Expansion Block/Orifice Tube: Service and Repair

Tool Required:
J 26549-D Orifice Tube Remover

Remove or Disconnect
1. Recover refrigerant.
2. Refrigerant line screw and clip along the center of the engine compartment bulkhead.
3. High-Pressure liquid line from evaporator inlet pipe assembly.
^ Using a J 26549-D orifice tube remover or a pair of needle-nosed pliers, grasp the tip of the expansion tube and remove using a turning motion along with a push-pull motion to loosen the tube.

^ If difficulty is encountered during the removal of the expansion tube, carefully apply heat with a heat gun approximately 6.4 mm (1/4 inch) from the dimples on the inlet pipe. Do not overheat.

^ Cap opened refrigerant lines to prevent dirt, moisture or other contamination from entering the system.

Install or Connect

1. A new expansion tube dual O-ring. Coat the O-ring with clean 525 viscosity refrigerant oil prior to installation.
2. Expansion tube into inlet pipe; insert smaller screen first and push until the tube reaches a firm stop. This indicates proper seating of the O-ring.
3. High-Pressure liquid line from inlet pipe assembly.

Tighten
^ Inlet line fitting to 24 N.m (18 lb. ft.).

4. Refrigerant line screw and clip.
5. Evacuate and charge system.
6. Leak test all refrigerant connections.