Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum

I have a 2004 mustang that I have been modifying for quite some time now, a few months ago I installed a new radiator which obstructed the AC lines path to the condenser so they needed to be disconnect. I would now like to get the AC back by fabricating a few new AC lines, but I have a few questions on that.

The current AC path is as follows:
Evaporator #10 Ford Spring Lock To
Accumulator (pressure switch attached) To
Low Pressure Fill port
Compressor
Muffler
High Pressure switch
High Pressure Fill port
Condenser
Orifice Tube

There are two parts that accomplish this stock:
(Links removed)

The Compressor (Link removed)

I will be needing a new evaporator since the current ones connections are being obstructed, the dimensions are 16"x29". Originally I was going to cut off the fittings on the current one and weld new ones on but I think it would be less of a head ache to get a new one.

My to main problems at the moment are related to the accumulator and the orifice tube. For the accumulator, I replaced it two years ago, however the way it is designed, it has the spring lock fitting built in which directly connects to the evaporator via hardline. I have found that no aftermarket accumulator properly fits into the original accumulators location due to the bend and location of the pressure switch port being very slightly different (I have confirmed this for multiple brands). Due to this the accumulator currently floats ins a very strained way. I would like to address this by replacing it with an aftermarket one and fabricating a new softline. The problem is im failing to find any stand alone accumulators, Im finding plenty of driers but no accumulators. Secondly since my system is regulated with an orifice tube Im not sure on how to address this since it is part of the liquid line which I would be replacing.

Now, my other thoughts would be purchasing a hose and fitting Kit from vintage air which also comes with a dryer, im wondering if a replum the system with a drier instead of an accumulator would it matter (im aware the location in the loop changes)?

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated, please let me know if you need any further information.

To begin, you have a CCOT system, so you can't substitute a R/D for the accumulator. The reason is that under certain operating conditions, the evaporator will have some liquid refrigerant passing through it, and the liquid needs somewhere to go before it reaches the compressor.

That "somewhere" is the accumulator, which holds any liquid refrigerant until it can change into a gas so that the compressor won't try to compress a noncompressible liquid and destroy itself.

I would also eliminate the spring lock couplings.

Spring locks are the most horrible thing ever invented, eliminate them

tbirdtbird wrote: ↑Tue Jul 09, 2024 3:37 pm Spring locks are the most horrible thing ever invented, eliminate them

Right alongside the HR980 compressors.