89 TR A/C Expansion valve

Gages indicate bad expansion valve... go to find it.... it's buried up in the bowels under the dash. Looks like a major disassembly just to get at it.
Anyone have experience changing one, and do you have any magic tricks?
Thanks.

 

Dear Ferraristi,

It's all in a black box under the dash. I've been waiting for someone to explain how to get to it myself.



Shamile


Freeze...Miami Vice !

 

Don't change it........reverse flush the AC system it a couple of times to clear it out. I've also done this before........LOL !!! And afterwards....it worked perfectly. It is probably plugged.

You gotta get the dash out as there is no way you can reach it underneath as it is in the very most upper right hand corner of the dash..........and I think to do that, you gotta pull the glass also....major surgery. Someone else will chime in to confirm.

 

I had the same experience a month ago with my '87 TR - the shop diagnosed the problem with the valve and first suggested the reverse flush approach. I saw what was backflushed and that stuff would plug up any air conditioner. The valve replacement / dash removal would have been $$$. I had the car back the next day and the A/C is running cold. Very pleased with the approach and results.

 

Good tip! Gotta remember that one "Reverse Flush" Thanks

 

In addition to flushing the system, the receiver/drier should also be replaced. It is upstream of the expansion valve, and it may be the cause of the the valve being plugged.

For more info on flushing:
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=52375&highlight=tr+expansion+valve

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=58351&highlight=tr+expansion+valve

 

Dear Ferraristi,

No, you don't have to pull the glass. I have a problem with my blower motor and Ferrari quoted me 18 hrs to Re & Re the dash. That's just to get to the box, not the replacement.

The black ( Borletti ) box is directly behind the center vent.

BTW, the Borletti, HVAC box is no longer available. You have to buy a used one....if you can find it.

I know I could do it myself if a fellow fchatter would show the path to enlightenment.


Shamile

Freeze...Miami Vice !

 

In a perfect world you should replace the reciever/drier frequently, every time the system is serviced I think but am not totally sure the interval but it is like the sacreficial oil filter on the engine. THe only problem is that it is a pricey part on a Ferrari but you can get them rebuilt by the A/C parts suppliers for cheap, $70 or so.

 

I don't think you need to use a Ferrari Dryer as long as you have the same ends on it. You have a input and output on the drier. You can find some regular black driers probably at Napa for $35. Or try Vintage Air, who does the Hot rods. They should be changed every time you open the system, not needed when just topping off the system.

 

Dear Ferraristi,

I paid the F pimp for the receiver dryer so it had that all important Ferrari script ( you know, where no one will see it ) It cost me about 85.00 last year. I could not find an alternative one that would work. ....I'm sure there is one out there.


Shamile

Freeze...Miami Vice !

 

Thats not a bad price..considering it came from the extortionist. Hee hee!

 

Thanks to everyone for the info... Will give the flush a try and hope for the best.

 

I hope the reverse flush works for you. I tried it on my 512TR with no good result. Will have to pull the dash and replace the expansion valve.

 

expansion valve replacement is a major dismantling of the dash and theres no quickie tricks to make it less painful.

 

End of story.... the flush worked great! Putting out 53 degree air for two days now.... and it's supposed to hit 97 degrees outside today.
Thanks again for all the input.

 

Glad to hear the theory worked out! (Smile!)