Expansion valve actually bad?


  • Expansion valve actually bad?

    Has anyone actually replaced an expansion valve on a Z31 because it was bad? After all these years I've never seen an AC issue that didn't relate to leaks or vacuum lines. Now I think I may actually have an expansion valve gone south.....I'm shocked.
    http://z31performance.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=147

  • #2
    never on a z31, the compressor would have had to been extremely trashed
    Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a mans character make him a moderator.

  • #3
    I have a new dryer tank if you need one. Cheap.
    Shiro #443


  • #4
    is it possible that the system did have a leak at one point that took a toll on the dryer and depleted the drying capacity of the silica in the dryer over time until it went poo?

    dryer tanks are like 20 bucks, no?

  • #5
    I bought my ac reciever drier for 34 bucks at the local kregan. On courtesy parts it comes with the switch for 90 bucks.

    What are your symptoms? not cooling? does the compressor enguage? does it turn on and off to fast?

    Im currently doing AC work as we speak.
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  • #6
    aceman wrote: never on a z31, the compressor would have had to been extremely trashed
    That's about what I've always thought. Pressures make me think there is a blockage. Since the only place to block anything is going to be the expansion valve or dryer (and the drier is
    http://z31performance.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=147

  • #7
    The drier primarily is meant to absorb moisture and it will absorb all it can untill it restricts as the silica changes. Easiest way to diagnose is with a temp clamp before and after the dryer.

  • #8
    what are your symptoms and pressures?
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  • #9
    You don't need AC, old man 8)

  • #10
    sprtcrazy17 wrote: You don't need AC, old man 8)
    Look here bitch! You're just jealous that all my cars will have AC. How many of your cars have it?
    http://z31performance.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=147

  • #11
    Off topic: I know where you sleep… Please resume now

  • #12
    Do either of your Z31's have AC components? I don't have a working vacuum pump. But a friend of mine does. We can get you going for a minimal fee to him for the pump usage.
    http://z31performance.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=147

  • #13
    eatsricedaily wrote: The drier primarily is meant to absorb moisture and it will absorb all it can untill it restricts as the silica changes. Easiest way to diagnose is with a temp clamp before and after the dryer.
    the drier is a followthrough and will just not hold any more moisture…I highly doubt it will restrict it unless you got metal debris in it from a blown compressor.

    I just did my AC today vac the system and refilled with 2 pounds of r12 and an 2oz of oil and some dye just incase. Replaced the low pressure hose with a rebuilt one, replaced both o-rings, replaced the o-ring at the fire wall and the o-rings at the ac drier.

    Its cold and im happy. $60 for the freon, $35 for reciever drier, $10 o-rings, $50 rebuilt hose.
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  • #14
    Just for the record: Since everyone says you have to pull the dash to work on the AC, you don't. I got the blower housing out last night with nothing more than pull the glove box and ecu. I could pull the evaporator box if the evaporator lines didn't run through both halves.

    I'm hoping to pull the evaporator tonight and will find out if the expansion valve is actually bad. Stupid automatic climate control has an exp valve and a suction throttle valve. New concept to me. I guess they do that so the compressor just runs all the time and pressure is bypassed around the evaporator to control freeze up.

    Auto climate exp valve is very different from manual climate. Only available from Nissan of course.

    Stupid Nissan
    http://z31performance.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=147

  • #15
    Steve, thanks for the info. I was thinking of doing an AC overhaul soon, and had no idea about the auto-climate valves.