328 expansion valve UK 1989 running R134

I have been reading through all the many threads about the AC expansion valve and I'm unable to be 100 percent certain which is the correct part number I require out of the two or is there a Third?

First we have 38611 and most say 308 for R12 system
Then 38683 (looks like mine?)

So a little background, had my car 6 years now and my AC has never blown out cold air at all, about 4 years back when it was in for a service I asked for them to check it, they said they re charged the system and was all it needed, but weeks later when I finally used it, it never made a slight difference, so like most owners, I'll get around to that later

So today I took my car to a highly recommended auto air con guy, this is his sole business, it's all he does, so knows his stuff.
Now don't you guys get to technical with me as I know nothing about AC.

Just saying what the AC tech said to me.
When he connected his pipes onto the high and low it was showing I had pressure, that's good news

Then he Vac'd the system and re pressurised the system, with no leaks as held rock steady for ages.

Time to start the car up and switch the AC on to max blow and coldest setting, he checks and nothing is getting Cold, the high line should be freezing to the touch but it's like a tiny bit cool only.

After checking all his pressures and remember he's explaining it to ME in basic terms, the LOW side of the AC doesn't seem to have any pressure so it's not circulating round the in a loop (basic terminology)

So he believes I either have a faulty expansion Valve or a blocked pipe somewhere.

And as it's silly season at the moment with everyone wanting there daily runners fixing we will do it later at my home so I can get both rear/front wheel liners off and spare wheel area accessible.

So I know he can make up any length of AC piping he may need onsite but just covering myself by having an Expansion Valve to hand for him if we need it.

SO WHICH ONE DO I ORDER,
Removed all that sticky black stuff and took a couple of pictures for your reference.
Thanks again for your help over the years, it's a great forum because of your knowledge.
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Looking at my picture and the four seasons on, you can just about see two thermocouples (copper wires)
One soldered to the very top of the valve and one coming out at the front, WAYMAR says that is a double signal valve type. So maybe it's 38611 ??

I'll try and clean up more of black sticky stuff off and get a better picture up later.
Thanks again

 

Once again Wayne thanks for taking the trouble and reply in detail, much appreciated.

If it's been modified then can I ask someone to have a look on there 328 and pop up a picture so I have a comparison and maybe my Air Con Tech can put it back to the original state.
That would be greatly appreciated
Cheers all

 

So I just managed to clean off enough of that sticky stuff to trace the pigtail that you needed to know about, It goes onto the evaporator outlet pipe FITTING at the rear (see photo) this is the pipe with the clamp securing the pig tales in place.
So now looking at what I have on my 328 is the exact same part 38611.
Whether that's correct, we need a Picture from some kind 328 owner to post up please

 

Yes looks good

View attachment 449535

 

Sorry dont know what happened just
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Many thanks, be interested if you can tell us if yours is faulty.

 

Thanks for the feedback Joe, cheers
Was the copper pig tale the same as your old or was it a curly tail?

Did you find anything faulty with your old unit or are you just updating the AC system as a maintenance project

 

Let us know how you get on with that Joe, as I'm waiting to do mine at end of year.

Have ordered a new expansion valve and am going to order the Saab 900 dryer unit only as the ones mentioned in the USA don't to be at any UK supplies except at exorbitantly raised prices.
Saab including limit switch £25 bargain ;-)
Will post pics when received
Cheers

 

So have started to attack the system this morning by just removing the Dryer unit, not going to fit anything yet as need to clean out all the lines firstly.
My SAAB 900 dryer replacement next to old one ( looks like a replacement as well) and just look at the sludge coming out of the old dryer, it feels like fine sandpaper in the oil when rubbed between your fingers.

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Just an update,
Took the whole air con system apart today bit by bit, pipe by pipe.
Found the two blockages, the low pressure pipe that attaches onto the expansion valve and the expansion valve itself.
Have ordered some air con flush and will clean out the system properly before fitting new expansion valve and dryer unit.
Then will have it pressure tested/Vac'd and new gas pumped in, can't wait to have cool air⛄️

 

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hope this helps others out

 

Update,
New dryer,new expansion valve, new o rings all round on all hose connectors,
Using an AC pressurised flush for whole system and a more stronger flavour for the condenser the amount of dirt which came out was a lot.
Unfortunately I don't have access to Nitrogen in my man cave/shed you guys have all the best toys.
Just had to use what I can, anyway the system is spotless now, just got to get my mate to Vac the system out and test for leaks and recharge in the next few weeks.
Here are some of the products I used, can highly recommend the Flush, easy DIY.
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