Woops, 1/4" filter dryer....

[heat&blow]

the question is, hypothetical, what would happen if I installed a 1/4" filter dryer on 3/8"line accidentally, but there is a tx valve? Would the tx valve compensate for the slight restriction of the filter dryer? And no noticeable sweating or icing of the dryer.

I know that if it was a fixed orfice, the compressor would overheat, are there any long term potential problems caused by undersizing the filter dryer? It's a very short lineset of 6' with no elbows, and only a couple fittings. Thanks

[mark beiser]

Its potential affect on the system would depend on what size of system it is, and how much of a pressure drop it is causing.

On a smaller system, especially with a relatively short lineset, there may not be enough of a pressure drop in the liquid line for the additional PD of the undersized filter drier to cause a problem.

[hook]

I agree with Mark except for 1 small concern.Simply put ,any strain on the compressor will shorten the lifecycle of the compressor.How much strain??how much is the lifecycle of the compressor shortened here??If at all?Get out your gages and thermometers boys.Lets see what the temp diff is to start.

[heat&blow]

good points lads, I'll take a subcooling reading, verify my pressures are within norm, there's no diff. of temp. across the filter dryer, and there's a good sign. cheers guys