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  #1  
Old 06-08-2013, 10:30 PM
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Mounting AC drier upside down?

Is it OK to mount a universal AC drier upside down? That's the only way I would have enough room to mount it on my w108, as the original one had the inlet/outlet at the top and bottom, pointing straight up and down. They are impossible to find now, so I had a shop make a short hose with the 90 degree fitting on one end so I can use a universal drier. The hose has to have enough length to it to make the curve, and then the only way to fit the drier would be upside down.
Thanks,

Csaba
72 280SEL 4.5

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  #2  
Old 06-09-2013, 12:42 AM
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I Google'd it and it looks like they won't work upside down...

Csaba
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  #3  
Old 06-10-2013, 06:56 PM
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The dryer is full of a material that removes water from your system. This is a good thing since only one drop will plug up your system.

In theory it should work in any position, but in reality gravity has a lot to do with the R-12 (or whatever) being exposed to the drying element.

Is there no other place to mount it? You could always add some more hose. I know room is tight on some 108's, but there is a reason you always see these mounted as they are and it is because that is the way they work the best.
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  #4  
Old 06-10-2013, 10:10 PM
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>Is there no other place to mount it?

I played with it some and looks like I can mount it behind the ECU in the front right corner of the engine compartment. I jut need to have the proper hoses made.

I also have a line on one that will fit in the original location, supposed to arrive tomorrow, we'll see!
bye,

Csaba
72 280SEL 4.5
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  #5  
Old 06-12-2013, 12:12 AM
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See if you can PM twinoakschef, he found a source in the DFW for a dryer that worked for his 71 280SEL.
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  #6  
Old 06-12-2013, 02:54 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alabbasi View Post
See if you can PM twinoakschef, he found a source in the DFW for a dryer that worked for his 71 280SEL.
Csaba,

Post up if you find out what it is.

I am curious and needing a solution too.

Thanks!
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  #7  
Old 06-12-2013, 08:18 AM
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There's got to be one here that would work...

http://rayeveritt.com/Driers/Driers.html
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  #8  
Old 06-12-2013, 09:01 AM
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the old VW Jettas mk2 used a drier that appeared to be mounted upside down in the car. Maybe that can work.
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  #9  
Old 06-12-2013, 10:06 AM
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Ya, most dryers have a tube that goes to the bottom as a pickup for liquid refrigerant, so the mounting is important.

-J
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  #10  
Old 06-12-2013, 10:40 PM
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I got the drier today, it is larger diameter than the stock one, and a little shorter, but I think it will work. It has o-ring type ends, but I bought two little adapters that convert it from o-ring to flare fitting.
I will test fit it tomorrow. My invoice did not have a part number on it, but I will call and ask tomorrow .
It also has a port for a pressure switch, which I plan on installing.
bye,

Csaba
72 280SEL 4.5
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  #11  
Old 06-12-2013, 10:44 PM
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This is the company who helped me find the correct fitting A/C dryer. Make sure you /get all of the correct adaptors and fittings. The sales office was very helpful in solving the problem.
http://www.techchoiceparts.com
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  #12  
Old 06-12-2013, 11:55 PM
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Drier

OK, here's a pic of old and new. Will try to fit it tomorrow.

BTW, the high pressure hardline going to the compressor has a bulbous thing in it, it's ~2" diameter and ~5" long cylinder. The hardline goes in one side on top and goes to the compressor from the other side. Any idea what this is and if I can flush this line?
Thanks,

Csaba
72 280SEL 4.5
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Mounting AC drier upside down?-drier.jpg  
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  #13  
Old 06-14-2013, 12:12 AM
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I called them today for the part number and all they'd say is that it's part number 17-0600, and that it fits some kind of big rig, like a Peterbuilt or somesuch.
I'm sure they could order more if I asked...

Have not had time to fit it today, hopefully tomorrow.
bye.

Csaba
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  #14  
Old 06-15-2013, 10:17 PM
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You can NOT mount the drier upside down, sideways or any way other than right side up, or it will not do the job it was designed to do.

Tom
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  #15  
Old 06-16-2013, 11:11 PM
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AC done

I got the drier installed today. I tried on Friday, but realized that the hose's fitting did not have enough threads to work with the o-ring to flare adapter. So I just had a new hose made with an o-ring type fitting on that end ($50). I installed the hose and the drier today. The only problem I had was that the port on the drier for the hi-lo switch is so close to the body of the drier that the side of the switch hit it, so I could not install it.
I forgot to take pics, sorry.

The last big job was to flush the evaporator and I did that today. Wasn't a horrible job, but took 3-4 hours anyways. Once that was done every part of the system was either new (compressor and drier) or flushed.

I pulled 27-29 inHg of vacuum for 4 hours, then charged the system. Then came the disappointment... I am only getting ~60F out of the vents sitting still and ~50F after driving a while (~90F outside).
I put in 3 cans and the pressures were 28/195psi. Maybe it needs more freon? I can't find the spec now, but I thought 3 cans was pretty much right on. I added the last can slowly, watching the temp, and it was not cooling any better when it had less 134a in it.
I will play with it a bit more tomorrow.
bye,

Csaba

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