I have a 1987 Volvo 240 DL. The mechanic told me that the expansion valve and the drier were bad on the A/C system. I am trying to replace these myself as the price he quoted was quite high. I have taken the panels and the glove box out and I think, I see the Expansion valve under a lot of putty. However, I am not sure. Is there any place that I can get my hands on some drawings/pictures showing the components so I can identify them properly before I take them apart and damage something else? Also, do I need to pull out the evaporator to replace the expansion valve? I would really appreciate any information that anyone can provide re. this.
Have you worked on A/C systems before? It’s not a job for the first-timer.
The expansion valve will be covered in tape or putty. So you’ve found it. Yes. The evaporator and expansion valve are removed together and then the expansion valve is removed from the evaporator.
Tester
Make sure that you have an A/C shop recover the refrigerant before you begin. You should also have them leak test the system, draw a vacuum, and recharge. Even though you are changing the dryer, keep the connection pipes and fittings plugged or covered until the new parts are installed.
Hopefully someone can provide you with a schematic of the parts layout and the disassembly/assembly steps. Alldata has instructions for the receiver/dryer but is mute on the expansion valve. It does look accessible below the HVAC box but looks can be deceiving.
Good luck on this project.
Yes, i am finding that out. No, I haven’t worked on them but am familiar with the theory. That is why I am having trouble identifying components.
This is helpful, at least now I would proceed with caution and see if I can figure out how to pull the Evaporator and not just the expansion valve. Thank you!
Yes, the A/C shop had recovered the refrigerant and they were trying to charge the system but the compressor couldn’t build up any pressure. That is how they figured out about the Expansion valve. I plan to take it back to them to test and recharge after replacing the valve and the drier, that is, if I can get out the old ones. Thanks for the information and the guidance, hopefully, someone can provide some more information about drawings.