Expansion Block/Orifice Tube: Service and Repair

Legend
(1) Tube, Expansion
(2) Tube, Evaporator Inlet 19 Nm (14 lb. ft.).
(3) Seal, "0" Ring





Legend
(1) Screen, Long End Inlet
(2) Seal, "0" Ring
(3) Screen, Short End Outlet

Remove or Disconnect
Tool Required:
J 26549-E Orifice Tube Remover and Installer or Equivalent

1. Discharge and recover refrigerant from the system.
2. Retainer from the evaporator case to the evaporator tube.
3. Evaporator tube from the evaporator.
4. Expansion (orifice) tube using J 26549-E.

^ If difficulty is encountered during the removal of a restricted or plugged expansion (orifice) tube, the following procedure is recommended:

- Remove as much of any impacted residue as possible.
- Carefully apply heat with heat gun (hair dryer, epoxy dryer, or equivalent) approximately 7 mm (0.25 inch) from dimples on the inlet pipe. Do not overheat the pipe.


NOTICE: If the system has a pressure switch near the expansion tube location, it should be removed prior to heating the pipe to avoid damage to the switch.


A. While applying heat, use the expansion tube removal tools (J 26549-E) or equivalent to grip the expansion (orifice) tube. Use a turning motion along with a push-pull motion to loosen the impacted expansion (orifice) tube and remove it.

Install or Connect
1. Expansion (orifice) tube using J 26549-E.

Important
^ Install the "shorter screen end" first into the evaporator.
^ Coat 0-ring seal with 525 viscosity refrigerant oil.

2. Evaporator tube to the evaporator.

Tighten
^ Tube to 28 Nm (21 lb. ft.).

3. Retainer to the evaporator tube to the evaporator cover.
4. Refrigerant to the system.

^ Check the system for leaks.