2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission So who's burned the paint of their AC drier?

[SRadke]

So who's burned the paint off their AC drier?

I've been helping a friend shop for a new (used) truck and the last three we've looked at have all had the paint burned and peeling off the air conditioning driers. For those who don't know the AC drier is the black metal tank in the AC line mounted to the firewall near where the exhaust pipe exits the turbo.



Is this a common thing because it never happed to mine. Inquireing minds want to know.



-Scott

 

[RT66DOC]

Is that the same as the accumulator?



I just had the evaporator core replaced on my '96 and they replaced the "accumulator" at the same time. Looks like a small skinny tank on the pass side firewall. As I recall, the old one looked like it was aluminum or something - any paint on it must have flaked off. The new one is painted gloss black. Maybe the paint flakes off over time because it's perched right next to the exhaust manifold, turbo and downpipe.



The A/C guy said it's common to replace the accumulator when the system is opened up because of all the moisture that's absorbed - especially in a HUMID/MUGGY climate. Is that true or just BS to sell another part?

 

[SRadke]

Yea, that's the same unit. They do need to be replaced when they get water in them and if you're going to open the system up (as you would have to to replace an evaporator core) it's a good idea to replace it too.



I realize it's mounted near the turbo and downpipe but how hot/how long do you have to run your truck to get the paint to burn off? If it's a common thing I won't worry about it but it never happened to mine



-Scott

 

[RT66DOC]

Scott - As you can see from the sig, my truck is a '96. That's the first A/C problem I've had of any kind and over the past 8 years and the A/C has been used almost daily but, after sitting next to the turbo, etc. for those 8 years, I guess I'm not surprised that the paint would deteriorate. I guess if it works OK it doesn't make much difference if it's painted.



BTW, where's DantheMan69GTX when we need him?



Tom

 

[SRadke]

My buddie bought that truck and what do you know, a week later the AC doesn't work. Took it to the shop and they find a pinhole rusted through the drier. Imagine that, undoubtedly caused by having no paint. Something to keep in mind.



-Scott

 

[RT66DOC]

Uh Oh! I think I'm going to call y-knot and have him come down here and make a little heat proof blanket wrap for my BRAND NEW accumulator. Sure bet I'll be watching the paint on that thing now. May even make it a part of the morning preflight along with kicking the tires.

 

[BTowler]

My buddie bought that truck and what do you know, a week later the AC doesn't work. Took it to the shop and they find a pinhole rusted through the drier. Imagine that, undoubtedly caused by having no paint. Something to keep in mind.



-Scott

Accumulators are aluminum, no rust. More likely it was a thin spot that finally went under pressure. Unless of course DC has started using steel for accumulators, wouldn't be the first stupid mistake they've deliberately made!

 

[SRadke]

It may be aluminum. He just called and said it had a hole rusted through. Perhaps I assumed too much with my third hand knowlege.



-Scott

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Hey RT66DOC - here I am.



I've been having "fun" repainting my in-laws truck.



All components will NOT be steel.

Yes, You should replace the drier anytime major work is done on an a/c system. If you replace the compressor - most warranties will be void if you do NOT replace the accumulator at the same time.



FYI both accululators and receiver/driers take moisture out of the system. An accumulator is located AFTER the evaporator to help prevent liquid refrigerant from getting into the compressor and they are found on fixed orifice type systems (like our trucks). A receiver/drier is located before the evap, is typically a LOT smaller and is found on expansion valve type systems (like older dodge trucks).



Dan