245 ac how difficult?

Hello
I am proud owner of new/used '88 240 Wagon. The ac compressor is
missing according to a mechanic. I don't know too much about cars in
general but I'm picking up on several ideas. Since I need to buy a
compressor anyway, should I consider converting to R134? How much of
the process can I do myself, considering I have no car mechanical
background (well I know what a wrench is)? Do I have to use a Volvo
kit for conversion or can JC Whitney or someother outfit get me the
parts I need. Where would I find instructions to just repair with old
R12 system? I bought the car pretty cheap and was hoping not to spend
thousands of $$ on adding AC but it sure would be handy for those hot
New York City summer nights. I love the vehicle other than that, and
could get by but it's pushing it when I have my baby in the car. I am
a fairly able guy when it comes to troubleshooting but basically want
to see if doing part of the job myself is realistic -- will it save me
money in the long run. I appreciate all comments even suggestions for
mechs. in NYC/Brooklyn area. Thanks for your time.

 

If the compressor is missing, then the brackets that bolt to the
compressor are also missing. And who knows what else is also been
removed. Judging from your questions, I would say that you probably
don't have enough experience to figure this out yourself. If you want
to try, your best bet will be finding a dead car with a complete A/C to
use as a donor and transfer the parts over. I would definitely start
with a new compressor and convert to 134a, simply because it will cost
you a fortune to do trial and error with R12.

 

I appreciate the info. There is also a R12 substitute that is cheaper
than Freon but cools better than it as well. I think it is twice the
price of 134, though. I have my Haynes manual and I agree is probably
over my head. I think that it would also be good for a retrofit with
electric cooler fan and switch that were put on later 240's. Any
ideas on what a fair price might be if I find parts myself, say on
ebay??

 

There are lots of alternatives to R12 and R134a (including for a while
R134). I summarized what I knew here:

http://www.brickboard.com/RWD/index.htm?id=664308

I'm selling a pusher fan + brackets for $40. It's far from a bolt in kit,
and I'm not even sure how well it works (it seems to spin fine and such)
but it'll come with a reasonable warranty.

I've never looked for one on eBay, but I'd say anywhere from $20-$50 would
be a reasonable price (it's all dependent on what you're willing to pay).
Of course new, the fans would be super expensive. What may be worthwhile
is trying to find a fan from another car in a junkyard and rig it up to
fit your Volvo. The 700s had much bigger pusher fans apparently, but I
don't know how well they'd fit in a 240.

- alex

'85 244 Turbo
'84 245 Turbo

 

Those have all sorts of disadvantages though, some are highly flammable,
some decompose over time, others are more prone to leakage, etc. The
compressor is missing so the lines are open, so at the very least he'll need
a new compressor, new reciever/dryer, new O rings, oil, etc, which is most
of the parts that need to be replaced to do a proper R134a conversion, and
R134 is readily available, won't void any warranties, and AC shops all over
will still work on it. I did the conversion on my car myself and it went
smoothly, I highly recommend it.