A/C - Conversion, R12 to R134a: Overview
SECTION8
GROUP
87
NUMBER
936
DATE
Mar. 1995
RE:
Conversion of A/C system
from R12 to R134a
700/900 all variants
M/Y 1983 - 92
REFERENCE: 31127/1, SECTION 8 (8288) BODY FITTINGS, INTERIOR, CLIMATE UNITS
This service bulletin replaces the earlier service bulletin 8-87-936 of June 1993, which should be discarded. This bulletin now includes conversion of A/C system for all 700/900 variants
Conversion of A/C system from R12 to R134a
"Retrofit"
Volvo is committed to improving the environment. Effective with the 1993 model year all factory-installed air conditioning units no longer use chlorofluorocarbon CFC-12 (Freon). Instead, hydroflourocarbon R134a is the refrigerant used. R134a does not deplate the ozone layer as CFC's do.
As the next step toward elimination of CFC-12, Volvo now offers retrofit kits which will convert an R12 A/C system to an R134a system.
When servicing an R12 A/C system on a vehicle, the customer should be advised that a retrofit kit to convert the A/C system to R134a is available. They should be given the opportunity to have this conversion done. Ask the customer about the A/C service history. Have any alternative refrigerants already been used? Has retrofit work already been done?
This bulletin describes the method for converting an R12 system to an R134a system for the 700/900 series vehicles.
To allow simple and inexpensive retrofitting of R12 systems to R134a systems, a newly developed lubricant, called "ester oil" has been chosen. This type of oil, which is part of the retrofit kit, has a number of advantages - it mixes well with mineral oils and does not react with material in the 0-rings. This means that not all A/C system 0-rings have to be replaced. 0-rings need only be replaced in the joints opened when components are being replaced.
The cooling performance between R12 and R134a after the "Retrofit" conversion is comparable.
CONTENTS
^ Equipment and materials for conversion of A/C system from R12 to R134a
^ Verification of A/C system
^ Tables. Basic kit - Supplementary kit 1 - Supplementary kit 2
^ Overview. Contents of basic and supplementary kits for conversion from R12 to R134a
^ Conversion of A/C system from R12 to R134a "Retrofit"
^ Shaft seal on Sanden 709, 5081510 compressors, replace
^ Tightening torques for hoses and pipe connections
Note!
On conversion from R12 to R134a (Retrofit) it is very important that only refrigerant R134a is used The results of using any other refrigerants could be complete mechanical failure of the compressor, or fire.
Important:
Check which type of refrigerant the car A/C system is filled with. This is important to avoid mixing refrigerants as this could damage the compressor and equipment. Look in the engine compartment for the A/C decals which indicate that an earlier "retrofit" conversion has been carried out. Inspect all the service valves. If there are valves of another type than the standard R12. this indicates that a conversion has already been done. Never reuse old 0 rings. Always lubricate the new 0 rings (yellow for R134a) with ester oil before installation.
MOVE CAR INTO WORKSHOP
If the weather is cold let the car stand in the workshop overnight or at least two hours before starting work. Ambient temperature indoors should be approx. 68°F (20 C).
Check carefully which type of refrigerant is in the A/C system. Refilling/draining valve
can show which refrigerant the system is filled with.
Check the car decals and ask the customer about any earlier work carried out on the A/C system.
WARRANTY STATEMENT: Claims may be submitted under the New Car Limited warranty when a manufacturing defect is present using claim type: 01
OPERATION # LABOR DESCRIPTION Time allowance
87936-2 Convert A/C system from R12 to R134a complete 200 1991-92 3.3 hr.
(includes pipe kit installation and shaftseal replacement) 700, 900 3.2 hr.
700, 900, B280 1988-91 4.2 hr.