OE Accumulator/filter drier insulation from GMT800

[454cid]

The insulation does not effect the systems performance, just keeps water from dripping onto the exhaust causing steam. Otherwise, it looks good.

If it's causing condensation there is heat transfer going on. You want the heat to be absorbed by the evaporator not the engine compartment. I can't see the exhaust being an issue from the standpoint of generating steam.

 

[454cid]

Grabbed a roll of this to try out: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E267JC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That looks pretty good. It reminds me of the stuff that is on one of my hydroboost lines. Pressure washing the engine had ripped the foil off, over the years, but it's all new again because I had to replace the line due to a leak.

 

[koolbreeze]

On my '95, the insulation is in 2 pieces (top and bottom). You clamp the accumulator in the metal clamp that bolts to the firewall before you put the insulation on. The insulation has factory cut outs that allow it slide over the pipes and mounting bracket. There is a plastic clamp that is about 1/2" wide and looks similar to a zip tie (except it is removable) that goes around the insulation to hold it on.

 

[Jared Jackson]

On my '95, the insulation is in 2 pieces (top and bottom). You clamp the accumulator in the metal clamp that bolts to the firewall before you put the insulation on. The insulation has factory cut outs that allow it slide over the pipes and mounting bracket. There is a plastic clamp that is about 1/2" wide and looks similar to a zip tie (except it is removable) that goes around the insulation to hold it on.

which rotted out for me... I looked at this setup again, I don't think I can easily trim the gmt800 insulation to go around the rear of the clamp and still have it lined up to use the holes for the lines... I am not too worried about it, I think having that insulation is better than not having it...

 

[Jared Jackson]

With an understanding that keeping the accumulator insulation in tack will look nice and OE, but it is for condensation. As refrigerant is pumped thru the condenser, you have a high pressure liquid with a reduced temperature. It pass thru an oriface tube the has no control on the amount of refrigerant that floods into the evaporator. Going from a high pressure to a low pressure, then adding heat from the fan blowing warm cabin air across it, will cause the refrigerant to boil. It boils at a low temperature where in the best case, all of it turns to a gas. But liquid still remains under certain circumstances and makes it way into the accumulator. This liquid & gas hits a plastic inverted cones and falls onto the drying agent, with some oil. The accumulator sweats and drips water on the outside, but it's main function is to allow liquid refrigerant t boil off into a gas before it can reach the suction line fitting, then to the compressor. Liquid can't be compressed so an over-filled system can cause compressor damage. So the accumulator is a dryer, reservoir for oil and room for boiling off liquid into a gas. The insulation does not effect the systems performance, just keeps water from dripping onto the exhaust causing steam. Otherwise, it looks good.
Systems that use a thermal expansion valve controls the flow and uses a receiver/dryer...but is used on rear A/C because it is more efficient to boil off refrigerant even with low flow.

Good knowledge to have, thanks! I am not keen on the workings of AC... I generally take my AC issues to a shop and pay the money to have it cold... I will replace all the components if I am rebuilding the system, but as far as charging it... I just always trust someone else, lol.

 

[DallasTahoe]

Good knowledge to have, thanks! I am not keen on the workings of AC... I generally take my AC issues to a shop and pay the money to have it cold... I will replace all the components if I am rebuilding the system, but as far as charging it... I just always trust someone else, lol.

Me too! I’m gonna try your lil trick, makes sense, if it didn’t need insulation they never would have put it on there. Plus since the drier does sweat, and it’s covered by insulation, the insulation will get wet and help to keep it cool. That wrap from Amazon seems high, I’m gonna go to Summit and check out their heat shields and wraps, I was looking at it one day but for something else, it was actually a lot less expensive I think


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[Jared Jackson]

Me too! I’m gonna try your lil trick, makes sense, if it didn’t need insulation they never would have put it on there. Plus since the drier does sweat, and it’s covered by insulation, the insulation will get wet and help to keep it cool. That wrap from Amazon seems high, I’m gonna go to Summit and check out their heat shields and wraps, I was looking at it one day but for something else, it was actually a lot less expensive I think


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Yah, I was just familiar with DEI's products and liked the hook/loop installation in that tight spot. I checked prices and didn't see it a LOT cheaper anywhere else. I stick to Amazon when I can since they always take care of any problems that I have with orders.

 

[koolbreeze]

which rotted out for me... I looked at this setup again, I don't think I can easily trim the gmt800 insulation to go around the rear of the clamp and still have it lined up to use the holes for the lines... I am not too worried about it, I think having that insulation is better than not having it...

You can also buy foam tape with an adhesive backing used to insulate pipes at Home Depot or Lowes. Just be a pain to get off. But I wouldn't worry about it either.

 

[Jared Jackson]

You can also buy foam tape with an adhesive backing used to insulate pipes at Home Depot or Lowes. Just be a pain to get off. But I wouldn't worry about it either.

yah, I bought some. Still have the roll, lol. I am good with what I have now... I will just probably wrap my water heater lines or something just to use the adhesive wrap stuff.

 

[Jared Jackson]

Me too! I’m gonna try your lil trick, makes sense, if it didn’t need insulation they never would have put it on there. Plus since the drier does sweat, and it’s covered by insulation, the insulation will get wet and help to keep it cool. That wrap from Amazon seems high, I’m gonna go to Summit and check out their heat shields and wraps, I was looking at it one day but for something else, it was actually a lot less expensive I think


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Let us know how it works out for you and if you notice a difference.