Parts for your 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero-Receiver driers

1987 Mitsubishi Pajero receiver-drier: what it does and when to replace it

Yes, the 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero uses a receiver-drier. Factory references confirm it’s part of the original R12, thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) air-conditioning layout. The Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual (A/C section) shows a TXV system that uses a receiver-drier on the high-pressure liquid line near the condenser, and the Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue for Gen 1 models lists the receiver-drier as a distinct service item. General A/C guidance from Sanden also notes that TXV systems use receiver-driers, while accumulators are used with orifice-tube setups—so the Pajero falls squarely into the receiver-drier camp.

On a ’87 Pajero, the receiver-drier is there to store liquid refrigerant, filter out fine debris, and pull moisture from the system via a desiccant pack. That moisture control is critical: water in the circuit can freeze at the TXV and cause poor or erratic cooling, and it can react with refrigerant and oil to form acids that corrode components from the inside out. If a sight glass is fitted on the drier body (varies by market and supplier), it also helps with quick charge checks.

Because the desiccant gets used up over time and whenever the system’s opened to air, a receiver-drier is considered a routine replacement item under certain conditions. Good practice on a Pajero is to replace it whenever the system is opened (hose, condenser, or evaporator work), after a compressor failure, or during an R134a retrofit. If it’s been on the vehicle for years and the system’s due for a regas, swapping the drier is cheap insurance for stable vent temps and compressor longevity.

• Common clues a drier’s due: weak cooling, intermittent chill with frosting at the TXV, persistent bubbles in the sight glass (if fitted), visible rust or oily staining at the drier, or contamination found during service.

Replacement tips for the 1987 Pajero: keep the drier’s ports capped until the moment of install, fit new, correct-size A/C O-rings lightly oiled with the appropriate compressor oil, evacuate under vacuum for at least 30–45 minutes, and charge to the correct weight. The vehicle was delivered with R12 and mineral oil, if retrofitted to R134a, use the compressor maker’s recommended oil (often PAG or ester) and follow local Australian/NZ regulations—A/C work and handling of refrigerant must be done by a licensed technician. Don’t attempt to flush a receiver-drier, it must be replaced.

FAQs

Does a 1987 Pajero have a receiver-drier or an accumulator?
It has a receiver-drier. The factory A/C design uses a TXV, and TXV systems use receiver-driers on the high side. Accumulators are paired with fixed orifice tubes, which the Gen 1 Pajero doesn’t use.

How often should the receiver-drier be replaced on a 1987 Pajero?
There’s no strict time interval. Replace it any time the system is opened, after a compressor change or failure, during R134a conversion, or if the unit is old, rusty, or suspected saturated. Many techs also replace it proactively during a regas if it’s been on the car for years.

What refrigerant and oil should be used?
From new it was R12 with mineral oil. Most examples today are retrofitted to R134a, use the compressor manufacturer’s specified oil (commonly PAG or ester) and the correct charge weight for R134a. Always have a licensed A/C technician handle the work to meet AU/NZ regulations and ensure reliability.