Expansion device questions

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by jh, Nov 3, 2010.

  1. jh

    jh Guest

    I have a 94 Plymouth Voyager and would like some information about the
    AC expansion device. It has a power head (control diaphragm) but no
    external bulb so I assume it is a TXV or AXV. It also has two
    electrical connections, one with 3 wires and one with two. The two
    wire connection appears to be a normally closed limit switch of some
    type which is in the path of the control signal ground which controls
    the clutch. I put a meter on the two terminal device and it never
    opens but something in the control path causes my clutch to disengage
    when I raise the engine speed up to normal operating range. So I have
    a few questions.

    What is the function of the 3 wire connection on the expansion
    device?

    Where is the temperature sensor that tells the clutch to disengage
    when the evaporator is cold enough? Is it within the expansion device?

    What temperature (or pressure) is normal for this 134A based
    evaporator? When the mechanic had his gauge on it the low side was
    reading in the 20-28 PSI range, dropping when the engine speed is
    raised. From a TP chart I see that this is 22 – 32F which seems too
    cold to allow condensate to drain off.

    Since I am not sure about the expansion device I am guessing about
    things. If the temp sensor is in the expansion device and the system
    is undercharged enough there would only be flash gas downstream of the
    expansion device and no liquid thus maybe making it cold enough to
    shut off the clutch.

    My mechanic had the system open when changing out my heater core and
    working on the damper controls so he is trying to get it going again.
    I am in VA and my gauges and tools are still in TX so I can’t do too
    much but speculate without a schematic and maybe some info on the
    expansion device.

    Thanks,
    jvh
     
    jh, Nov 3, 2010
    #1
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