1959 Thunderbird - TXV Valve Inlet Screen Help

[59bomb]

Hi all, I'm in the process of replacing the TXV valve on my 1959 Thunderbird. They unfortunately don't make a direct replacement, so I needed to use one from a 1985 Thunderbird, FOUR SEASONS - 38725. This TXV fits a ton of 70s-90s cars and is flared on the inlet and outlet size.

My question is, is there a drop in TXV screen that I should be using? The new TXV did not come with an inlet screen/filter like the original and I can't find if I need one or not. The system has a separate receiver/drier/filter.

[JohnHere]

Screens are available that you can install in the suction line to prevent debris from entering the compressor. I'm not aware of any screens that can be installed inside the inlet port of your TXV, other than TXV's that already come with them factory installed.

At some time, did you have a catastrophic compressor failure? If so, and you're concerned about debris still being present in the system, a suction screen might make sense. They have their pros and cons.

[59bomb]

Thank you for that thoughtful reply! It sounds like you're saying that not all TXVs need an inlet screen, am I overstating that?

I saw the UAC ex10362C, is this something (if it fits) I can run in the inlet of the TXV? I guess my main concern is the TXV orifice getting clogged over time.

The compressor that came on the car (Yorke style, two piston reciprocating compressor) has an actual crankcase, which requires oil, and mine was bone dry. The bad TXV that I took off, the screen was clogged solid.

[JohnHere]

... . It sounds like you're saying that not all TXVs need an inlet screen, am I overstating that?
I saw the UAC ex10362C, is this something (if it fits) I can run in the inlet of the TXV? I guess my main concern is the TXV orifice getting clogged over time.

The type of screen you mentioned supposedly installs at the outlet of the condenser to filter the refrigerant before it arrives at the TXV, but it doesn't sound like it fits many vehicles. Unsure about whether it will fit yours. However, it is NOT a cabin air filter, as it has been erroneously described in several places.

Some aftermarket and OEM TXV's come with a screen, and some don't. Whether you *need* one for your car, I can't say. But if the system is squeaky clean, probably not.

The compressor that came on the car (Yorke style, two piston reciprocating compressor) has an actual crankcase, which requires oil, and mine was bone dry. The bad TXV that I took off, the screen was clogged solid.

The York compressor not having any oil in the crankcase is suspect, especially because the original TXV screen was plugged up, apparently with compressor debris.

To ensure that the system is completely clean of old mineral oil and any debris, I would replace the compressor (perhaps with a more efficient unit unless originality is important), the condenser, R/D, TXV, and thoroughly flush the evaporator and metal lines if they're still good. If you have any hoses, I would replace them with barrier hoses, presuming that you're going to retrofit this original R-12 system with R-134a.

[Tim]

When this "screen" clogs, your oil flow is reduced. What effect do you think that it will have on the compressor?

Nothing beats having a properly cleaned system to start with.