Replacing expansion valve, need advice

[TXracefan1320]

97 grand caravan, front and rear AC, front blows cold but rear doesn't. Pressures and fans are good. Lines at the rear evaporator almost the same temperature (both slightly warm) which makes me think it is the rear expansion valve. I've dug in and the evaporator is clean and the drain is clear.

Anything else I should check before diving in?
After replacing the valve and pumping out the system, do I need to add oil or just refrigerant? This is the first time I've done work that requires opening the system so any advice is good.

[mrtinker]

I've had just the opposite problem with our 97' GCV. (3.3L, 4spd)

The front A/C is almost 10 degrees warmer than the rear. (55 discharge in front/ 45 discharge in rear) I've ruled it down to the blend door. I've been living with it for about 6 years now.... Until I need to remove everything down to the firewall on this ole' girl to do an evap coil or heater coil too I'm not going there.

I can't tell you much about the rear A/C though. Sorry.

But, if you ever need to replace the front expansion valve (& plugs, wires + many other things) then you need to remove the hood, windshield wiper motor gear/linkage and the intake manifold parts.

Are you sure about the refrigerant level? Did you recover/evacuate/pressure test and then weigh in the factory recommended charge first (yet)? This is a single compressor system with two evaporator coils. The charge is critical.... I wouldn't worry about the oil level initially unless you know theres a leak and see alot of evidence that the oil was leaking out with it too....

Maybe this'll help for the next job? Good Luck! Keep us posted!

[TXracefan1320]

Refrigerant levels are 40 low and 275 high and I have not had any leaks.
Front or rear, the expansion valve is no picnic. I had to pull the hood and wipers to change the alternator, I did the plugs at the same time. Hopefully today's job goes well.

[mrtinker]

Yea, I'm sure either valve is not a picnic...

I did plugs the hard way first time years ago..... Anyone ever look at the old Haynes manual where it says to use a "plastic tube" on the end of the new plug to start screwing it into the hole? I know that Haynes tries to do their teardowns with just the basic tools/materials but wow!

.... Boy that was a treat!

Sorry, getting off topic here.....

Good luck with it and try posting some pic's of the job as you were doing the it... I'm sure it help everyone here!