Air Conditioning component replacement advice
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 37
Likes: 3
Air Conditioning component replacement advice
In the process of removing everything from the firewall for cleaning and painting, will remove the evaporator box and check heater core, etc. Question, since I have the POA valve, expansion valve, and water shut off removed and they are a bit of a PITA to get to would it make sense to replace them at this point? Parts are not that expensive but I haven't had any experience with replacement of theses in the past but don't want to spend money foolishly either and quality of replacement parts does concern me a little. Is their a way to test them ? I am no AC expert for sure. Car hasn't been driven much in the last 15 years and the AC did work in the past but so so if you will and I have no way to check it until it put back together at this point. For what it's worth this is what the parts look like
Thanks Ron
Thanks Ron
Pro
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 680
Likes: 5
From: Denham Springs LA
I did this same job on both my 71 and 76, using R12. Both systems cool my cars very well 42f vent temps.
I reused the POA and exp valve. They really don't have any internal parts that wear out. You can test the poa with shop air. I believe with 60 psiat inlet, you should measure 32 psi outlet. Don't quote me on that, go check out ACForum, they have the actual number, write up and pics showing the test.
I did replace the heater valve. You can test it by applying vacuum and watching inside the unit to see if the valve opens and closes. Neither of mine were working.
Take your time, seal erything up good. Make sure you have i nsulation between transmission and tunnel, then add insulation on outside of ac box, next to exhaust manifold. This made a huge difference for my ac system.
Good luck
Roger
I reused the POA and exp valve. They really don't have any internal parts that wear out. You can test the poa with shop air. I believe with 60 psiat inlet, you should measure 32 psi outlet. Don't quote me on that, go check out ACForum, they have the actual number, write up and pics showing the test.
I did replace the heater valve. You can test it by applying vacuum and watching inside the unit to see if the valve opens and closes. Neither of mine were working.
Take your time, seal erything up good. Make sure you have i nsulation between transmission and tunnel, then add insulation on outside of ac box, next to exhaust manifold. This made a huge difference for my ac system.
Good luck
Roger
