Air Con: 70: Worrying about Aircon!

[BMT]

Ok so now I'm scared to put my aircon on!!
It works perfectly well but I've read so much in the tech journals & forum I think the next time I put it on it'll go up in a cloud of smoke & metal bits!
Alright you clever people - answer me these questions -
1. Is the accumulator & drier a combined unit or separate?
2. Where are they? Had a nosey round under the bonnet but can't find anything.
3. Is it a DIY job to change it/them or do I need to go to a specialist
Thanks
Brian

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

1. Is the accumulator & drier a combined unit or separate? - Should be seperate units I think...
2. Where are they? Had a nosey round under the bonnet but can't find anything. - Not sure, have yet to see mine..!
3. Is it a DIY job to change it/them or do I need to go to a specialist - given the chemicals involved, and parts/pipes if something goes wrong, I would say see a specialist as they have the tools and equipment to do the job properly..

You should use your AirCon regularly to get the system going, and keep the seals in good condition.
Use for half an hour at least once a week...

Des. . .

[Chris_Rogers]

Originally Posted by BMT

Ok so now I'm scared to put my aircon on!!
It works perfectly well but I've read so much in the tech journals & forum I think the next time I put it on it'll go up in a cloud of smoke & metal bits!
Alright you clever people - answer me these questions -

1. Is the accumulator & drier a combined unit or separate?

It's a combined unit, it's a cylinder about 120mm long and 75 mm diameter located in the engine compartment behind and below the RH headlamp.


2. Where are they? Had a nosey round under the bonnet but can't find anything.

Located in the engine compartment behind and below the RH headlamp.

3. Is it a DIY job to change it/them or do I need to go to a specialist

It's a DIY job if there is no gas in the system, if there is you will need to have it removed and of course vacuumed and regassed afterwards.

Thanks
Brian

I've had an 850 with 150k and a V70 with 138k miles on them and never replaced an accumulator/dryer yet. But I do have the system vac'ed and regased once a year.
Someone was unfortunate but that will always happen.

In my experience (evaporators excepted) most AC problems stem from lack of use and consequent seal leakage, when the gas has gone then wet air can get in. If you think about it how is a pressurised system going to get wet?

My advise is just use it and vac/regas every year or two depending on the leak rate.

[BMT]

Chris
Many thanks for the advice. Have had the car for 2 1/2 yrs - it's a 97 S70R & probably don't use the aircon enough. Will find a specialist to check & poss. re-gas the system
Regards
Brian