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Four Seasons 38881 A/C Expansion Valve
Overview of Four Seasons Expansion Valve 38881
The Four Seasons Expansion Valve 38881 is designed for precise control of refrigerant flow in automotive air conditioning systems. Engineered from durable aluminum, this block-type valve is compatible with R134a refrigerant and fits select BMW and Mercedes-Benz models, including the 300D and 735i.
- Constructed from corrosion-resistant aluminum material
- Compatible with R134a refrigerant systems
- Block type design with two mounting holes for secure installation
- Female suction and liquid inlet/outlet fittings with specific thread sizes
- Includes green O-rings for reliable sealing
- Meets or exceeds OEM specifications
Detailed Product Features and Specifications
This Four Seasons Expansion Valve 38881 features a block-type design that ensures consistent refrigerant metering for efficient A/C performance. The valve is made from aluminum, providing strength and resistance to corrosion. It is designed specifically for R134a refrigerant systems, commonly used in modern vehicles. The valve includes two mounting holes for stable attachment and features female suction inlet and outlet fittings with thread diameters of No. 8 and No. 10, respectively. The suction inlet thread type is 3/4" - 18, while the suction outlet thread type is 7/8" - 18. Similarly, the liquid inlet and outlet fittings are female with thread diameters No. 6 and No. 8, and thread types 5/8" - 18 and 3/4" - 18, respectively. The liquid inlet and outlet sizes measure 0.41 inches (10.5 mm) and 0.54 inches (13.6 mm). The valve comes equipped with green O-rings ([24606] and [24608]) to ensure a secure, leak-free connection.
About the Four Seasons Expansion Valve Product Line
The Four Seasons Expansion Valve product line focuses on delivering reliable and precise refrigerant flow restrictors for automotive HVAC systems. This line is engineered to meet or exceed OEM standards, providing consistent performance and durability. The Expansion Valve 38881 is part of this line, designed to maintain optimal air conditioning efficiency in vehicles such as BMW 300D and Mercedes-Benz 735i models.
Applications and Common Issues Addressed
- Regulates refrigerant flow to maintain proper A/C system pressure
- Prevents compressor damage caused by improper refrigerant metering
- Eliminates inconsistent cabin cooling and temperature fluctuations
- Resolves issues related to refrigerant leaks at valve connections
- Improves overall HVAC system reliability and performance
Installation Notes and Tips
- Ensure compatibility with BMW 300D and Mercedes-Benz 735i before installation
- Use proper tools to avoid damaging the aluminum valve body or fittings
- Replace O-rings with the included green O-rings to maintain a secure seal
- Follow vehicle manufacturer torque specifications for mounting bolts
- Check for refrigerant leaks after installation and system recharge
Quality Assurance and Warranty
The Four Seasons Expansion Valve 38881 meets or exceeds OEM quality standards, ensuring reliable performance in compatible vehicles. Manufactured with precision and tested for durability, this valve is backed by Four Seasons' commitment to quality. Warranty details should be confirmed with the product documentation or supplier.
| Brand | Four Seasons |
| Part Number | 38881 |
| Position | Expansion Valve |
| Color | Aluminum |
| Description | Expansion Valves |
| Liquid Inlet Fitting Gender | Female |
| Liquid Inlet Fitting Thread Diameter | No. 6 |
| Liquid Inlet Size IN | 0.41 |
| Liquid Inlet Size MM | 10.5 |
| Liquid Inlet Style | FOR |
| Liquid Inlet Thread Type | 5/8" - 18 |
| Liquid Inlet Type | O-Ring |
| Liquid Outlet Fitting Gender | Female |
| Liquid Outlet Fitting Thread Diameter | No. 8 |
| Liquid Outlet Style | FOR |
| Liquid Outlet Thread Type | 3/4" - 18 |
| Liquid Outlet Type | O-Ring |
| Lqd Out Size IN | 0.540 |
| Lqd Out Size MM | 13.6 |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Meets / Exceeds OEM? | Yes |
| Mounting Hole Quantity | 2 |
| O-Ring A Number/Desc | [24606] / Green O-Ring |
| O-Ring B Number/Desc | [24608] / Green O-Ring |
| O-Ring C Number/Desc | [24610] / Green O-Ring |
| Refrigerant Type | R134A |
| Style | w/o Solenoid |
| Suc In Size IN | 0.54 |
| Suc In Size MM | 13.6 |
| Suc Out Size IN | 0.65 |
| Suc Out Size MM | 16.4 |
| Suction Inlet Fitting Gender | Female |
| Suction Inlet Fitting Thread Diameter | No. 8 |
| Suction Inlet Style | FOR |
| Suction Inlet Thread Type | 3/4" - 18 |
| Suction Inlet Type | O-Ring |
| Suction Outlet Fitting Gender | Female |
| Suction Outlet Fitting Thread Diameter | No. 10 |
| Suction Outlet Style | FOR |
| Suction Outlet Thread Type | 7/8" - 18 |
| Suction Outlet Type | O-Ring |
| Super Heat | 8.000 |
| Switch Included? | Not Included |
| Tonnage | 1.500 |
| Type | Block Type |
This part fits 9 vehicles. Search below:
| Year | Make | Model | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | BMW | 735i | N/A | Expansion Valve |
| 1985 | BMW | 735i | N/A | Expansion Valve |
| 1981 | Mercedes-Benz | 300D | N/A | To VIN No. 181803; Expansion Valve |
| 1980 | Mercedes-Benz | 300D | N/A | To VIN No. 181803; Expansion Valve |
| 1979 | Mercedes-Benz | 300D | N/A | To VIN No. 181803; Expansion Valve |
| 1978 | Mercedes-Benz | 300D | N/A | To VIN No. 181803; Expansion Valve |
| 1977 | Mercedes-Benz | 300D | N/A | To VIN No. 181803; Expansion Valve |
| 1976 | Mercedes-Benz | 300D | N/A | Expansion Valve |
| 1975 | Mercedes-Benz | 300D | N/A | Expansion Valve |
* Always verify fitment with your vehicle's VIN if unsure. Submodel & trim restrictions may apply.
This part directly replaces or is cross-referenced with the following part numbers:
Cross-reference numbers are provided for identification purposes only. Always confirm fitment before ordering.