Volvo Repair: 84 240 Sedan Air Conditioning, air conditioner compressor, compressor clutch

Question
Thanks, Phil.  Any idea what this retrofix to the cheaper ac system would cost?
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Followup To
Question -
Hello Phil, Last year my air conditioner compressor starting making a terrible racket.  Volvo determined the problem to be the compressor clutch, and installed a longer belt to just simply bypass the compressor altogether--and, of course, eliminating the air conditioning.  I'd now like to have the clutch replaced (for $150 part + $150 labor), but...will this job cause fluid to be loss or air to get into the system?  Volvo has indicated that recharging the system could cost another $600 or so.  The ac always worked fine before; it just starting making a lot of noise.  Frankly, although the car is otherwise in superb shape, these charges combined are a very high percentage of its current market value.  Regards, Jack
Answer -
Not running the ac for a year may have dried up the seals and the system may or not be low or empty. If you do need to recharge, recommend retrofitting to R134 freon type, lot cheaper than R12 which is no longer produced.
Replacing the clutch may or may not solve your problem, depending on whether the dealer diagnose it correctly. Compressor or clutch can be cause of problem.

Answer
Out here in California, retrofitting to R134 and replacing the filter-drier should run you no more than $250. Shop around, everyone has a different procedure. We just replace the filter, add in some compatible oil, add in the proper fittings, evacuate and recharge the system...works just fine.