Air con expansion valve

[Paul C]

Mines knackered and needs changing.

'Removal of the entire dash' means it became a forget it job.

Got a CF sunroof and am actually considering getting the aircon

rad flushed and then integrated into the Chargecooler system.

If there is a trick to getting to this part and you have ACTUALLY

managed to do it, i'd be interested to know, as if it really is a labour

intensive dashboard out job - i'd rather pay the labour plumbing the

rads over instead, (and taking out the 10 ton condensor too!)

Then i'll never have to think about it again

Thanks.

PS, Wayne, i have a Chargecooler don't you know!

[glynherron]

Hi Paul,

Sorry I haven't yet had the pleasure!

What are / were the symptoms of a knackered air con expansion valve?

Cheers

Glyn

Mines knackered and needs changing.

'Removal of the entire dash' means it became a forget it job.

Got a CF sunroof and am actually considering getting the aircon

rad flushed and then integrated into the Chargecooler system.

If there is a trick to getting to this part and you have ACTUALLY

managed to do it, i'd be interested to know, as if it really is a labour

intensive dashboard out job - i'd rather pay the labour plumbing the

rads over instead, (and taking out the 10 ton condensor too!)

Then i'll never have to think about it again 

Thanks.

PS, Wayne, i have a Chargecooler don't you know! 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[WayneB]

We almost went a week without Paul mentioning his Ch*rgecool*r

[Paul C]

Hi Paul,

Sorry I haven't yet had the pleasure!

What are / were the symptoms of a knackered air con expansion valve?

Cheers

Glyn

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Dryer new.

Condenser works.

no leaks.

R134 adapted.

But...

The matrix in the dash (the one they built the whole car around),

has a valve on the side of it (looks like a fridges capillery stat) and

that is stuck shut, so, no flow whatsoever.

V cheap part, fits in the palm of yer hand.

Long gave up on it, just raising it now before i reallly look

into possibly binning the whole system and using it for my

Ch*rgecool*r instead.

What i really want is a story of someone actually having changed

it, been quoted 16 hrs by someone who will not destroy my dash,

and 6 hours by someone who i know will.

[glynherron]

Hiya Paul

How do you know that there is no flow?

If this is what is wrong with mine then I'm up for the challenge!!

Glyn

Dryer new.

Condenser works.

no leaks.

R134 adapted.

But...

The matrix in the dash (the one they built the whole car around),

has a valve on the side of it (looks like a fridges capillery stat) and

that is stuck shut, so, no flow whatsoever.

V cheap part, fits in the palm of yer hand.

Long gave up on it, just raising it now before i reallly look

into possibly binning the whole system and using it for my

Ch*rgecool*r instead.

What i really want is a story of someone actually having changed

it, been quoted 16 hrs by someone who will not destroy my dash,

and 6 hours by someone who i know will.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[Paul C]

Hiya Paul

How do you know that there is no flow?

If this is what is wrong with mine then I'm up for the challenge!!

Glyn

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

God only knows.

Is there a bubbly window somewhere?

I was told.

[pitstoppete]

on top of dryer thingy, next to pressure switch wottsitt, theres da sight glass. bubbles there, not enough jollop in the system etc.

I say fix it. its worth it.

[glynherron]

I found these photos via the US forum

The guy was just replacing the leather on his dash, and so not a full dash pull.

Surely someone must have done this?

http://lotus.kicks-ass.net/gallery/windowdashreplacement

Cheers

Glyn

[x6gas]

I've had the whole dash of my X180 out to recolour it.

Don't see how this will particularly help with getting to the expansion valve though. Sure removing the centre console is a must and that means removing the binnacle, but the rest of the dash covers a steel cross member so you don't gain too much by remving it...

[DAVES_GT3]

I've had the whole dash of my X180 out to recolour it.

Don't see how this will particularly help with getting to the expansion valve though.  Sure removing the centre console is a must and that means removing the binnacle, but the rest of the dash covers a steel cross member so you don't gain too much by remving it...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Boy oh boy what a tedious job removing the dash must have been ian. Do you actually do any work ha ha

posted the manual for you today so it will be with you tomorrow.

im sure you will have fun with it!!

Dave

[Bibs]

Paul - Please see below. This is work carried out by those most qualified to do so on an 87' Turbo as part of a resourcing exercise so can be taken as fact...

The defective part is able to be removed and a new part fitted by lying in the footwell. Removing the seat will make it easier.

The black insulation tape round the valve will have to be removed to get to the fixings.

The system needs to be 'degassed' before any work is carried out.

See Workshop Manual for Refrigerant Handling Precautions.

Knows it

[Paul C]

Paul - Please see below.

Wheres that?

[glynherron]

Just thought I would raise this post to the top of the list to get Bibs attention to Paul C's comments of where Bibs' info is located.

TTFN

Glyn

[Paul C]

Der...

I think he means this 'below'

Will have a look at the weekend, see if i can see it

(or anyone got a picture?) be good if it's that easy

and handy as it's going in the workshop soon anyway

for some other minor bits and bobs (i hope).

The defective part is able to be removed and a new part fitted by lying in the footwell. Removing the seat will make it easier.

The black insulation tape round the valve will have to be removed to get to the fixings.

The system needs to be 'degassed' before any work is carried out.

[jfrazar]

Just Joined saw the listing about the AC exp valve. Just did a complete ac overhaul friday. New Compressor, Exp Valve and Dryer. The Exp valve is right behind the glove box. You can get it out without removing the dash. Slide under on your back with a drop light and remove all of the rubber goo. Take some large wrenches with you and be gentle yet firm. Changed mine in 20 Min. Bought it at napa next door to my dealership. The ac Compressor matched up with a brand new unit and swaped out the end plate of the compressor. The reciever dryer was an easy match as well. I can get the part numbers for all of these if you want them. The Exp valve I bought was the one on Dr. Hess's xref guide. Worked perfect. - I also went back to R-12 - 134a never felt as good as R-12. Also don't forget to flush your lines and condensor and evap. I was shocked at the amount of stuff that came out. Old oil, grime ect.

AC IS NOW SUPER COLD. - Did a full leak test as well and no leaks at all.

Regards,

Joe Frazar

[glynherron]

Also don't forget to flush your lines and condensor and evap.  I was shocked at the amount of stuff that came out.  Old oil, grime ect. 

Hi Joe,

Great result !!

I've heard that the oil in the regrigerant absorbs moisture. Without sounding dumb, what did you use to flush the system out with, and would this be suitable for both R12 and 134a?

Thanks

Glyn

[Paul C]

Just Joined saw the listing about the AC exp valve.  Just did a complete ac overhaul friday.  New Compressor, Exp Valve and Dryer.  The Exp valve is right behind the glove box.  You can get it out without removing the dash.  Slide under on your back with a drop light and remove all of the rubber goo.  Take some large wrenches with you and be gentle yet firm.  Changed mine in 20 Min.  Bought it at napa next door to my dealership.  The ac Compressor matched up with a brand new unit and swaped out the end plate of the compressor.  The reciever dryer was an easy match as well.  I can get the part numbers for all of these if you want them.  The Exp valve I bought was the one on Dr. Hess's xref guide.  Worked perfect.  - I also went back to R-12 - 134a never felt as good as R-12.  Also don't forget to flush your lines and condensor and evap.  I was shocked at the amount of stuff that came out.  Old oil, grime ect. 

AC IS NOW SUPER COLD.  - Did a full leak test as well and no leaks at all.

Regards,

Joe Frazar

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You might just have earned a beer here...

[jfrazar]

I don't know what it was, the local AC parts supplier gave me the stuff. It was clear and was very nasty smelling. He had it in the back in 5 gallon cans.

As a side note I am amazed at how little traffic this web site gets. I have been a huge Porsche and Ferrari fan for years and this is my second Esprit. The first was a 1988 Black over tan. I don't know if you guys frequent Ferrarichat very often but I always find myself defending the Esprit. I have had 2 Testarossas and currently have a 308 GTS. My Ferrari and Porsche budies always love to trade cars for the afternoon and drive my Esprit but are terrified at the idea of owning one. I think we are holders of the BEST BANG for THE BUCK exotics hands down. When ever I have to make a trip the Esprit is always the one that gets to go. Comfortable, Fast, and Reliable. I don't get these guys that always have problems. Just a thought.

[ragingfool35]

I can get the part numbers for all of these if you want them.

Edited October 26, 2005 by ragingfool35

[jfrazar]

Part Numbers were as Follows:

These items were purchased from a local automotive ac only shop.

1. AC Compressor - is a standard Sanden Compressor - I think a model 508. - The End plate on all of his 508 compressors were for o-ring style lines and did not match the Flare type lines I had on my car. We simply swapped out the end plate on my old compressor to the new one. - 6 bolts no big deal. $325.00

2. The invoice lists a "Flare Drier" part # 33318 - I believe it is a 4-Seasons part number that should cross over to other brands. $58.00

The ac Shop could not match the Expansion valve exactly so I came back to the dealership and on my computer looked at Dr Hess xlist.

3. The Expansion Valve - is a NAPA #208587 in stock $56.19.

Still working perfect.

Hope this helps,

Joe Frazar