ac question (receiver drier vs accumulator)
09-08-2005, 11:00 PM
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ac question (receiver drier vs accumulator)
Background:
Okay it still gets above the 100s here in phoenix and the AC on my 1996 bonneville just decided to die. I brought it into the shop and they said the compressor is coming apart and sending metal shavings through the system and so basically they want me to replace the compressor, the receiver drier, and the orfice tube, as well as flushing the system and getting a freon recharge. Thats gonna run around $1000. Now assuming i have a friend who knows how to fix these things and that i'm just going to buy the parts myself, i run into a small problem. All the store i go to (ie autozone, checker) suggest i get an accumulator and make no mention of a receiver drier.
Question:
What is the difference between the receiver drier and the accumulator?
Are they the same part with different names?
Are they two completely seperate and independant parts?
Google and my textbook give me completely conflicting answers. Anyone know for sure?
Okay it still gets above the 100s here in phoenix and the AC on my 1996 bonneville just decided to die. I brought it into the shop and they said the compressor is coming apart and sending metal shavings through the system and so basically they want me to replace the compressor, the receiver drier, and the orfice tube, as well as flushing the system and getting a freon recharge. Thats gonna run around $1000. Now assuming i have a friend who knows how to fix these things and that i'm just going to buy the parts myself, i run into a small problem. All the store i go to (ie autozone, checker) suggest i get an accumulator and make no mention of a receiver drier.
Question:
What is the difference between the receiver drier and the accumulator?
Are they the same part with different names?
Are they two completely seperate and independant parts?
Google and my textbook give me completely conflicting answers. Anyone know for sure?
09-09-2005, 01:49 PM
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Accumulator is on the suction side of the compressor while I believe the receiver is on the discharge side. I believe there is only 2 hoses under the hood. The first is the compressor to condenser and accumulator, and the second is the condenser to evaporator. I bought a new hose which attaches to the compressor for $100 and I believe it will have the orifice and receiver attached to it. Any other opinions?
09-09-2005, 02:18 PM
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We need the A/C experts to chime in, but I am dumb enough to read some info from the 1997 FSM.
FWIW, refrigerant leaving the evaporator flows into the accumulator, which acts as a holding tank and separates any remaining liquid refigerant from the vapor.......It goes on to say the accumulator is serviced as an assembly by replacing it and should only be replaced when it is perforated and a leak has been found OR if the sytem has been open for more than 24 hours.
As for the "drier", no mention of a part called a "drier", just the compressor, discharge line, muffler, condenser, Evaporator, accumulator, then suction line.
I am in Phoenix, too!
FWIW, refrigerant leaving the evaporator flows into the accumulator, which acts as a holding tank and separates any remaining liquid refigerant from the vapor.......It goes on to say the accumulator is serviced as an assembly by replacing it and should only be replaced when it is perforated and a leak has been found OR if the sytem has been open for more than 24 hours.
As for the "drier", no mention of a part called a "drier", just the compressor, discharge line, muffler, condenser, Evaporator, accumulator, then suction line.
I am in Phoenix, too!
09-10-2005, 06:37 PM
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Hello,
They are the same part with a Different name. Sometime ago GM changed the name i do believe. It is highly recommended to change exactly what the shop said to change. You and a friend can do this job and save a bundle. If you can borrow or rent a vacuum when you are doing the change it is higly recommended. Put in the proper amount of pag oil, the receiver drier takes 3.5oz, the compressor " If new " to do it right is like this. Take off the drain plug on the back of the compresor, empty the oil out of it and measure, if the oil that came out of the NEW compressor is more then 1 fluid oz, refill the compressor with the same amount of clean oil, if it is less the 1 fluid oz add 2.fl oz of pag oil. Once the system has been filled with oil and the o-rings have been replaced, the system should be sealed up and ready to vacuum, hook up the vacuum and guages and let the vacuum run for about an HR with the low side port opened, then close the port on your guages, shut off the vaccume and let it sit for anywhere from 1/2 hr to 1 hr to burn off the remainder of the moisture and watch the guages, they should be in the -30hg range, if it holds vacuum then it'* time to put in your freon. Make sure that before you put your freon in that you purge the line so no more air gets in the system. Then sit back and enjoy your ICE COLD AIR!!!
Good luck,
Sellncars
They are the same part with a Different name. Sometime ago GM changed the name i do believe. It is highly recommended to change exactly what the shop said to change. You and a friend can do this job and save a bundle. If you can borrow or rent a vacuum when you are doing the change it is higly recommended. Put in the proper amount of pag oil, the receiver drier takes 3.5oz, the compressor " If new " to do it right is like this. Take off the drain plug on the back of the compresor, empty the oil out of it and measure, if the oil that came out of the NEW compressor is more then 1 fluid oz, refill the compressor with the same amount of clean oil, if it is less the 1 fluid oz add 2.fl oz of pag oil. Once the system has been filled with oil and the o-rings have been replaced, the system should be sealed up and ready to vacuum, hook up the vacuum and guages and let the vacuum run for about an HR with the low side port opened, then close the port on your guages, shut off the vaccume and let it sit for anywhere from 1/2 hr to 1 hr to burn off the remainder of the moisture and watch the guages, they should be in the -30hg range, if it holds vacuum then it'* time to put in your freon. Make sure that before you put your freon in that you purge the line so no more air gets in the system. Then sit back and enjoy your ICE COLD AIR!!!
Good luck,
Sellncars
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