Expansion Block/Orifice Tube: Service and Repair

Expansion Tube:

Expansion Tube Location:

Remove or Disconnect

Tool Required: J 26549-D Expansion Tube Remover

1. Refrigerant. Discharge the system and recover the refrigerant.
2. Connector at the liquid line (65) to the evaporator inlet pipe.

^ Seal the open end of the liquid line (65) with tape or an approved plastic cap to prevent dirt or moisture contamination.

^ Discard the 0-ring (62).

3. Expansion tube (52) with J 26549-D.

^ Discard the 0-ring (56).

^ If the expansion tube (52) is restricted or plugged so it is difficult to remove, the following procedure is recommended.

^ Remove as much of the residue as possible.

^ Remove the pressure cycling switch (47) to prevent heat damage.

^ Carefully apply heat with a heat gun such as a hair dryer or an epoxy dryer, approximately 6 mm (0.25-inch) from the dimples on the evaporator inlet pipe. Do not overheat the pipe.

^ While applying heat, grip the expansion tube (52) with J 26549-D and use a twisting push-pull motion to loosen the impacted expansion tube (52) and remove it.

Note: Seal the open end of the evaporator inlet pipe with tape or an approved plastic cap to prevent dirt or moisture contamination.

Clean
^ Evaporator inlet pipe interior.
^ Expansion tube (52).

^ Blow off any metal chips, flakes, slivers and other contaminants with an air hose.

^ Clean the expansion tube (52) in solvent and dry it.

Inspect
^ Expansion tube (52).

^ Discard if the plastic frame is broken.

^ Discard if the filter screen is torn, damaged or plugged with fine gritty material.

^ Discard if the brass orifice tube is damaged or plugged.

Install or Connect
1. Pressure cycling switch (47), if removed.
2. Expansion tube (52) and 0-ring (56).

^ Coat a new 0-ring (56) with refrigerant oil and fit it onto the expansion tube (52).

^ Insert the expansion tube (52) into the evaporator inlet pipe with the smaller screen end first. Install the expansion tube (52) until it stops, indicating proper 0-ring seating.

3. Liquid line (65) and 0-ring (62) to the evaporator inlet pipe.

^ Coat the new 0-ring (62) with refrigerant oil to aid installation.

Tighten
^ Evaporator inlet-to-Liquid line fitting 23Nm (17 lb. ft.).

4. Refrigerant.

^ Evacuate and charge the system.

5. Test system performance.