A/C Question

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paclx

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74
Location
Hong Kong
I'm replacing the entire A/C system on my 97 P38 4.6HSE, apart from the evaporator which will be flushed out. I've got all the parts (so I thought) but in removing the pipework I've noticed a valve (or something) on the low side pipe from the compressor to the condenser, which isn't on the replacement pipe I have, but there is the place for it to be attached. I can't find it in the parts catalogue or in the workshop manual.

Anybody have any idea what it is and most of all what's the part number?

Thanks
 

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I'm replacing the entire A/C system on my 97 P38 4.6HSE, apart from the evaporator which will be flushed out. I've got all the parts (so I thought) but in removing the pipework I've noticed a valve (or something) on the low side pipe from the compressor to the condenser, which isn't on the replacement pipe I have, but there is the place for it to be attached. I can't find it in the parts catalogue or in the workshop manual.

Anybody have any idea what it is and most of all what's the part number?

Thanks

Looks like the compressor safety valve. You maybe fitting later pipes were the safety valve is built into the compressor. BTR9229. No longer available.
 
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The pipe is the same, with the receptical for the valve. I just can't find the valve in the parts catalogue. Seems a few components are becoming obsolete. I couldn't even get a genuine condenser........."obsolete". The only OEM I could get was for Gulf States!!!
 
The pipe is the same, with the receptical for the valve. I just can't find the valve in the parts catalogue. Seems a few components are becoming obsolete. I couldn't even get a genuine condenser........."obsolete". The only OEM I could get was for Gulf States!!!

Did you bother to read post #2?
 
Did you bother to read post #2?

Yes, I did bother to read it, thanks. I'm not sure what you are suggesting. I have a later pipe? No, I have a brand new, correct for my vehicle, genuine one which should take the valve. I also have a new, correct for my vehicle, Sedan compressor, the same as the one I've removed. I have no idea if this compressor has the valve built-in, as there is no documentation. I've checked on the Sedan website but can't find any relevant information. Seems a shame to use one old and untested component on a new system.
 

Thanks, but this is not the correct part. I already have this pressure switch.

After further investigation, it seems the part numbers in the catalogue are incorrect. The hose which takes the safety valve is BTR9543, and below it there is the O ring STC3112 and valve BTR9229. However, the change point is MA306723, earlier than my vehicle which is WA383085, and I ordered the corresponding later pipe AWR2676 which does not have a valve below it, just the O ring JUU100100L. The part number on the pack and the tag on the pipe is AWR2676!!! :confused:

I have no idea why the existing pipe is earlier (wrong?).
 
Thanks, but this is not the correct part. I already have this pressure switch.

After further investigation, it seems the part numbers in the catalogue are incorrect. The hose which takes the safety valve is BTR9543, and below it there is the O ring STC3112 and valve BTR9229. However, the change point is MA306723, earlier than my vehicle which is WA383085, and I ordered the corresponding later pipe AWR2676 which does not have a valve below it, just the O ring JUU100100L. The part number on the pack and the tag on the pipe is AWR2676!!! :confused:

I have no idea why the existing pipe is earlier (wrong?).

As said before later compressors (1999 on) have the safety valve built into the outlet on the compressor. Check the part number on your compressor. If it's a later compressor it does not need the valve on the pipe. If it's an early compressor it is needed. Obviously the pipes you are trying to fit are from a 1999 on vehicle. Read RAVE Airconditioning section.

FROM RAVE.

DESCRIPTION
The air conditioning system controls the temperature,
distribution and volume of air supplied to the vehicle
interior. The system is electronically controlled and
features automatic and manual modes of operation,
with separate temperature control of the LH and RH
air outlets. The automatic modes provide optimum
control of the system. The manual modes allow
individual functions of automatic operation to be
overridden to accommodate personal preferences.
The air conditioning system consists of a refrigerant
system and a control system. It also uses the same air
inlet housings and heater unit, and similar distribution
ducts, as the Heating and Ventilation system. See
HEATING AND VENTILATION, Description and
operation.

Refrigerant system
The refrigerant system comprises four major units:
• A compressor.
• A condenser.
• A receiver/ drier.
• An evaporator and thermostatic expansion
valve.
The four units are interconnected by preformed
aluminium and flexible refrigerant pipes routed around
the perimeter of the engine compartment. A pressure
relief valve is incorporated to protect the refrigerant
system from unacceptably high pressure:

• On vehicles up to 99MY, the pressure relief
valve is incorporated in the refrigerant pipe
between the compressor and the
condenser.

• On vehicles from 99MY, the pressure relief
valve is incorporated into the refrigerant
outlet of the compressor.

Compressor
The compressor, a pump specially designed to raise
the pressure of the refrigerant, is mounted on the front
of the engine. The compressor is driven via an
electro-magnetic clutch by a single pulley drive belt
that also serves the other engine ancillaries.
Operation of the clutch is controlled by the ATC ECU.
On vehicles up to 99MY, the compressor incorporates
a thermal cutout switch in the electrical connection to
the clutch.
The compressor draws vaporized refrigerant from the
evaporator. It is compressed with a resulting rise in
temperature and passed on to the condenser as a hot,
high pressure vapour.
Condenser
The condenser is mounted directly in front of the
radiator. It consists of a refrigerant coil mounted in a
series of thin cooling fins to provide the maximum
heat transfer. Air flow across the condenser is induced
by vehicle movement and assisted by two electric fans
attached to the frame of the condenser. The
refrigerant high pressure vapour enters the condenser
inlet midway on the LH side. As the vapour passes
through the condenser coils the air flow, assisted by
the two fans, carries the latent heat away from the
condenser. This induces a change of state resulting in
the refrigerant condensing into a high pressure warm
liquid. From the condenser, the refrigerant continues
to the receiver/ drier.
Receiver/ Drier
This component acts as a reservoir and is used to
hold extra refrigerant until it is needed by the
evaporator. The drier within the receiver unit contains
a filter and dessicant (drying material) which absorb
moisture and prevent dessicant dust from being
carried with the refrigerant into the system.
 
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Yup, got it. But the parts catalogue contradicts the change points for the pipes (which seem to be both the same anyway). Hence the confusion. And the later compressor in the parts catalogue is totally different to the one I have and the one I'm replacing (Sedan 3204E). I need to put something in the opening, so I have no choice but to use the old valve. Shame.
 

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Yup, got it. But the parts catalogue contradicts the change points for the pipes (which seem to be both the same anyway). Hence the confusion. And the later compressor in the parts catalogue is totally different to the one I have and the one I'm replacing (Sedan 3204E). I need to put something in the opening, so I have no choice but to use the old valve. Shame.

If your new compressor does not have the built in safety valve that maybe a good move. Clean it up it should be ok.
 
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