quick question on the STOCK AC. There used to be a thick tar like tape wrapped around the metal AC hose. There is still some remaining in pic below. Is it simply to prevent some of the sweating on that line? Is it really necessary if you live outside of a desert?
The insulation wrap is only necessary for about 3 - 4 inches coming out of the evaporator. The insulation wrap is needed to ensure that the expansion valve bulb senses the temperature of the tubing (same temperature as the freon gas inside the tubing) that is coming out of the suction line as it leaves the evaporator. The bulb then tells the expansion valve to open, close, or remain as is. The expansion valve then regulates the amount of freon that is fed into the evaporator through the liquid line from the compressor.
Your insulation wrap does stop some condensation from dripping, but look at all that isn't insulated. Remove what you have and insulate the 3-4 inches.
The insulation wrap is only necessary for about 3 - 4 inches coming out of the evaporator. The insulation wrap is needed to ensure that the expansion valve bulb senses the temperature of the tubing (same temperature as the freon gas inside the tubing) that is coming out of the suction line as it leaves the evaporator. The bulb then tells the expansion valve to open, close, or remain as is. The expansion valve then regulates the amount of freon that is fed into the evaporator through the liquid line from the compressor.
Your insulation wrap does stop some condensation from dripping, but look at all that isn't insulated. Remove what you have and insulate the 3-4 inches.
What you have is probably sufficient. The sensing bulb just needs to be well insulated. Most of the "old school insulation wrappings" had two layers (due to the overlapping of material).
You could feel for the sensing bulb (through your insulation) and remove your excess back to about an inch after the bulb. Don't allow any part of the bulb or it's attachment brackets to be exposed to the heated engine bay area. Again - the bulb must sense the tube temperature just as it leaves the evaporator- and not part of the engine compartment temp.
thanks much, I'll try to find that sensing bulb and ensure it is covered. You couldn't direct me to a photo of the actual sensing bulb could you? When I got this car essentially the entire a/c line was covered in that sticky tape or foam insulation!?
You can see it near the top left. I believe some aftermarket versions can be more of a tight coil section in the tubing, rather than this fatter end section. Also see UPC C60 Sheet E1 in the 67 AIM, just above the compressor and manifold, although it isn't shown as fully wrapped there.
excellent ill make sure to have it completely covered, thanks so much
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