Anyone replace their AC Accumulator/Filter?

[Michael]

I am in the process of replacing my AC Compressor, and the new unit's instructions say to replace the accumulator/filter (that aluminum tank-looking thing that sits near the firewall). I ordered one in from the local auto parts store, and it came in completely different than mine. Mine has the fittings sticking out radially (like spokes), with the big fittings at 12:00 and 6:00 positions, and small schrader valves at 5:00 and 11:00 positions. The "replacement" unit had the outlet port straight out the bottom instead of the top at 6:00. The auto parts store has double checked, and they swear it is the right part which is listed. Has anyone else run into this?

Thanks,
Michael Pliska

 

[denny]

Re: Anyone replace their AC Accumulator/Filter?

I got a replaement from NAPA, like $20 and were in stock. Exact match, I took the old one in.

 

[Loeryder]

Re: Anyone replace their AC Accumulator/Filter?

I replaced mine with a GM part # and it matched perfect.

Also replace the orifice tube, its like $2 and could save your new compressor.

 

[mrweelr]

Re: Anyone replace their AC Accumulator/Filter?

Are you guys still running R12 or have you converted? I'd like to get mine recharged even though it's still blows relatively cold.

 

[sytyguy]

Re: Anyone replace their AC Accumulator/Filter?

Four Seasons
--------------------------
33198 - Rec. Drier - $18.99
38623 - Orifice Tube - $1.99

Any local parts store should have it in stock.

 

[sytyguy]

Re: Anyone replace their AC Accumulator/Filter?

Are you guys still running R12 or have you converted? I'd like to get mine recharged even though it's still blows relatively cold.

You can use Freeze12 (a drop in replacement for R12). Usually costs about $1 more than a can of R134a (despite the fact that it's contents are about 80% R134a). A lot of people will dump R134a on top of R12 without consequence. I've done it, others have too, but do so at your own concern.

 

[mrweelr]

Re: Anyone replace their AC Accumulator/Filter?

Wow, didn't know they had a direct replacement for R12 now. Thanks for the info.

 

[Michael]

Re: Anyone replace their AC Accumulator/Filter?

Thanks for the info!!!

For those of you who have replaced compressors &/or accumulators, did you do a "system flush" with a solvent or external flush system? The instructions with the compressor claim that blowing out with air is not sufficient, but since I am replacing the accumulator there does not seem to be any spot to really trap contaminants. A recent GM service bulletin specifically warns against using a solvent flush.

Thanks,
Michael Pliska

 

[sytyguy]

Re: Anyone replace their AC Accumulator/Filter?

Most AC "Flush" kits are really just a quart of denatured alcohol and adapters. Nuttin special and you can get denatured alcohol at Home Depot for 1/3rd the price. However, a lot of condensors allow oil to settle in the bottom of the condensor, and when trash or flush is introduced to the system, it will (as well) gather below the bottom tube of the condensor and remain in the system despite air trying to push it out. It is NOT advised to attempt a flush on these systems....rather to just replace the condensor, oil the system, and begin recharging.

Observe the location of the bottom tube on this pic of a SyTy condensor.

http://www.tuckerautoparts.com/images/sytycond.jpg

 

[Michael]

Re: Anyone replace their AC Accumulator/Filter?

Crap, I need to replace the condenser too? How much do they sell for?

BTW, the accumulator I described above (definitely the wrong one) was labeled as a Four Seasons P/N 33198 (same one you mentioned above). I assume yours actually had the right ports on it? I am hoping they just had a mislabeled part.

Thanks,
Michael Pliska

 

[sytyguy]

Re: Anyone replace their AC Accumulator/Filter?

Crap, I need to replace the condenser too? How much do they sell for?

BTW, the accumulator I described above (definitely the wrong one) was labeled as a Four Seasons P/N 33198 (same one you mentioned above). I assume yours actually had the right ports on it? I am hoping they just had a mislabeled part.

Thanks,
Michael Pliska

Few people ever replace the condensor. Only if your system has been contaminated would I even consider it. If you're just replacing a few items and recharging the system....I wouldn't worry about the condensor.