Expansion Block/Orifice Tube: Service and Repair

NOTE: The fixed orifice tube should be replaced whenever a compressor is replaced. If high-pressure readings are extremely high and low-pressure (suction) is almost a vacuum, the fixed orifice is plugged and must be replaced.

1. Discharge A/C refrigerant system. Refer to Discharging and Evacuating the System. Refrigerant Recovery
2. Remove liquid line from vehicle.




3. Locate orifice tube by three indented notches or a circular depression in metal portion of liquid line (illustration).
4. Note angular position of ends of liquid line so that it can be reassembled in correct position.

Orifice Tube Section Removed From The Liquid Line:

5. Cut a 63.5mm (2 1/2-inch) section from tube at orifice tube location (illustration). Do not cut closer than 25.4mm (1 inch) from start of a bend in tube (illustration).
6. Remove orifice tube from housing with pliers. Orifice tube removal tool cannot be used.
7. Flush two pieces of liquid line to remove any contaminants.

Orifice Tube Kit Disassembled:

8. Lubricate 0-rings with clean refrigerant oil and assemble orifice tube kit (with orifice tube installed) to liquid line (illustration). Ensure flow direction arrow is pointing toward evaporator end of liquid line, and taper of each compressor ring is toward compression nut.

NOTE: The inlet tube will be positioned against the orifice tube tabs when correctly assembled.

Orifice Tube Kit Installed:

9. While holding hex of tube in a vise, tighten each compression nut to 88-94 N-m (65-70 lb-ft) with a crow foot wrench (illustration).
10. Assemble liquid line to vehicle using new 0-rings lubricated with clean refrigerant oil. Use only specified 0-rings at spring lock coupling.
11. Leak-test, evacuate and charge system following approved procedures.
12. Check system for proper operation.