motor and peering left.

1000 USD covers parts only.

volvooh · Post by **volvooh** » 31 Mar 2015, 05:53

I agree on the $$. I was already prepared to replace the condenser, dryer, compressor as well as several hose that have very, very rusty connections. Did not consider the evaporator though.

FLXC90- that is a good question about the signal. When I added the dye and saw it appear on either end of the compressor, I did not go any farther, I just assumed I had a major leak there. I am going to try next weekend to remove and replace the dryer and compressor.

Post by **abscate** » 31 Mar 2015, 07:09

I've got parts left over from my AC job I can you send if you want to consider used parts. Those hoses are not cheap. I don't think mine were bad, I must have won the lottery the year I did them.

Pm me. I maybe able to Milgram ship them to you if you are patient.

volvooh · Post by **volvooh** » 31 Mar 2015, 11:22

Thanks, I may do that. I have most of the parts purchased already except the compressor, which I will order next week.