A/C accumulator question

in the same boat. Line is twisted, not closed off though just slightly crimped. Would cutting off the dryer save me from having to remove the evaporator?

really not happy with this situation.


bringing back a thread from the dead

I was about to post a thread about this till I seen this thread already exists.
When I put electric fans on my 99 Tahoe I decided to buy a new compressor and I also replaced the orifice tube. The orifice tube was almost clogged. I flushed the AC system and when I was done with the evac and recharge it was cooling better than it ever did since I bought it. But then it started acting like it did with the old compressor. I pulled the new orifice tube out and it was clogged again. If I'm driving it on a trip that last about an hour, it starts out kinda ok then cools great, but on short trips it just doesn't cool good enough. I do believe the accumulator is my problem but I'm having the same problem getting it off. I'm going to try the penetrating oil first then go from there. Wish me luck lol

Carlosthehandyman said:

I flushed the AC system... ...I do believe the accumulator is my problem but I'm having the same problem getting it off.

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How did you flush the system without removing the accumulator/desiccant pouch?

I flushed it the best I could. I couldn't flush the evap core, just condenser and hoses. That's why I think the accumulator is the problem. The bag is ruptured causing my orifice tube to clog. My old compressor didn't come apart or make any noise. I just wanted to install a new one. Hope I answered your question.

If the desiccant ran through the compressor, you'll need another compressor, too.

And the ENTIRE SYSTEM (except for the new accumulator and new compressor) will have to be flushed again.

Depending on the style of condenser, you may have to replace it as well, as flushing may be unreliable.

If this were me, I'd skip the penetrating oil, and go directly to the torch, warming-up the female threads.

Schurkey said:

If the desiccant ran through the compressor, you'll need another compressor, too.

And the ENTIRE SYSTEM (except for the new accumulator and new compressor) will have to be flushed again.

Depending on the style of condenser, you may have to replace it as well, as flushing may be unreliable.

If this were me, I'd skip the penetrating oil, and go directly to the torch, warming-up the female threads.

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I did try to replace the accumulator but when the fitting wouldn't break loose I didn't want to hassle with at the time. I also think the truck has been wrecked before I bought it. The air flow coming out of the vents isn't up to par. The drivers door is out of place and has a air leak at highway speeds. When I work for Auto Nation Chevrolet I ordered a new door seal and hinge. Still have the hinge, didn't know it has to welded on lol Had the tech there replace the hinge pins and bushings for but it didn't stop the wind noise. Guess some day I'll to remove the dash and really check all the ducts and doors are working properly.

Yank the HVAC blower motor out, look at the front face of the evaporator. Common for them to be plugged with leaves, pine needles, and other debris. Restricts air flow through the system.

HVAC blower motor and more removed.

I installed a new blower motor about five years ago and not sure if looked at it then, may have to give that another look. Thanks. The wings on my ignition lock cylinder popped off a couple of years ago, I went to the dealer and bought a new one today and now I have to replace it tomorrow, guess I'll pull the blower motor take a look at then.

Oldblue98 said:

Mine did the same, and it is pretty common.. You can hack saw chunks of it away or use a cutting blade and gently cut chunks out of the accumulator until you get to the threads and you can turn it out, it is not tight that causes it, it is corrosion in the metals that welds it tight. Easy does it, little slices at a time. There is write ups on this on youtube I believe as well as some on here .

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I did the same. But I used a dremel with a cutoff wheel and removed a small strip of metal. It pretty much gave way immediately. Very easy. That was after 30 mins of pain and a twisted line going to the evaporator. No leaks though. In retrospect, should have just left the old accumulator.

sneakingfart said:

I did the same. But I used a dremel with a cutoff wheel and removed a small strip of metal. It pretty much gave way immediately. Very easy. That was after 30 mins of pain and a twisted line going to the evaporator. No leaks though. In retrospect, should have just left the old accumulator.

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Glad you got it, but if not, reusing a accumulator has a high risk of the desiccant bag rupturing then your replacing the whole system