Accumulator/Drier clogged?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,735
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From: TX
Accumulator/Drier clogged?
Ok, so had A/C evactuated and charged beginning of summer, it's factory a/c in a 78 w/400.
Worked decent for a few days, then it stopped working. Added some r12 (guy that did it didn't follow the 2% rule
) and I knew then why they only charged $20 to evacuate and charge it. Added until the the bubbles just cleared, and it got colder. Worked for about 5 minutes, then I noticed the line coming off the top of the accumulator/drier was condensating. So now, it will cool for about 5 minutes after start up, then the top line of the accumulator/drier condensates and cools, and the air gets warmer (obviously). So naturally I am assuming that there is a clog in it, causing a low pressure problem in the top side of it, am I assuming right?
I dont want to waste $35 on a part chasing a problem.
Also, would the system need to be flushed? I thought I read something at one time about some kind of material in accumulator that if it comes loose can clog and spread into the system?
One more thing if anyone can help out,
HEARD that one redneck way of pulling a vacuum is you can actually use the a/c compressor. After all, it essentially is a vacuum pump.
Worked decent for a few days, then it stopped working. Added some r12 (guy that did it didn't follow the 2% rule
) and I knew then why they only charged $20 to evacuate and charge it. Added until the the bubbles just cleared, and it got colder. Worked for about 5 minutes, then I noticed the line coming off the top of the accumulator/drier was condensating. So now, it will cool for about 5 minutes after start up, then the top line of the accumulator/drier condensates and cools, and the air gets warmer (obviously). So naturally I am assuming that there is a clog in it, causing a low pressure problem in the top side of it, am I assuming right?I dont want to waste $35 on a part chasing a problem.
Also, would the system need to be flushed? I thought I read something at one time about some kind of material in accumulator that if it comes loose can clog and spread into the system?
One more thing if anyone can help out,
HEARD that one redneck way of pulling a vacuum is you can actually use the a/c compressor. After all, it essentially is a vacuum pump.
Junior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
You are on the right track. Pressure and temperature are indicative of one another. If a high side component is cold and condensating, then the pressure is low.
Occasionally a drier can "come apart" and clog the system shortly thereafter. They contain a pellet type media that absorbs moisture, and sometimes these pellets "escape". Be sure to remove the line from the expansion valve and blow flush, then nitrogen back through the line towards the condensor. This will ensure none of the escapees will clog the expansion valve.
Occasionally a drier can "come apart" and clog the system shortly thereafter. They contain a pellet type media that absorbs moisture, and sometimes these pellets "escape". Be sure to remove the line from the expansion valve and blow flush, then nitrogen back through the line towards the condensor. This will ensure none of the escapees will clog the expansion valve.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,735
Likes: 0
From: TX
Ok thanks, so I'm on the right track, the reciever/drier is the tube on the front of the truck, with a line in the bottom and a line in the top. That's the piece I'm talking about. Bottom line is hot, top line is condensating and the low side line coming off the compressor does not condensate.
I'm wondering if, (bare with me) too much oil can cause my symptoms. Like I said, the guy who serviced it wasnt the brightest, and when I pulled the motor I pulled the lines off the compressor (first closed them to save freon). I told him this, but after pulling a vacuum, added about 6 oz of oil into the low side line. That part was beyond my knowledge, but it was very shortly there-after that this problem started. FWIW, A/C worked fine last summer.
I'm wondering if, (bare with me) too much oil can cause my symptoms. Like I said, the guy who serviced it wasnt the brightest, and when I pulled the motor I pulled the lines off the compressor (first closed them to save freon). I told him this, but after pulling a vacuum, added about 6 oz of oil into the low side line. That part was beyond my knowledge, but it was very shortly there-after that this problem started. FWIW, A/C worked fine last summer.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
With the York style compressor he didn't need to add ANY oil. This compressor is like a little 2 cylinder engine and has it's own separate oil sump. The oil gets checked just like in an engine, with a dipstick (that you have to make). You probably need to evacuate the system and drain the excess oil then replace the receiver/drier, pull a vacuum, then recharge.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 5
From: Lorain County, Ohio
As mentioned, it sounds like the R/D is plugged qnd you have too much oil in the system.
What kind of oil was in the system to begin with? What kind did he add? Do you know what refrigerant he charged the system with for $20?
At this point you would be better off starting from scratch. Replace the R/D, clean the Expansion Valve inlet screen, solvent flush the rest of the system to remove the excess oil, drain and fill the compressor, then evacuate and recharge.
What kind of oil was in the system to begin with? What kind did he add? Do you know what refrigerant he charged the system with for $20?
At this point you would be better off starting from scratch. Replace the R/D, clean the Expansion Valve inlet screen, solvent flush the rest of the system to remove the excess oil, drain and fill the compressor, then evacuate and recharge.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,735
Likes: 0
From: TX
So, I didn't know you could check the oil. I assume thats what the bold head on top of the compressor is, in the middle?
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Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
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From: Stanley, VA
Thats correct, I'll see if I can find an illustration that I can post.
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