Re: [DML] upgrading AC accumulator

[Jake Kamphoefner <jakekamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Kevin,
 
When I was faced with this, I just bought the early-style accumulator and was done with it.  If you want to update the accumulator, you will have to replace the lines --and it doesn't get you the high-pressure switch; that is a separate installation either on the driver's side of the condenser, or near the bottle itself.
 
The circuit for the high pressure switch is simple.  It is on the same loom as the low pressure switch, and you will find a terminating loop in the passenger footwell where the high pressure wiring was later added (you will have to unwrap the wiring slightly to see it).  Adding the wiring for it would simply be feeding the wires through the firewall (same as the low pressure) and connecting it to that loom.
 
However, I have found that the high pressure switch is a nice addition, but really unnecessary.  Under normal operation, the A/C cycles using the low pressure switch only.  The high pressure switch's job is more protection than normal operation: it sits normally closed and will stop the compressor in the event that your high-side pressures get so high that you risk damage to the system, like blowing a hose.  If your system is operating properly, with sufficient air is flowing over the condenser, and no restrictions are in the hoses, the high pressure switch won't do anything for the life of your car.

Jake Kamphoefner
1063 
P.S. - Make sure your evaporator and drain are super-clean also!



----- Original Message ----
From: Kevin Heller <howdyhoho@xxxxxxxxx>
To: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 11:37:41 AM
Subject: [DML] upgrading AC accumulator

I have an earlier style (non-corvette) type AC
accumulator. Since the the system was at atmospheric
pressure (open) when I got the car, I'm considering
replacing this component in an effort to get the AC in
proper working order. Is it possible to update the car
to the newer style accumulator? I imagine I'd have to
get one of John Hervey's longer spliced line hoses,
which is ok because I'm considering replacing the
lines anyway (if they prove to have leaks, otherwise
the cheaper solution is to just replace the old style
accumulator)

But what about the high pressure switch and relief
valve hub assembly I see on the later VINs? There's a
port on the later accumulator for the high pressure
switch, but where would the wiring go? (As far as I
know I only have wiring for a low pressure switch) 

Also, how robust are the evaporator and condenser
coils in our cars? Should I be worried about replacing
them as well or are the hoses and gunk build-up on the
coils a bigger issue?

Thanks,

-Kevin
VIN 2234
. 


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