Well, I guess that's interesting. I didn't expect the filter drier to be a part of the condenser. Although I think it is best practice to replace the filter drier when opening the system, I don't think I'll be doing that when I replace my compressor soon (it's leaking).

 

There is a filter that needs flushing around the expansion valve, maybe part of the expansion valve.. I don't know enough to understand this illustration.



Then there is this in the Service Manual, but they don't say how to do it.


I finally found a reference to it; there is a labor of .8 hours to R&R the the Receiver Drier (serviced in Condenser).

 

All HHRs use an expansion valve, NOT an orifice valve, can't have both.
Item #27 in the diagram above is a filter screen only. It should be changed as well as the drier (condenser), especially if other worn parts are replaced.
Several condenser/driers are around $60.00, not much considering a drier in a normal system can be more than that anyway.
When replacing a worn compressor, all system parts should be flushed, in reality seldom done, but that translates into less longevity.
A/C systems are not cheap, due to parts cost and time involved, it is prudent to adhere to recommendations.

 

The diagram posted earlier shows an orifice tube/filter. That's what I was going on; I leave the AC to the pros.

Ah ha, that part is listed as "return line assembly screen" / orifice.

 

That image doesn't seem to correspond with anything in the above exploded diagram?

 

What is the recommended procedure to flush a system? Anytime I have had a system apart, I merely:

1. Recover the refrigerant
2. Make the needed repair
3. Vacuum the system & test for hold
4. Recharge the system (add dye if desired)
5. Test functionality & check for leaks

I am a little familiar with the GM setup. You pop off the connection at the cabin bulkhead. Right inside is a small inline filter that you can pull out with your finger. You can then clean it off. Different cars put the filter in different locations, but the HHR's is at the bulkhead connector.

 

All the parts should be removed and flushed with a special cleaner, I have used lacquer thinner in a pinch.
Evap is hard to do and also a PITA to remove to do. so it is best just to fluid and high pressure air.
That cleans all the oil out of the system too along with the particulates. Unless cleaned out, you have no way of knowing how much oil is in the system and if over the recommended, it will reduce the cooling capacity.
Pulling the screen in front of the expansion valve will be a good indicator of how much trash is in the system.
You can fill the oil with the required total amount then and continue with a deep vacuum etc.
One trick is to put a can in then force the compressor to run a minute or so, then recover that. It helps to pick up and get rid of more moisture if one doesn't have a good enough vacuum pump.

 

I think the expansion valve is that block in the firewall where the tubes enter/exit the cabin. Just guessing.
The 2 extra tubes and adapters are part of the GM A/C service machine. That part I'm sure of.

 

Correct
Here is a pic of one.
2 ports on the back to the evaporator
2 ports on the front to the high and low side lines