Can someone tell me what this car part is called?

AVID LEARNER

MEMBER
2002 HONDA ACCORD
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
250,000 MILES

A piece of metal pipe that was connected to something that looked like a mini gas water heater broke off. The thing that looks like a mini water heater is in front of the car and the metal tube that broke off connects to it by going under the coolant reservoir tank. I posted a video and a picture of where it is so can someone tell me what the thing that looks like a mini water heater is called and can I drive it even though the metal pipe broke? Thanks.

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1 Reply

BRENDON S

MECHANIC
653 POSTS

Good morning, AVID LEARNER,

The little water heater looking thing is called a Receiver/Dryer. It is used for vehicles that have a Thermal Expansion Valve as part of their A/C System. It is responsible for separating gas from liquid since the A/C Compressor would be destroyed if liquid gets in. It also removes moisture using desiccant. It is similar to an Accumulator. The Receiver/Dryer is located on the high-side of the system and the Accumulator is on the low-side of the system. A vehicles A/C system will have either one or the other depending on its design.

Most companies make you replace this part when you buy a new A/C Compressor otherwise they won't warranty the new part.

Here is a good article explaining the 5 major parts of your A/C system:
https://www.cbac.com/clermont/media-center/blog/2016/march/our-experts-breakdown-the-5-major-parts-of-your-/#: :text=Your%20car%20may%20have%20either,for%20separating%20gas%20from%20liquid.

I have added a picture of a new Receiver/Dryer for you.

Let me know if I can help with any other information.

Thank you,
Brendon

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