Volvo: 96 AC Stops cooling, senors, failure rate

Question
Hi Ray,
Last year the AC evaporator sprang a good leak and had it replaced on my '96 non-turbo 850.  Blows real cold now however it will not keep blowing cold.  It will blow cold for 5-10 minutes and it stops with the cold and just blows whatever temp the outside air is which right now is hot.  The fan does not cut out just the cold air.  Once it made an hour trip and kept working but did the 5-10 minute thing on the way back.  This happens regardless of having the system on full auto or manual fan.  I am hoping there is a reasonable $$ solution as the evaporator install was $1,400.  Great car with 165k miles but the heat wave here is a killer.  Any trouble shooting suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Bill


Answer
Bill,
Have the compressor tested and make sure there is power to the clutch at all time with the A/C on. Compressors have a high failure rate. Some the over heat senors goes out other the clutch gap is to great and the compressor will not engage or stay engaged.