AC ACCUMULATOR / DRYER

petek153 · Post by **petek153** » 27 Jul 2006, 09:06

JUST PICKED UP A 96 850 BUT AC WAS BLOWING WARM SO PICKED UP A RECHARGE KIT. WENT TO INSTALL THE 134 GAS BUT COMPRESSOR WOULDN'T CYCLE FOUND LOW PRESSURE SWITCH WOULDN'T ALLOW IT TO COME ON DUE TO NO GAS IN SYSTEM . JUMPERED THE SWITCH TO GET COMPRESSOR ON STARTED FILLING BUT BLEW A HOLE IN BOTTOM OF ACCUM/DRYER LOOSING ALL GAS.IT DID LOOK A LITTLE RUSTY ON BOTTOM, BUT DID I PUMP IN TOO MUCH GAS {WAS ON THE FIRST CAN},OR IS IT BECAUSE I JUMPED OUT THE LOW PRESSURE SWITCH AND IF IT IS BECAUSE OF THE JUMPED SWITCH HOW ELSE COULD YOU GET GAS INTO SYSTEM? HOW HARD IS IT TO REPLACE THE DRYER/ ACCUMULATOR ,SPECIAL TOOLS NEEDED? WHAT THE HECK DID I DO WRONG? MY SERVICE MANUAL DOESN'T REALY GO INTO THE AC SYSTEM MUCH.

Post by **billofdurham** » 27 Jul 2006, 16:01

Check out the Official AC thread at the top of this forum or search for 850 accumulator on this forum.

The job is not as easy as it would appear.

Bill.

turbotim2 · Post by **turbotim2** » 28 Jul 2006, 05:26

Usually when recharging the system, you don't have to jump the pressure switch unless it is bad. After the gas builds up pressure in the system, it will eventually kick the switch and compressor on. You may have overloaded the system by letting the compressor continue to run. The compressor should cycle on and off based on the pressure it is building.

I need to do a dryer and evaporator as well, let us know how you make out.

Adler · Post by **Adler** » 06 Aug 2006, 10:43

Did yours look like mine? I just noticed the puddle of oil on my garage floor and found it to be coming from the dryer. I also recharged my ac last week so I assume that accelerated its failure. Found a new dryer on ebay for $45, should I get that or leave it to my mechanic? I don't know if that one comes with the o rings anyway.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 06 Aug 2006, 11:31

Ask if it comes with the O-rings. I know that I'm up for saving any money, most any way I can when it comes to repairs on my Volvo's, but like Bill said, this isn't as easy as it seems. If your mechanic will allow you to bring in your own parts, and the accum/drier is right, by all means buy it and take it to him. The entire system may need to be purged and PAG oil (Esthers only in our Volvo's) will have to be added in the correct amount too.

petek153 · Post by **petek153** » 15 Aug 2006, 17:00

Just a update on install. Talked myself into doing it last weekend. Had to purchase set of "LISLE" AC/FUEL LINE disconnect tools from sears $10 for the release of ac line once released had to work at getting it to slide off pretty tight fit ,before that had to remove bracket. After releasing quick connect fitting had to work under car to unscrew hose from other port this was almost impossible to get loose had to use two large wrenches with breaker bar. Nut on hose is fixed not free spinning as one would assume,once I broke it free had to spin dryer to unscrew from hose. inside the nut is a o ring replaced with one that came with unit then reassembled had a tough time getting the nut tight enough so other pipe would line up but got it close enough.To get second pipe to latch in, there was a plastic washer on old dryer with 4 little hooks projecting, this is to hold the spring that is on the quick disconnect open enough to install pipe once installed and locked in it poped back out and just rides on the pipe. One everything was put back on it was time to fill and check. Compressor will not cycle without any pressure due to the low pressure switch so i jumped it out put one 12oz can of 134r in and it started to short cycle once switch was plugged back in. Installed second can I believe it was a 22 oz with oil and die along with the 134 and it was done cold air once again

!!! Checked with guage reads proper fill pressure. On a scale of 1-10 i'd say its a 7 not sure if they have special tools for breaking the nut loose but it would be a help took most of the time involved working at it took about 3 hrs start to finish.