I got my replacement expansion valve and just wanted to check if I'm doing it correctly.

Old valve: the top clamp broke so I'll have to fabricate another.
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The new valve:
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Also, I don't have replacement sticky tar stuff for around the pipe. Can I use the 3M black strip caulk? I have plenty of that. It cost a pretty penny and want to use it if I can.

 

Don't use the strip caulk. You really need to use the refrigeration cork tape. Make sure you cover the bulb real good and squeeze it tight by hand after you completely wrap it. Also be sure the ends squeeze down to seal off any air getting to it from the ends.

 

Will do. Thanks Jensen, I appreciate it

 

X2 on the cork tape, also notice how the first picture shows the TXV bulbs flat spot for good thermal contact, may want to add second clamp on new round bulb to improve contact to evaporator line outlet. There's brass strapping like hangar strap available or you can use a stainless hose clamp.

 

Yup, 2nd clamp installed and cinched down. Way better contact. Having real trouble finding the refrigeration cork tape. But it's Saturday and all the HVAC places are closed. There's only a million other things I need to do but I was focused getting the AC box back on.

 

I bought a roll of the cork tape at napa.

 

About how much tape will I need do you think? A couple of feet?

 

I just came from Napa, no dice.

 

Napa part # 209491
http://m.napaonline.com/Tablet/parts...erchange=false
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Well son of a .........
They're closed now. But thanks 72, you saved me a trip to the next town
I decided, instead, to spend the day doing some masking and painting.
Oh, and just for kicks, I thought I'd ruin my AC high pressure hose. The accumulator fitting wasn't spinning on the pipe and I didn't notice until too late. Live and learn....

[IMG][/IMG]

 

If they don't have the cork tape in stock at napa, you can pick it up at any hvac supply house. By the way, what type of black paint are you using?

 

Called Napa on Saturday and they had it in stock but they were closing and I couldn't get there in time. So I stopped by today and they're closed......forever! He might have mentioned that when I called, lol.
The paint is nothing special. A Krylon rust preventative gloss black. It looks pretty good.

 

There goes the neighborhood!

- Eric

 

When I took my condenser in for testing the shop gave me about 15" of that stuff. Any AC shop should have it. Just have some solvents handy to get that stuff off your hands - it is nasty.

 

As if I didn't read your thread like 27 times

30 feet does seem like a bit much. I'll ask around now that it's not the weekend.