What receiver-dryer should 2638 have? Also, AC question.

[DeLorean]

So I an looking to replace the receiver dryer & orifice tube on 2638, - I have the early type receiver dryer with the outlet on the bottom of the unit. Should I replace this unit with the same type unit (special-T auto has it for $100) - or is there something else I can do that is an upgrade? Also, where is the orifice tube located on my car?

Oh, also seems like my selector switch is leaking... I guess I should replace this while I'm at it.

[sdg3205]

I just replaced these. If you replace with a DMC unit, you'll need an adapter hose. The orifice tube is located between the condenser and the evaporator line, so if you unscrew the hose that runs to the evaporator (usually right up close to the left (rear) side of the dryer you'll see it poking out.

[Nicholas R]

If you change out the low pressure AC line, you can get the late style hose and use the late style accumulator. Something to consider if you think you may be replacing your lines in the future.

I did this last summer on 1643. During my second evaporator replacement (some evaporators aren't as good as others), I was also changing both of the AC lines. I knew I also wanted to replace the accumulator so I went with the late style. The old style accumulator is very expensive and hard to come by. The new style is cheep and is available at autozone if you know how to ask for it.

A/C accumulator from a 1986 Corvette:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...3220_146681_0_


I believe you also use the same vehicle to buy low pressure switches at autozone:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...7503_311178_0_


Orfice tubes:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...7826_270296_0_


And variable orfice tubes:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...0751_270315_0_

[DeLorean]

Ok, so in order to use the A/C accumulator from a 1986 Corvette, I need to change the low pressure hose. Which one do I need to use from what vender, this one?

http://www.specialtauto.com/delorean...b-assembly.jpg

and then It should work? The set up I have looks exactly like this-



but adding the AC hub assembly will I end up with 2 low pressure switches, or is it a high pressure / low pressure switch now, and I need to re-wire from the existing switch? Also, will I need to replace all the other hoses too or are the fittings the same? Also, split Vs continuous hoses?

[jawn101]

Ok, so in order to use the A/C accumulator from a 1986 Corvette, I need to change the low pressure hose. Which one do I need to use from what vender, this one?

http://www.specialtauto.com/delorean...b-assembly.jpg

and then It should work? The set up I have looks exactly like this-



but adding the AC hub assembly will I end up with 2 low pressure switches, or is it a high pressure / low pressure switch now, and I need to re-wire from the existing switch? Also, will I need to replace all the other hoses too or are the fittings the same? Also, split Vs continuous hoses?

Adding the hub will give you a high and a low pressure switch. Wiring changes are minimal I think, you just have to hook the same connector to both switches and they handle the rest, just measuring pressure and opening the circuit if it goes out of spec. I don't know for sure if there is a loose connector in the harness or if you have to make your own jumper.

Split hoses unless you want to lift the body off the frame. That vendor's hoses are very nice quality.

The hub assembly isn't part of the hose that needs to be replaced to accomodate the new accumulator. If you're doing one I'd just do all three since the system will be open anyway and it will save you the trouble down the line if you decide you need the others for some reason. You need to replace the line from the compressor to the accumulator to accomodate the new style. Then you have one from the compressor to the condenser, and the short one from the condenser to the evaporator. I don't recall 100% but I think the hub assembly hose replaces the hose from the condenser to evaporator, which isn't *required* for your accumulator replacement. But it might be a good idea. I didn't add one when I did my system and I wish I had, just for the peace of mind of having a high pressure switch.

Look at the parts diagram: http://specialtauto.com/delorean-par...s/ac-parts.jpg

Also: I don't mean to start another holy war on A/C hose replacement. Replace what you think you need to. But the fact is that the single old hose won't fit the new style accumulator. If you think your hoses are good you will probably save money just buying a replacement old-style accumulator. Why are you replacing just the accumulator, anyway?

[DMC-81]

Ok, so in order to use the A/C accumulator from a 1986 Corvette, I need to change the low pressure hose. Which one do I need to use from what vender, this one?

http://www.specialtauto.com/delorean...b-assembly.jpg

and then It should work? The set up I have looks exactly like this-



but adding the AC hub assembly will I end up with 2 low pressure switches, or is it a high pressure / low pressure switch now, and I need to re-wire from the existing switch? Also, will I need to replace all the other hoses too or are the fittings the same? Also, split Vs continuous hoses?

As I read this informative thread, I have a question: Is it only Special-T/DAP that has the earlier accumulator? If so, does it cross to another application (like the later one does to the Corvette), or is it either old stock or another unit that Hervey has modified to fit? In any case, for anyone who has bought it, does it fit? How do you like it? Any problems? Etc.


Thanks!

[Andrew]

As I read this informative thread, I have a question: Is it only Special-T/DAP that has the earlier accumulator? If so, does it cross to another application (like the later one does to the Corvette), or is it either old stock or another unit that Hervey has modified to fit? In any case, for anyone who has bought it, does it fit? How do you like it? Any problems? Etc.


Thanks!

Never underestimate the power of cross referencing the old fashoned way, either take a trip to the local auto parts store and ask to look at their Four Seasons Accumulator catalog and compare the accumulator pictures to the early vin DMC accumulator. In the alternative, you could download the Four Seasons catalog. This was how I Confirmed that the Four Seasons 33186 was an exact match for the later style accumulator (it crosses to a 1988 Olds Firenza). The Corvette accumulator places the low side hose way too close to the wheel.

For the low vin app, you may want to look at the accumulator for a 1983 Olds Toronado. Some of them use a interchangable outlet on the bottom, thus you would need to find the correct outlet pipe for the DeLorean.

[bfloyd]

If I'm going to invest this much into the AC system, I'd like to protect that investment as much as possible if I can.

Is the connector to the HP switch available separately? How would one wire the new connection up and fabricate a new harness?

I just got through doing this exact same thing on my car earlier this week. Installing the connection for the high pressure switch at the base of the condenser is VERY easy.
At the low pressure switch harness (behind the passenger side front tire) there are 4 wires going into the connector for the low pressure switch. One side of the connector has 3 wires, the other side of the connector has one wire. Cut the side with one wire and connect accordingly to the diagram shown below.

[DMC-81]

Never underestimate the power of cross referencing the old fashoned way, either take a trip to the local auto parts store and ask to look at their Four Seasons Accumulator catalog and compare the accumulator pictures to the early vin DMC accumulator. In the alternative, you could download the Four Seasons catalog. This was how I Confirmed that the Four Seasons 33186 was an exact match for the later style accumulator (it crosses to a 1988 Olds Firenza). The Corvette accumulator places the low side hose way too close to the wheel.

For the low vin app, you may want to look at the accumulator for a 1983 Olds Toronado. Some of them use a interchangable outlet on the bottom, thus you would need to find the correct outlet pipe for the DeLorean.

Thanks Andrew. I looked at the Toronado unit and it doesn't look the same.. as far as the bottom tube being welded on. I'll keep researching.

Really, I don't mind paying a vendor for a quality product, so I wonder if Hervey's is a new cross reference unit that is the same as the early VIN unit, or if it is one that he engineered to fit. Does anyone who bought one know? Is it exactly the unit pictured on his website?

Here's why I'm asking. Below is an RPM relay that I bought soon after I got my car. After I got it, I discovered that he engineered it to let the heat escape....

image.jpg

I kid you not. This modification wasn't pictured on his website. It looks like it suffered an alien probe. It worked, but it wasn't exactly concourse! I wouldn't want to order the accumulator and have to through the hassle of returning it.

I just got through doing this exact same thing on my car earlier this week. Installing the connection for the high pressure switch at the base of the condenser is VERY easy.
At the low pressure switch harness (behind the passenger side front tire) there are 4 wires going into the connector for the low pressure switch. One side of the connector has 3 wires, the other side of the connector has one wire. Cut the side with one wire and connect accordingly to the diagram shown below.

Thanks for the great info Barry. I too have a very early VIN without the high pressure switch. I'm going to add one for safety as part of my AC recommissioning.

Question for anyone who knows: I see that DMC has the wire harness for the HPS. I wonder if some of the cars without one have the provision on the harness to plug it in? The reason I ask is I see this connector in the passenger side footwell...

image.jpg

Currently it seems to be bypassed. Is this perhaps where you connect the HPS harness?

Thanks!

[DMC-81]

Never underestimate the power of cross referencing the old fashoned way, either take a trip to the local auto parts store and ask to look at their Four Seasons Accumulator catalog and compare the accumulator pictures to the early vin DMC accumulator. In the alternative, you could download the Four Seasons catalog. This was how I Confirmed that the Four Seasons 33186 was an exact match for the later style accumulator (it crosses to a 1988 Olds Firenza). The Corvette accumulator places the low side hose way too close to the wheel.

For the low vin app, you may want to look at the accumulator for a 1983 Olds Toronado. Some of them use a interchangable outlet on the bottom, thus you would need to find the correct outlet pipe for the DeLorean.

So, I have combed the catalogs of a few manufacturers, and I found 33204 from Four Seasons to be the approximate dimensions (very close or exact at first pass), and switch placement of the original low vin accumulator. As a bonus, it's around $21.

image.jpeg

What do you think? Is it a match?

So, like Andrew said, I would just need to figure out the bottom tube. I see part 34208 which I suppose can be cut to the right length and re-flared it with a 3/4" tool, depending on the type of flare.

Question: does anyone know the type of flare that the bottom of the low vin unit has, where it connects to the hose? A picture would be fabulous. Is it one of these two types:

A)
image.jpeg

B)
image.jpeg

By the way, I called DAP and like Brandon said, they don't sell the low vin version anymore. John said that he had a major Dallas AC manufacturer make them. So I guess this avenue is my only viable shot to keep it somewhat original.

Thanks for your help.