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101-384079-5 – Textron Aviation OEM Receiver-Dryer
Available now through the AirParts Aero marketplace.
Overview Section
The Textron Aviation 101-384079-5 is a high-reliability OEM Receiver-Dryer designed specifically for the vapor-cycle air conditioning (AC) systems found in Beechcraft King Air and Baron aircraft. This component acts as a temporary storage reservoir for liquid refrigerant and serves the critical role of moisture removal and filtration within the high-pressure side of the AC circuit.
As an authentic Textron part, the 101-384079-5 is engineered to handle the vibration profiles and pressure fluctuations of turboprop and high-performance piston environments. By ensuring the refrigerant is completely free of water vapor and solid contaminants, this unit protects the expansion valve and compressor from internal corrosion and ice-blockage, maintaining optimal cooling performance during ground and flight operations.
Key Features Section
High-Capacity Desiccant: Contains a specialized molecular sieve desiccant optimized for R-134a or R-12 refrigerant (check system spec), ensuring maximum moisture absorption to prevent acid formation.
Integrated Sight Glass: Features a top-mounted moisture indicator and sight glass, allowing technicians to verify refrigerant charge levels and detect the presence of air or moisture in the system.
Structural Steel Housing: Constructed from heavy-gauge, corrosion-resistant steel to withstand the high-side operating pressures of an aircraft AC system.
Internal Filtration: Includes a fine-mesh filter to trap metallic shavings or desiccant dust, preventing downstream clogging of the thermostatic expansion valve (TXV).
OEM Mounting Geometry: Specifically designed for the mounting brackets found in Beechcraft nacelles or nose compartments, ensuring a vibration-stable installation.
Pressure Switch Ports: Typically includes a threaded port for the installation of high/low-pressure binary switches to protect the compressor.
Technical Specifications Section
| Specification | Detail |
| Part Number | 101-384079-5 |
| Manufacturer | Textron Aviation (Beechcraft) |
| System Type | Vapor Cycle Air Conditioning |
| Refrigerant Compatibility | R-134a (Standard for modern -5 variants) |
| Inlet/Outlet Fittings | Standard Male Flare or O-Ring Fittings (Verify per IPC) |
| Body Material | Coated Steel |
| Indicator | Integrated Sight Glass with Moisture "Dot" |
| Application | Beechcraft King Air 90, 200, 300 series; Baron 58 |
Aircraft Compatibility Section
The 101-384079-5 is a staple maintenance item for several pressurized and high-performance airframes in the AirParts Aero inventory:
Beechcraft King Air Series: Primary receiver-dryer for the King Air C90, B200, and 350 air conditioning systems.
Beechcraft Baron: Found in late-model Baron 58 and G58 aircraft equipped with factory climate control.
Beechcraft Duke: Utilized in various air conditioning retrofit and factory suites for the Model 60.
Technical Applications & Safety
The receiver-dryer is a "one-way" safety component. In a vapor cycle system, water is the primary enemy. Even a few drops of moisture can freeze at the expansion valve orifice, causing the AC system to stop cooling ("icing up").1 Furthermore, moisture combines with refrigerant and oil to form hydrofluoric acid, which can eat through aluminum evaporator coils from the inside out.
Safety Warning: The 101-384079-5 is a pressurized vessel. Never attempt to disconnect the lines without first recovering the refrigerant using a certified recovery machine. The dryer should always be the last component unsealed and the first installed during an AC service to minimize its exposure to atmospheric humidity.
Technical Engineering Insight
The engineering value of the 101-384079-5 lies in its Saturation Capacity and Micron Rating. Unlike automotive dryers, the aviation-grade 101-384079-5 is built to handle the extreme temperature deltas of flight (from +40°C on the ramp to -50°C at altitude). This requires a desiccant that remains stable and does not "fracture" under rapid pressure changes.
The internal pickup tube is positioned to ensure that only 100% liquid refrigerant exits the dryer and heads toward the expansion valve. If gas bubbles enter the liquid line, the AC efficiency drops significantly. By using the genuine Textron part through AirParts Aero, you ensure that the internal moisture indicator (the "dot" in the sight glass) is calibrated correctly to signal the need for service before acid buildup damages your expensive AC compressor.
Installation & Maintenance Addendum
Seal Integrity: Do not remove the plastic shipping plugs until the moment you are ready to connect the lines. The desiccant can reach 50% saturation in as little as 30 minutes if left open to humid air.
Oil Balancing: When replacing the dryer, a small amount of refrigeration oil (PAG or Ester, per AMM) should be added to the system to compensate for the oil trapped in the old unit.
Vacuum Procedure: Always pull a deep vacuum (at least 500 microns) on the system after installing a new 101-384079-5 to ensure all non-condensable gases are removed.
Applicable Textron Aircraft
- 1900C Airliner
- 1900D Airliner
- King Air B200, B200T, B200C or B200CT
- Premier Model 390
- Super King Air 350
- Super King Air 350C FM-1 to FM-35
List not comprehensive, may be applicable on other models.
RELATED DOCUMENTS
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