Question about expansion valve (A/C)

[RayS]

2011 Mustang GT
Is there a procedure for replacing this valve? It's on the firewall behind the intake, and right up close to the heater hoses. I can hardly get my hands in there, much less a tool. Does the intake manifold need to be removed for clearance? Thanks

 

[86GT351]

I have seen it done both ways. THis is directly from the Workshop Manual

All vehicles

1. Recover the refrigerant. For additional information, refer to Section 412-00.

1. If equipped, remove the 4 nuts and the strut tower cross brace.

5.0L (4V) vehicles

1. Remove the engine appearance cover.

5.4L (4V) vehicles

1. Drain the engine coolant. For additional information, refer to Section 303-03B.

1. Disconnect the heater hose fittings at the rear of the RH cylinder head and position the heater hoses aside.

1. Remove the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system module tube. For additional information, refer to Section 303-08.

All vehicles

1. Remove the Thermostatic Expansion Valve (TXV) fitting nut and disconnect the fitting.
   • Discard the gasket seals.
   • To install, tighten to 15 Nm (133 lb-in).

1. Remove the 2 TXV bolts.
   • To install, tighten to 7 Nm (62 lb-in).

1. Remove the TXV .
   • Discard the gasket seals.

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
   • Install new gasket seals.
   • Add the correct amount of clean PAG oil to the refrigerant system. For additional information, refer to the Refrigerant Oil Adding procedure in Section 412-00.

1. Evacuate, leak test and charge the refrigerant system. For additional information, refer to Section 412-00.

 

[RayS]

Thanks. I'm stuck at the removing the heater hoses phase; can't seem to get anything in there to release the collars. Very small space. I may end up resorting to extreme measures!

 

[86GT351]

Thanks. I'm stuck at the removing the heater hoses phase; can't seem to get anything in there to release the collars. Very small space. I may end up resorting to extreme measures!

Did you follow all of the instructions?

 

[RayS]

I did. Unfortunately there is just no way for me to access those heater hose clamps on the firewall. No tool that I own, or using just my hands, will fit that space. I've gone ahead and removed the intake manifold, which is far easier to do than fighting with that arrangement. I can access the TXV much more easily now.

 

[86GT351]

I did. Unfortunately there is just no way for me to access those heater hose clamps on the firewall. No tool that I own, or using just my hands, will fit that space. I've gone ahead and removed the intake manifold, which is far easier to do than fighting with that arrangement. I can access the TXV much more easily now.

The crazy part is the manifold does NOT have to come off but it surely makes it easier for a few minutes worth of work.