Expansion Block/Orifice Tube: Service and Repair

Refrigerant Lines To Compressor:

Expansion (Orifice) Tube:

Remove or Disconnect

1. Air cleaner and duct assembly.
2. Recover refrigerant. Refer to "Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling, Adding Oil, Evacuating and Recharging Procedures".
3. ABS modulator electrical connector.
4. Electrical connector to A/C pressure sensor/fan switch.
5. Liquid line/suction line bracket.
6. Liquid line fitting at orifice.
7. Expansion (Orifice) Tube.

Important
^ In the event that difficulty is encountered during the removal of a restricted or plugged expansion (orifice) tube, the following procedure is recommended:
A. Remove as much of any impacted residues as possible.
B. Carefully apply heat with heat gun (hair drier, epoxy drier or equivalent) approximately 1/4 inch from dimples on inlet pipe. Do not overheat pipe.

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

C. While applying heat, use needle-nose pliers to grip the orifice tube. Use a turning motion along with a push-pull motion to loosen the impacted orifice tube and remove it.
D. Add 30 ml (1 ounce) of mineral base 525 viscosity refrigerant oil to system.
E. Lubricate new orifice tube and O-ring with mineral base 525 viscosity refrigerant oil and insert into inlet pipe. Install in proper direction (smaller screen first).

8. O-rings.

Install or Connect

1. New O-ring seals coated with mineral base 525 viscosity refrigerant oil.
2. New expansion (orifice) tube with shorter screen end in first.
3. Liquid line fitting at orifice.

Tighten
^ Fitting to 27 N.m (20 lb. ft.).

4. Liquid line/suction line bracket.
5. Electrical connector to A/C pressure sensor/fan switch.
6. ABS modulator electrical connector.
7. Evacuate, recharge, and leak test system. Refer to "Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling, Adding Oil, Evacuating and Recharging Procedures".
8. Air cleaner and duct assembly.