Accumulator, moisture removal

jack1018 · #1 09-02-2008, 09:15 AM

Does anyone know what's inside the accumulator? Can I remove the moisture in the AC system without taking it to the shop? Thanks

BNaylor · #2 09-02-2008, 09:21 AM

The accumulator like a receiver-drier has dessicant which helps remove moisture in the A/C system so sooner or later it should be replaced. How many miles do you have?

If there is any moisture is the system then it needs to be removed. The system should be evacuated and vacuum pulled with a vacuum pump which A/C shops have. Vacuum should be run for at least 30 minutes to around 1 hour at around 29 in-hg. This will boil out and pull any moisture in the system.

jack1018 · #3 09-03-2008, 04:11 PM

I have a stand alone accumulator from the wrecker. If I leave it under the sun from some duration, would the moisture be evaporated?

Jrs3800 · #4 09-03-2008, 06:12 PM

No... As long as its open it will absorb moisture....

Why get one from a junk yard? Its usually pretty cheap to just get a new one..

BNaylor · #5 09-03-2008, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jrs3800

Why get one from a junk yard? Its usually pretty cheap to just get a new one..

Of course that depends where you live Don. I think the OP is up in Canada where parts are more expensive but I agree. Never use a used or pull accumulator. Its other function is to contain/store refrigerant in its liquid form and keep it from getting back into the V5 compressor.

Regardless, A/C shop type equipment is needed like a vacuum pump since replacement of the accumulator will introduce air and possibly moisture into the rest of the A/C system. Also, the existing R134 needs to be evacuated and properly contained and not discharged into the atmosphere. Also, note the accumulator will hold a few ounces of PAG 150 oil so that has to be checked and the appropriate amount added before installing the replacement accumulator. Last the orifice tube should be checked or replaced. So taking it to a shop may be better but the choice is yours.

jack1018 · #6 09-04-2008, 09:29 AM

Thanks for all the input.

Jrs3800 · #7 09-04-2008, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BNaylor

Of course that depends where you live Don. I think the OP is up in Canada where parts are more expensive but I agree. Never use a used or pull accumulator. Its other function is to contain/store refrigerant in its liquid form and keep it from getting back into the V5 compressor.

Regardless, A/C shop type equipment is needed like a vacuum pump since replacement of the accumulator will introduce air and possibly moisture into the rest of the A/C system. Also, the existing R134 needs to be evacuated and properly contained and not discharged into the atmosphere. Also, note the accumulator will hold a few ounces of PAG 150 oil so that has to be checked and the appropriate amount added before installing the replacement accumulator. Last the orifice tube should be checked or replaced. So taking it to a shop may be better but the choice is yours.

That is very much so agreed Bob..

On my TS, There system has leaked down... Nothing left.. Even the stop leak didn't help.. The compressor is shot ( Would not develop more than 250 Psi High Side ) and was leaking down... Pinpointed by the stop leak...

The system was drop dead empty, so as this happened I decided to get a New Compressor, New Drier, New Evap and the Condenser was recently replaced.. So the majority of the system will be new... Also will replace all of the seals while I am there to ensure a leak free system.. I do have a Vac pump to pump an empty system down.. I like to most all of my own work as far as the AC System is concerned... Having Refrigerant removed can be done by a friendly Mechanic at his shop... And at Time I have had that shop do the recharge as well..

On the Van I will do the recharge as the system will be new, with new PAG 150 and related parts... Altho the system is new I will still put the Vac pump on it to make sure the system is both dry and will hold Vac... I do have the Gages for charging the system..

I do want people to know that servicing the AC System is not a job for a novice and can become very dangerous... If you have not dealt with the AC System but want to replace the parts on your own, make sure to have the system discharged at your local shop... Then you can R&R your AC Parts and add the correct oil and amount of oil and have the Shop pump down and recharge the system..

If you all could see what I just went through with the Transport, you'd leave the van at the shop just to avoid the pain...lol

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