355 - Recommendation on replacement of A/C receiver/dryer? | FerrariChat
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355 Recommendation on replacement of A/C receiver/dryer?

Discussion in '348/355' started by krazykarguy, Jun 12, 2019.

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  1. krazykarguy

    krazykarguy Formula Junior

    Apr 17, 2014
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    Fort Mill, SC
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    Matt
    #1 krazykarguy, Jun 12, 2019
    Hi all -

    I am curious as to what folks are doing with regards to major services and the A/C system being 'opened' during the procedure.

    When I worked as a parts guy at a Saab dealership, any cars coming in for A/C service would get a new rec/dryer unit in addition to anything else required (i.e. o-rings, lines, hoses, condenser, etc.). This was because it was assumed that the desiccant in the unit was compromised by moisture, especially if it was leaking refrigerant.

    Opening up a 355 system to pull the motor is definitely a 'moisture compromised' system, and with the motor coming out fairly often for the major services, I can't imagine that the receiver/dryer is doing all that much drying. Our car has had the engine out 4 times now.

    Now, I realize that this system has a 'remote' dryer (as opposed to being connected directly to the condenser), so perhaps this is a non-concern on my part. The part is also NLA from Ricambi, so there's that, too.

    Can anyone give some advice on this question?
     
  2. SoCal1

    SoCal1 F1 Veteran
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    #2 SoCal1, Jun 12, 2019
    I replace them, putting one in my 348 now
     
  3. jjtjr

    jjtjr Formula Junior

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    john truskowski
    #3 jjtjr, Jun 13, 2019
    Whenever I open up any AC system, I always cap the connections to stay air tight to prevent any possible air getting in. But I guess you will never know if the previous techs did the same...
     
  4. krazykarguy

    krazykarguy Formula Junior

    Apr 17, 2014
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    #4 krazykarguy, Jun 13, 2019
    The 355 part is NLA, so this isn't really an option. Is there a 'universal' part to use? There really isn't much to it...

    ...or, can you replace the desiccant pack inside of the original one? Maybe with 8 dozen of the tiny ones that come in a new pair of shoes? :D
     
  5. SoCal1

    SoCal1 F1 Veteran
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    #5 SoCal1, Jun 13, 2019

    Yes they are extremely universal, fit hundreds of cars

    Drier 4 Seasons 33363

    You need a test port for the sensor, these work perfect

    1/8" NPT TO 1/4 MALE FLARE Brass Valve Schrader FUEL TEST PORT for Ford Powerstroke diesel
     
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  6. jjtjr

    jjtjr Formula Junior

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    #6 jjtjr, Jun 13, 2019
    I think you can still get one from Superperformance
     
  7. Koenig1

    Koenig1 Formula Junior

    Aug 25, 2016
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    Sandy
    #7 Koenig1, Jun 13, 2019
    krazykarguy likes this.
  8. SoCal1

    SoCal1 F1 Veteran
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    #8 SoCal1, Jun 13, 2019

    Yuup that works also
     
  9. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    #9 f355spider, Jun 13, 2019
    Receiver dryer replacement was done at every major service on my 355 at the dealer. The dealer even replaces it as part of the "2 year service" on my current 430 Scuderia, to include topping up the Freon. It is strange Ferrari sees fit to perform this much service...my AC has never been serviced on my 18 year old BMW and it still blows ice cold.
     
  10. EastMemphis

    EastMemphis Formula 3
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    #10 EastMemphis, Jun 14, 2019
    >> Receiver dryer replacement was done at every major service on my 355 at the dealer.

    That seems like a money maker rather than a required service. Technically, the A/C on these fine cars is no different than that of a Honda. They should last the life of the car with little to no maintenance at all. Then again, the engine doesn't come out of most cars until it reaches the junkyard so if the dealer is required to pull the engine on your car to perform a major service, the A/C system is probably also discharged and that's why your dealer changes the dryer. Not absolutely required but probably a good, safe bet. And a money maker for them too...
     
  11. krazykarguy

    krazykarguy Formula Junior

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    #11 krazykarguy, Jun 14, 2019
    Required? No. However, when the system is opened, the dryer loses a bit of it's effectiveness, which in turn lowers the ability of the system to cool the air. It's not so much a 'money maker' as it is a tool to prevent a comeback on the repair.

    As others have said, there is no way to know how thorough past services have been to 'cap' open lines (if at all). As a fully sealed system normally, these caps are not sufficient - the first thing needed before refilling the refrigerant is to confirm that it will hold a vacuum - i.e. be fully sealed.

    I appreciate the responses above and the rec/dryer from the 'Polar Bear Inc.' company is quite tempting - we have not yet recharged our system following our major in March.
     
  12. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    #12 f355spider, Jun 14, 2019
    I disagree, there is a reason of some sort. The part is $63 and the labor is flat rate for my "2 year service" on my Scuderia, so not like they are making a ton of money on changing it out.
     

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