AC toyota camry 2003

[AHB]

Hello
This is my first participation ( lets say first problem) :cheer:

I have replaced the AC evaporator , condenser and expansion valve of my brothers car ( camry 2003). Both the evaporator and the condenser were leaking .

Now when I drive it for a long distance the evaporator freezes . The compressor engages and disengages normally.
What might be the cause
Thanks

Topic

[college man]

Hard to say without seeing. Sounds either overcharged or
undercharged. Next time it happens look at the suction line
under the hood. If the line is icing your over charged.

http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-hvac-problems

[AHB]

Actually I charged it at 37 C , fan Max speed , Idle rpm

Hight pressure line was 230
Low pressure line reaches 40

Once radiator fans turn on the HI side becomes 200 and Low sides becomes 35 Psi

[Bill]

Either an overcharge or a defective expansion valve would be my guess. If the low side only goes to 35f it shouldn’t freeze however.

[AHB]

Is there any way to test the expansion valve without removing it.
To replace the expansion valve I have to disassemble the dashboard :ohmy: that is very bad.

Could excessive oil cause such problem. I remember that I added 50 ml of PAG oil

Thank you

[EricTheCarGuy]

Excessive oil can cause issues but I don’t know about freezing.

I don’t think you need to remove the dash to get to the expansion valve. It was likely fastened to the evaporator when you took it out. That said, if it was not installed on the new evaporator correctly, then this might be the issue. I believe there should be a sensing bulb that should be placed on one of the lines coming out of the evaporator. This helps regulate it’s operation.

I believe there should also be an electrical sensor placed in the evaporator fins that helps regulate it’s temperature. If that was not placed properly this might also contribute to the problem.

More info at the article College man posted.

Keep us updated on your progress.

[AHB]

Hello.
The expansion valve had no bulb.It looks like this

Here the AC ASSY from service manual

I forgot two things ( I’m sorry) :

1-there is a strange smell when Ac fan in position 1 it disappears when I increase the fan speed . I don’t think it is refrigerant odor , because I had evaporator leak before in my Nissan Versa the odor is different.

2- I covered the low pressure line with foam pipe insulator similar to what is used to insulate home AC split unit. ( I did the same with my nissan versa after replacing the evaporator.I have not had any problem)

today I will remove that insulator from the low pressure line and take it for a drive. I Hope this is the cause.All parts were OEM , that was really expensive

Attachments:

• ACASSY.jpg

[AHB]

Hello

I drove the car for a long trip, the evaporator freezed again. Opened the hood, saw expansion valve suction line frosted.

I decided to add more refrigrant. Ambient Temp was 40 C ( this at night :woohoo: ) ، All windows were down , 1500 rpm , AC fan Max.

The pressure readings

Low pressure 28
High pressure 260-280

I took it for another trip, the problem was solved.

[college man]

Glad you got it. 🙂

[Author]

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