A/C accumulator/drier question

[LannyL81]

I have read that if the A/C system is open for any length of time that the accumulator/drier should be replaced due to too much moisture. Is this true? Mine has been open for 1.75 years now. I went ahead and removed the accumulator and have been trying to find a replacement. The only one I found so far was at Corvette Central and their picture shows no caps or seals on the accumulator....its open. Is this just a bad picture and the real replacement unit will come sealed?
I do not want to call an auto A/C shop as I know they will tell me that it must be replaced and what to do the work for lots of $$$$$$.

Help!!!

Thanks,
LannyL81
Tucson, AZ (where it is 102 today...so yes I need the A/C working..I don't care if it is a "dry heat.")

 

[bradfordsvettes]

an open canister will absorb moisture the new unit should come sealled . the system should be vaccumed down before charging to remove any residual moisture for best results my 2 cents Steve

 

[mikejpss]

get the new one

Lanny, get the new accumulator-which should have a filter/drier within . The new one will come sealed from the manufacturer, but will surprise you with just push-in style plastic caps.
After a system has been open for as long as yours, theres been ample time for moisture to fall out inside the system, so a new drier is recommended.
When the system has been repaired, do a leak check . When proven good, pull a vacuum on the system and hold that vacuum (with the vac. pump running) for at least one hour. The vacuum pump actually allows moisture to "boil" out of the system and sweeps it to the pump where it is removed. This is the reason for a vacuum pump, not only to remove the air, but pull the residual moisture out also. I would prefer to pull the vacuum with the hood up (like you can do it with the hood down, eh?) and the car out in the hot sun, helping to "boil" the moisture in the system.
p.s.- I have a degree in HVAC and ran an a/c business for 15 years in south Louisiana.
psps- i pity you in that heat you live in, dry or not. mike j.

 

[LannyL81]

Got the new accumulator/drier...found out that they were not all that expensive at all..only about $30. Also got a new orifice tube and since when I took the old orifice tube out I found what looks like pieces of O ring...I also got a re-manufactured compressor. I blew out the rest of the system with air and got most of the old oil out. It had a bright green tint to it..probably leak detector added at some time.

So the question now is; am I supposed to have had oil throughout the entire system or just in the compressor and accumulator? I have oil in both coils, evap and condenser. Is this okay?

And when I install all the new parts, how much oil should I put in? I will have a vaccum pulled for at least an hour...have a friend whoms vacuum pump I can use.

Thanks,
LannyL81

 

[mikejpss]

Oil is ok

The system is designed to have oil in it, including the evaporator and condensor. The oil flows with the refrigerant. What you see is ok, unless someone overcharged the oil which is very possible. Your best bet is to purge all the old oil out of the system since that oil could contain contaminants too.
For a correct oil charge, you should be able to find that info from the parts dealer who sold you the compressor. You will charge the new compressor with oil, and that oil will flow thru the system once the compressor is running.
Try purging all the old oil out and dont be too concerned about removing 100% of it, just do your best.
If you have use of the vacuum pump, try purging, then a 30 minute vacuum, purge again , etc for as long as you feel you are still removing oil. Buy him a beer for letting you use the vacuum pump.
Hope this helps.