Air con help please

Peter, it is the Receiver-Drier which acts as filter and absorbs unwanted moisture if present in your A/C system. It can be mounted anywhere on the high-pressure side. I have moved mine in front of the Right rear Wheel behind the Splashield. It is a service part and need to be changed frequently, at least every time your system has been exposed to atmospheric pressure/air. You can use any Universal filter provided the connections are the same. i.e. O-ring or Flare.

I am not sure if you can find a replacement Filter that screws into the Block on the Photo you attached. But never say never

One thing the Panteras Aircon lacks is a pressure Switch that serves as a protection for the Compressor. Many filter has an option to screw one on the Filter directly. electrically it is connected in series with the Compressor clutch and If system has low pressure it isolates the Compressor and prevent it from damage. Same for overpressure, usually the range is 2-30bar so anything above or below will shut it down.

Thank you for the explanation, I will try and get it unscrewed and then see what our local A?C people can do for me.

We have very few days here when you need an A/C
system but when you do it would be a boon certainly. Looks like I need a bit more advice from the experts!!

Your unit could perhaps be opened, but replacing the desiccant is not something regularly done.

They are quite inexpensive when sourced from a general AC parts supplier.

Larry

quote:

Originally posted by LF - TP 2511:
Your unit could perhaps be opened, but replacing the desiccant is not something regularly done.
Larry

Larry, unfortunately you are right that it is not something regularly done. However that does not mean that it shouldn't be. At least when the System has been opened and exposed to Atmospheric Air it is highly recommended if not required as it only has the ability to absorb a limited amount of moisture. It is as you say a fairly cheap part and it is often a part that is neglected due to People not being aware of the importance of its vital functions. It is cheap Insurance for a well functioning A/C and it protects the circuit from moisture that degrades the efficiency amongst other problems. If in doubt "change it"

I also attached a Link that describes the importance. Btw I am not a Salesman of Filters I just do a bit of A/C work.

https://macsworldwide.wordpres...your-cars-ac-system/

By my statement that replacing dessicant is not regularly done I meant opening the drier container and replacing the desiccant bag is something not regularly done. Service by an AC mechanic would (should) always see a new desiccant bag or complete unit, depending on the available options.

I know compressed air driers often allow replacement of the desiccant beads/material, and I believe larger AC systems sometimes are designed for just replacement of the desiccant, but not its container. Some newer automotive driers do offer this approach, but our older driers????

Yes, of course when opening an AC system, one should ALWAYS replace the drier.

For $15, it is a no-brainer.

Larry

You can also get different types of dessicant materials to lower the dew points. activated alumina

Peter,

Are you staying with R12 refrigerant or moving to R134a?

Julian

Peter, I would recommend you to go with R134a since R12 is really becoming difficult to find in Europe

If you follow this advise and you are reusing your old Compressor just make sure to have it completely drained for Oil and use the appropriate Oil that is compatible with R134a. Let me know if you need any help sorting it out

Jan