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Thermal Expansion Valve Replacement?
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megatalker93
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Jul 11, 2010, 9:58 AM
Post #1 of 6
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Thermal Expansion Valve Replacement?
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I have a 1994 Chevy Beretta with a 2.2l engine. The A/C hose just burst off at the compressor and when the hoses are replaced I'm replacing the receiver drier as well.... and was also recommended that I replace the thermal expansion valve. Before the hose burst everything worked great and since this is such an involved repair as far as getting to the valve I'm wondering if it's even necessary. Does anybody have any input on whether this should REALLY be replaced or not?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jul 11, 2010, 10:07 AM
Post #2 of 6
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Re: Thermal Expansion Valve Replacement?
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I wouldn't replace it yet. You first need to determine if there was an underlying cause of the hose bursting like high pressure. I would replace the hose and the accumulator and see what your pressures are. Make real sure that your cooling fan is working.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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megatalker93
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Jul 11, 2010, 1:52 PM
Post #3 of 6
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Re: Thermal Expansion Valve Replacement?
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I think the last time the system was charged (before I bought the car) was when the previous owner (who didn't take very good care of it at all) changed the a/c compressor on it. When they filled it I don't thing they ever evacuated the system and pulled a vacuum on it... I know for sure that the cooling fan works on it because it's very obvious when it turns on (louder than the engine at idle). The place where the hose broke was actually the metal piece that bolts onto the back of the compressor... it's about 2 inches from where the exhaust pipe connects to the manifold... is it possible that the temperatures could have weakened the metal enough to cause it to crack off like it did? I think that in combination with the air/moisture being in the system from an improper recharge caused this...
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jul 11, 2010, 1:56 PM
Post #4 of 6
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I doubt any of those things caused a metal failure. I would look for a broken motor mount.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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megatalker93
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Jul 12, 2010, 8:25 AM
Post #5 of 6
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Re: Thermal Expansion Valve Replacement?
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All of the motor mounts are fine... I'm still having trouble trying to figure out why it failed like it did... if you think it hit something I'm not sure what it would have hit... where it broke is basically shielded behind the compressor and the exhaust pipe.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jul 13, 2010, 5:26 AM
Post #6 of 6
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Can only guess now but I too doubt compressor's pressure could do that alone. '94 was 134a when new and would have a HPCO (High Pressure Cut Out) mandated and would bet belt would screach over the compressor before it could make enough pressure to break metal line even if that failed.
Can only guess - bad luck, trauma from prior work, or horrors of the oil used PAG having become acidic so bad it's rotting out the whole system but would think weaker parts like condenser would fail first.
BTW - PAG absorbs moisture when exposed too long and becomes acidic. How long if that happened before failures is a guess too.
I think trauma is most likely. You need that part fixed or replaced anyway so cut it open and see what the inside looks like. If rotted this would cost more than the vehicle is worth (probably) over time to correct continued problems or replace all items that carry refrigerant and oil,
T
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