Air Conditioner Accumulator replacement

I am in the process or replacing the accumulator in the air conditioner system. The plastic shroud around the fan and the accumulator simply disintegrated in my hands. Is it necesary to replace that plastic housing? Will it effect system performance or allow water into the sytem?

VMI07

I am in the process or replacing the accumulator in the air conditioner system. The plastic shroud around the fan and the accumulator simply disintegrated in my hands. Is it necesary to replace that plastic housing? Will it effect system performance or allow water into the sytem?

VMI07


Yes. It is important. I just replaced accumulator, compressor, and Otube on my 97 Jimmy. If there is a crack or hole in the plastic housing under the hood, the cool air that should be blowing into your cabin will be going into the engine compartment. When I replaced mine, I first thought there was a leak at the accumulator because I could feel cold air blowing.

I patched mine up with duct-tape and will be looking for some high-temp tape soon.

If the hole is small, I say patch it. If the whole thing is crumbling, I'd probably replace.


Be sure to draw a deep vacuum (less than 1500 microns) to boil off any moisture in the system before you recharge.

Sorry, I was not clear. The plastic holding the fan and the accumulator is fine its the soft palstic outer cover that is the problem. I understand your point about cool air blowing into the engine compartment, makes sense. Why not just seal off the main housing and eliminate the second cover (housing) must have something to do with keeping engine heat away from the accumulator effecting its efficiency.... As you suggested.

Its a real mess, time consuming job.

thanks

VMI07