accumulator valve failure?

[fireguy12117]

has anyone ever heard of the shradder fitting inside the service port, for a lack of better description, exploding? ive got little peices and parts down in there and that is where all my refridgerant has seeped out.

it looks like the only option is to replace the entire accumulator? it doesnt look like the tube portion unscrews and the thread pattern is some random kind i cant match...this royal sucks because its so damn hot and humid out right now.

 

[MAKG]

Yes, I've seen those die. You can buy replacements very cheaply. They come out just like tire stem valves (even with the same tool).

But you need to replace the accumulator anyway, and suck a vacuum, and recharge, or it's not going to work very well. Now is a good time for an R-134a retrofit.

 

[fireguy12117]

i know there are those 134 recharge kits with just the hose, thats what ive used before. is there a kit for pulling the vacuum and recharging? its a 98, isnt that already a 134 system?

i did order up another accumulator. i couldnt get the peices out, or get anything to budge down in there so i figured i was screwed.

 

[AllanD]

Just because the referigerant has leaked out doesn't mean that air
(or water vapor) has leaked in.

You don't necissarily need anything sophisticated to pump the AC system down
just a vacuum pump and the correct fittings, but that is beyond the means
of most people....

BTW, if you do have a vacuum pump and patience you don't need to replace
a saturated receiver drier.

Pump the system down and drive the truck, then after you get home on your evening commute (while it's still hot) pump it down again.

Repeat this process until you find the system under a "Good" vacuum (>25in/Hg)
then charge normally.

If you are a real tinkerer you can remove the receiver drier from the vehicle plug the ports with specifically made plugs and while it is attached via a longish heat resistant hols hook it up to a vacuum pump while you "bake" it in an electric oven at 200-250degrees.

Trust me it'll get real dry inside.

Though the possibility that the receiver drier has aqured a rust hole from condensation that collects between the foam cover and the metal housing is a seperate issue.

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