Ranger 2WD V6-182 3.0L (1995)
Receiver Dryer: Description and Operation
The suction accumulator/drier is mounted on the front of the A/C evaporator core and attaches directly to the outlet tube. A suction service access
gauge port valve is mounted on top of the suction accumulator/drier. Its purpose is to provide service access to the suction side of the refrigeration
system for pressure reading and system diagnosis.
As refrigerant enters the suction accumulator/drier, either when charging or during air conditioning system operation, the liquid portion of the
refrigerant, and the system lubricating oil, fall to the bottom of the accumulator can. A small diameter oil bleed hole, approximately 8mm (3/10 inch)
above the bottom of the can in the J-shaped outlet tube, allows the accumulated heavier liquid refrigerant and oil mixture to re-enter the evaporator to
compressor suction line at a controlled rate. As the heavier liquid refrigeration and oil mixture passes through the small diameter liquid bleed hole, it
has a second opportunity to evaporize and recirculate through the A/C compressor without causing A/C compressor damage due to liquid slugging.
The gaseous portion of the refrigerant is drawn out of the accumulator can at the upper end of the J-shaped tube by compressor suction.
A fine mesh screened filter fits tightly around the oil bleed tube to filter out refrigerant system contaminants to prevent them from plugging the oil
bleed hole.
A desiccant bag is mounted inside the suction accumulator/drier to absorb any moisture which may be in the refrigerant system.
Another fitting on the top of the suction accumulator/drier is used to mount the A/C cycling switch. It has a long travel Schrader-type valve stem core
installed in the fitting opening to prevent refrigerant loss when the A/C cycling switch is removed. Use only the correct service replacement part which
has a standard short travel valve that will prevent the A/C cycling switch from seating when installed, causing refrigerant to leak from the system or
causing damage to the A/C cycling switch.
Replacement of the suction accumulator/drier is necessary any time a major component of the refrigerant system is replaced. A major component
includes A/C condenser core, A/C compressor, A/C evaporator core or a refrigerant hose/line. An A/C evaporator core orifice or 0-ring is not
considered a major component but the A/C evaporator core orifice should be replaced whenever the A/C compressor is replaced for lack of
performance.
In addition to the preceding conditions the suction accumulator/drier should be replaced if one of the following exist:
1.
The suction accumulator/drier is perforated.
2.
The refrigerant system has been opened to the atmosphere for a period of time longer than required to make a minor repair.
3.
There is evidence of moisture in the system such as internal corrosion of metal refrigerant lines or the refrigerant oil is thick and dark. (The
compressor oil may have a dark color while maintaining a normal oil viscosity. This is normal for this A/C compressor because carbon from
the compressor piston rings may discolor the oil.)
