DeVille d Elegance V8-4.6L VIN Y (1998)
Accumulator HVAC: Description and Operation
Refrigerant leaving the evaporator flows into the accumulator, which acts as a holding tank and separates any remaining liquid refrigerant from the
vapor. Refrigerant oil also collects in the accumulator. At the bottom of the accumulator is a packet of desiccant, which absorbs and holds any moisture
that may have entered the refrigeration system. This desiccant is specifically designed for R-134a.
Refrigerant exits from the top of the accumulator to insure that no liquid refrigerant enters the compressor An oil bleed hole in the outlet pipe provides a
path for lubricating oil to reach the compressor.
The accumulator is serviced by replacement, but should be replaced when the shell is perforated and a refrigerant leak is found, or if the system has been
open for a prolonged period of time.
Accumulators have metric fittings and are identified by a grove cut into fitting flats.
