Suction Accumulator-Drier

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1998 Mercury Tracer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Suction accumulator-drier is mounted on right side of firewall. Inlet tube of suction accumulator-drier is attached directly to evaporator core outlet tube.

When refrigerant enters suction accumulator-drier, heavier, oil-laden refrigerant falls to bottom of canister. A small oil bleed hole is located in side of outlet tube near bottom of canister. Bleed hole is covered by a filter and allows heavier liquid refrigerant and oil mixture to enter suction line at a controlled rate. After entering suction line, heavier liquid refrigerant and oil mixture has a second opportunity to vaporize and circulate through compressor without causing damage.

A desiccant bag is mounted inside suction accumulator-drier to absorb any moisture in refrigerant system. A/C cycling switch is mounted on top of canister. A Schrader-type valve stem prevents refrigerant loss when A/C cycling switch is removed.