1968 AC Receiver/Drier which one?
 

So I made the mistake of leaving open one of the ports on my new (3 years ago or so) correct aluminum AC drier that I paid about $90 for.

I need to get a new one, don't care anymore if it's correct. I see three types commonly out there.

1. "Correct" aluminum with sight glass. @ $90
2. Steel with sight glass @ $20-30 (Four Seasons)
3. Steel with no sight glass @ $15

Since "correctness" isn't really an issue for me at this point, I was thinking about the steel unit with sight glass. Any reason not to use this one? Do they all function just as well?

Thanks

I would go for steel with sight glass. The factory charging procedure utilizes the sight glass.

Good enough for me, I just needed a single person to validate my choice :)

Just to add a little confusion to the thread, if the dryer was stored in a safe environment where dirt and dust were not a problem, It would seem that pulling a vacuum on the system would quickly remove the small amount of moisture that would be present.

I'm not sure though, and would like other thoughts on it. Would the desiccant degrade over time? Just thinking that the bags of silica gel can be reenergized by heating the moisture out, and pulling a vacuum would do the same.

Sight glasses are not accurate and should not be used to recharge the system. You should recharge by weight. There can be bubbles in the glass even with a full charge. Use either of the steel ones.

Totally agree that weight is the more accurate method.