New A/C components - what should I replace? (1 Viewer)

[Walking Eagle]

So this past Sunday, I stood the Lexus up on it's front bumper on a rock. Got a nice 134a plume as the drier vented the a/c system. So I need to replace the drier, and I'm not 100% sure, but I may also need to replace some hoses. The question is, what else should I maintain while I'm at it. I searched the forum and found these alternate condensers that I'd thought of adding some day, and while the system is empty sure seems like a good day. Seems the system would also bennifit from a slightly larger condenser.

http://www.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=01&Category_Code=Parallel

Anything else I should do while I'm at it? Expansion valve?

Is it possible to have custom tubes bent up to put the drier behind the headlight so I don't risk doing this again - though a bumper to protect it is in the works, any additional safety margin is a good thing right?

Also, guy at work said something about there being a better than 134a refrigerant, anyone know anything about this?

TIA -

Heath

 

[KliersLC]

Definitely an expansion valve, I have also heard of different refrigerants, but I'd stick with 134a simply because it works just fine, everybody has it, and it is cheap.

You might remove your condenser and powerwash it if you aren't going to go with the bigger one...

IIRC Eric had a compressor go out him, so maybe a compressor rebuild might be worthwhile depending on your mileage, but I don't know what all is involved with that.

 

[Scamper]

If all you did was trash the drier, then just replace the drier. If you want to relocate it to the battery box, that's been done--you should be able to do a search for that, but it basically entails some custom hard lines and isn't hard to do IIRC.

To start replacing a perfectly good condenser and expansion valve (assuming they're good) is going to cost you some change and a bit of work; I wouldn't do it just because the system is empty unless you have other problems.

 

[CJF]

If all you did was trash the drier, then just replace the drier.

I agree; drier and any damaged pipes/fittings.

This doesn't sound like an "As long as you're in there..." situation to me.

Curtis

 

[KliersLC]

OTOH, the expansion valve isn't very expensive and is critical to AC operation. Depending on his mileage, it may be a good idea to replace it.

Edit: If his expansion valve goes south, then he will have to get another new dryer. best to replace it while you have it apart

 

[Walking Eagle]

OTOH, the expansion valve isn't very expensive and is critical to AC operation. Depending on his mileage, it may be a good idea to replace it.

Edit: If his expansion valve goes south, then he will have to get another new dryer. best to replace it while you have it apart

His mileage is 190,000!

this site drier is only $25, and another $17 for expansion valve

http://store.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=01&Category_Code=Toyota97LandCruiser4-5

toyota of dallas is $30 and $51 (wonder why so much on the expansion valve?)

Autozone is $23 and $56 or $35 for the valve depending on which one you get from them.



Interestingly, I posted some questions here

http://www.autoacforum.com/messageview.cfm?catid=2&threadid=17164

and got this response from one of the senior moderators

"You can leave the drier where it is, just go buy a protection plate from http://www.sleeoffroad.com

Increasing condensor size on these won't improve performance any. The one you have in there is the same as used on dual systems, the limiting factor is the single evaporator and weedy blower."

I guess what I found interesting is that the condensor is the same size as on the dual air systems and the weedly blower being a limiting factor. Which there is a thread about putting a Denali blower motor on and getting better performance, so maybe that'll be something I look at when the temps climb into the 100's again.

Course, I also thought it interesting they knew of Slee, so perhaps this person does know 80 series.

 

[sleeoffroad]

Some info if you want to get it out of the way.

http://www.yourlandcruiser.com/projects/acrelocation/acdryerrelo.htm

 

[adventr]

Ouch, sorry to hear about the damage. I almost made it over to Disney, but with my alternator acting up, I didn't want it to leave me stranded.

I ended up getting the alternator replaced though, and am ready to roll.

Let me know if you need any help with the A/C stuff.

-Tim