Hey guys,

1994 Dodge Ram Van B350 Xplorer Camper Conversion - 5.7L Auto

I know the first thing I should be doing is the STFF but I'm starting from scratch on this recently purchased 1994 Ram Van and while waiting for my factory service manual to arrive, I'm hoping I could get some insight into what this thing is in the front top-passenger side corner of the engine bay. Hopefully its not an urgent issue...

It seems to be leaking oil, or accumulating oil form a leak in that area.

Any ideas?

Thanks so much for any input!!! I'm looking forward to getting more involved with this community and making some contributions along the way.

 

That's the A/C expansion valve/dryer and that is PAG oil you're looking at. It time to replace it along with it's o-rings. Rockauto has the parts if your local auto stores do not.

 

alloro,

Thanks for pointing out what it is AND what the problem likely is!

Just to clarify, I would likely only replace the oil and o-rings, not the A/C expansion valve/dryer itself (unless cracked), right?

Man, I'm glad I found this forum.

 

Yep, just replace the o-rings. Keep the H-block and give it a good cleaning with anything that will not be corrosive nor leaves a residue.

First, attach an AC low side pressure gauge to see if there is any pressure in the system. If you back off that bolt, "hell will freeze over" effect will happen on anything nearby. If your fingers, you would experience sever frost bite.

 

For future reference that spot is considered to be the right front of the van. When you describe the location of items on any vehicle you do it from the vantage point of sitting in the driver's seat looking out the front window. Good luck with your A/C repair.

 

Doh, thanks for clarifying the point of reference Rusty93RamVan.

alloro, can you elaborate a bit on this. I have a FSM (not sure if this process is detailed in there) so I'd really appreciate it if could explain this to a dummy so I know what I'm getting myself into. I've had my share of DIY repairs, but I have zero experience working auto A/Cs.

"First, attach an AC low side pressure gauge [i'll probably pick this up]to see if there is any pressure in the system. "

1. What if there's pressure in the system? I assume I need to remove pressure from the A/C expansion valve/dryer.

2. Does this mean I have to remove refrigerant?

3. Expanding on the previous question, is there a way to remove pressure from the A/C expansion valve/dryer itself without removing the refrigerant from the whole system?

4. Does this mean I'll have to add refrigerant back into the system once I'm finished making the repair?

5. Lastly AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, if I put this repair off for a bit do I risk damaging the compressor and/or other HVAC components if I continue driving the van?

On the surface, this seems like a fairly simple repair but maybe I'm over my head.

I appreciate any guidance!!!

 

Did you read the reviews of that product! YIKES. The ***** break off.

 

Honestly I didnt even read the reviews. I just wanted to link to a gauage I thought was the right kind in case I was heading in the wrong direction. Turns out a coworker has a quality one I can borrow.

At any rate while I appreciate the heads up, I am FAR more interested in some direction on the 5 questions/concerns I have about the actual repair.

 

1 yes
2 yes
3 no
4 yes
5 yes (the AC coolant/refrigerant contains compressor oil. No oil, the compressor can seize)

 

1 Yes
2 Yes
3 No
4 Yes, if you want the A/C to work...No if you don't.
5 No, because the low pressure cut-off switch will not let the compressor engage when the refrigerant level drops too low. If you're worried about it you can unplug the 2-wire connector from the compressor and it will never turn on.