F 150 2WD Pickup V8-4.6L CNG SOHC VIN 9 (1997)
Accumulator HVAC: Description and Operation
NOTE: Replacement of the suction accumulator/drier is necessary if there is moisture in the system, the system is open for an extended amount of time
or any time a major component is replaced. Major components include:
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A/C compressor.
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A/C condenser core.
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The A/C evaporator core.
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Refrigerant hose/line.
An A/C evaporator core orifice or an O-ring seal are not considered major components.
The suction accumulator/drier is mounted on the A/C accumulator bracket to the RH side in the engine compartment. The inlet tube of the suction
accumulator/drier is attached to the A/C evaporator core outlet tube. The outlet tube of the suction accumulator/drier attaches to the A/C manifold and
tube. A desiccant bag located inside the suction accumulator/drier absorbs any moisture in the refrigerant system.
After entering the inlet of the suction accumulator/drier, heavier oil-laden and liquid refrigerant contacts an internally mounted dome and drips down
onto the bottom of the canister. A small diameter oil bleed hole in the bottom of the vapor return tube allows the accumulated refrigerant and oil mixture
to re-enter the compressor suction line at a controlled rate. A fine-meshed screened filter fits tightly around the bottom of the vapor return tube to filter
out refrigerant system contaminant particles.
