S-80 A/C expansion valve replacement

haolecrab · Post by **haolecrab** » 02 Aug 2011, 15:00

I just came from an Air Conditioner repair shop and I need to have the expansion valve and evaporator/dryer replace. The A/C does not blow cold air and the tech, who I trust, says there is a blockage in the system and usually it is the expansion valve. Approx. $900.00 parts/labor. Question: Does that seem reasonable? The parts are about $175.00: I am a pretty good mechanic: Can I change it myself and then have the system evacuated/recharged? Where is the valve and is it easy to remove? I have not even looked for it yet, I am assuming it is on the high pressure side. Thanks! 2000 S-80 T6

Post by **jimmy57** » 02 Aug 2011, 15:11

The expansion valve is just inside the firewall. You remove the a/c lines from the expansion valve and then undo the two torx screws and remove expansion valve. Lube o ring with PAG refrigerant oil when you go together.
The receiver drier requires you remove the front bumper cover. That requires pushing the center in on all those plastic retainers across the top front of cover and then drilling the rivets in the front of front wheel openings. The receiver drier is readily accessible to the right of radiator/condenser sandwich.
The problem is getting refrigerant out. It should be evacuated.

haolecrab · Post by **haolecrab** » 03 Aug 2011, 02:10

Still trying to find the expansion valve: Is on the firewall, engine side or in the interior? Left or right side? I followed the a/c lines and they get "lost"! Thanks

Post by **jimmy57** » 03 Aug 2011, 07:10

There is a cover plate where the two a/c lines go into firewall. Remove the cover, remove the lines. The lines attach to the expansion valve. Do you have the part? If not, the EV is a rectangular block with two larger holes and some screw holes. Once lines are tied out of the way then the expansion valve can be removed after removing the screws. I would have a magnet handy if you need it to extract screws.

haolecrab · Post by **haolecrab** » 03 Aug 2011, 14:19

Thanks: I found it! Do the lines pull off the valve after you remove the plastic hold down surrounding the lines? I did not want to force anything. I see what you are referring to to get access to the dryer: The whole front bumper and grill surround facia need to be removed....I I'm going to order the parts today so the job can get done. Thanks for the help. Steve