[AC Drier] - Weld back together

[Evripidis]

Hi all,

I would like to weld this ac drier back together. The gap is also a lot smaller than it looks.

Before you ask, the part was no longer available and the desiccant bag inside is to be replaced.

Can I do this with my MIG welder or do I have to ask someone with a TIG welder? I have never welded aluminium before and I would have to get the roller/liner and an argon bottle to do this.

I also do not know anyone with a TIG welder. I am based in Cyprus.

 

[BrokenBiker]

you can mig it, but as you say would need a bottle of argon and likely a different liner/roller...and practice as ally mig welding isnt the saem as steel mig welding, takes a bit of getting used to...tig is ideal for it as its already set up for ally welding but if you havent got one, its not really an option.

 

[Evripidis]

Cheers.

What I don't know is whether my welder can do this thin. The wall thickness of the part is about 2mm. Thinnest alu wire it can do is 0.8mm and 2mm material according to the spec sheet. It is a GYS smartmig 162.

What I also don't know is whether butt welding it will leave any residue on the inside. The original part is lap welded.

If I get the argon bottle, etc., and learn how to do this it might turn up a useful skill to have.

 

[BrokenBiker]

Cheers.

What I don't know is whether my welder can do this thin. The wall thickness of the part is about 2mm. Thinnest alu wire it can do is 0.8mm and 2mm material according to the spec sheet. It is a GYS smartmig 162.

What I also don't know is whether butt welding it will leave any residue on the inside. The original part is lap welded.

If I get the argon bottle, etc., and learn how to do this it might turn up a useful skill to have.

personally, i would be finding a local enough fabrication place that do ally...it will cost you a fraction of the cost of a bottle of argon to get that welded, and you know it will be done well

 

[Evripidis]

I know. Or even a new old stock part.

I just don't know anyone. Visiting local machine shops can be a nightmare and a waste of time. But I might give it a go.

 

[jo1010]

I would have thought welding heat would not be good near dessicant - it would likely get fried?
But how was the canister put together in the first place ...that might give some clues...

 

[BrokenBiker]

I would have thought welding heat would not be good near dessicant - it would likely get fried?
But how was the canister put together in the first place ...that might give some clues...

It appears to have been cut along the original weld seam

 

[Blobber]

What car is it off? Maybe something about in the uk

 

[Evripidis]

Hi all,

I found two people that might be able to help me out. So I am waiting for them to respond. This is the least fun way of doing it but in all honesty I cannot invest the time in it right now. I just want to get it sorted.

The part is made up of two halves, the lower part is press fit in the upper and welded along the ridge. I cut through the seam to separate the two. The desiccant bag is from a pattern part that is not made to spec. The fitting is the wrong type and will not fit the fitting at the hose. It is an AC drier from an audi a2 and it is a fact that pattern parts were not made to spec. Of course you can only find out after you purchase one! The same problem exists with the evaporator. Pattern parts come without any fittings at all just the pipes. It seems that they shipped the parts half-way through the production process. Some new old stock left in audi tradition store but the prices are extremely high.

 

[Ubique]

Doesn't seem particularly expensive to me, I guess it's all relative though.

 

[Ubique]

https://www.123spareparts.co.uk/car-parts/nissens/p-7283878

Yes, I know you're not in UK - do you know anyone who is that could post it on?

 

[BrokenBiker]

Is it this one?

https://alvadi.cy/en/item/nissens-95472

 

[Evripidis]

I did get the part from the UK. The nissens, nrf, mahle, etc. brands all have the wrong fitting on them. The chamfer on the fitting is cut at 45 degrees as opposed to a round one. You really cannot notice until you try and put them together when the hose fitting won't go all the way in the drier.

The only aftermarket one that is compatible has been found to be the Denso branded one but is out of stock everywhere.

 

[Evripidis]

Have a look here

A/C Dryer 8Z0820193B

Ahh ow way what a shame!! OK good to know I've still got it

www.a2oc.net

 

[Evripidis]

Do you guys think I could use one of those low-temp alu rods?