Randy V

(edited to discuss drier desiccant beads rather than material previously suspected as system sealant)

A recent apparent blockage in the expansion valve let to us using a capture machine and emptying the system prior to installing a new valve.

We discovered small 'beads' in the valve and upon further inspection, more small beads in the receiver/dryer (see pic below).

Plan at this point is to use compressed air to attempt to clear these little bastards out.

Any suggestions on how best to proceed?

BigAl1

FWIW - my thought is to break the system down and blow out as individual components (condensor, evap coils, hoses, compressor). I think that would give the most effect from the pressurized air.

SeanR

You're looking at a total tear down and flush Randy. Sorry bud.

BC

The dryer needs to be replaced anyway. As should the expansion.

Lines as well.

Then you clean out the condensor and evaporator. Or some have suggested a "flush".

UncleMaz

This. Also, no flush solution in the compressor or expansion valve, just air in those.

BC

Oh. And what is the flushing liquid?

j.kenzie@sbcglobal.net

Those beads look like desiccant granules that have escaped the drier. Still need tear down and flush.
Good luck
Dave

The Forgotten On

Mineral spirits or some other gentle non water based solvent.

BC

Great point.

Randy V

Well that's what we're trying to avoid.

Will try compressed air section-by-section and hope for the best.

Kinda strange the AC worked for years with these objects in there?

That's interesting - so not 'sealant' as we originally thought? These can escape out of the drier - how?

If that's the case, we may have them localized to the low pressure side of the system.

Mrmerlin

Randy make note of the fact that when using any type of flushing liquid ,
the connections and the lines should be separated then dried out with compressed air then new O rings fitted.

NOTE doing it the other way adding new o rings first then flushing will most probably result in the new o rings swelling and leaking from the flushing fluid

j.kenzie@sbcglobal.net

The granules are often held in a mesh bag in the drier. The bag can degrade. I cut open an old drier once to harvest the mounting ears (another car) and the granules looked just like those pictured. If that is the case for you, it would probably be much easier to remove than sealant (black death) which is designed to stick to certain surfaces.
Good luck,
Dave