I recently re-sealed my AC compressor with great results. However, I did not replace the dryer/receiver at that time.
the system is working great, but I was wondering if it was necessary to replace the dryer/receiver.
Will there be better cooling or will I even notice a difference in the operation of the system?
I see a lot of used dryers being sold on ebay, that is what makes me wonder if it should be replaced at all?
does it wear out or loose its capabilities when left open to atmosphere?

Thanks for your comments

 

Our F-Body's use an accumulator not a receiver/dryer, they do the same thing, filter the liquid compressed refrigerant (R-134a) and collect corossive moisture that may form in the system. Repair shops always change it as insurance to insure no debris or moisture will remain in the system. For $25.00 it's worth the effort as long as the system is already opened up. Will not changing it cause problems, usually not in most cases, unless a catastrophic compressor failure caused crap to flow through the a/c system and the filter is plugged up. And/or the system was open to moisture/air for an extended period. If your system is running OK I don't see any immediate problem leaving it alone.

 

Thanks Bob.
Appreciate your comments. I read another post (did some searching) stating that the accumulator contained some dissicant thet would loose its effect when the system was open to the atmosphere. I dont know what is in the can, never opened one.

I was not able to find a $ 25.00 accumulator. The one I found was about $ 60 shipped. I would have changed it for that price. Do you have any links for that $25 accu?

 

rockauto 20 bucks for an ac delco unit

 

Sorry I was thinking about my '94.. Searched on 2000 and looks like '98 and up are 2-3X the cost of the simpler earlier year versions. About then they did a re-design , got rid of the mixer valve, went to an orifice tube setup and changed the accumulator design..

 

Just ordered from Rockauto. AC Delco $ 26.00 shipped.