Expansion Block/Orifice Tube: Service and Repair

REMOVAL PROCEDURE




1. Remove the engine air cleaner.
2. Recover the refrigerant. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging. Service and Repair
3. Remove the vacuum brake booster.
4. Remove the condenser tube.
5. Remove the expansion (orifice) tube:
5.1. Use needle-nose pliers in order to grip the orifice tube.
5.2. Use a turning motion along with a push-pull motion in order to loosen the impacted orifice tube.
5.3. Remove the orifice tube.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT use any solvents or chemicals to clean the expansion (orifice) tube porous plastic inlet filter.

6. Inspect the expansion (orifice) tube for the following conditions and clean or replace with a new tube as indicated:
^ Broken plastic frame (1); replace tube.
^ Inlet filter (3) damaged or plugged with fine gritty material; replace tube.
^ Inlet filter (3) coated with metal chips, flakes, or slivers; coating may be removed with low pressure shop air ONLY and reused if cleaned satisfactorily.
^ If reusing the tube, discard the O-ring seals (2).

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

IMPORTANT: Lubricate the new O-ring seals (2) with mineral base 525 viscosity refrigerant oil.




1. Install the new O-ring seals (2), if reusing the orifice tube.
2. CAREFULLY grasp the edge of the expansion (orifice) tube (1) without touching the inlet filter (porous plastic) (3) and insert into the condenser tube until fully seated.
3. Install the condenser tube.
4. Install the vacuum brake booster.
5. Evacuate and charge the system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging. Service and Repair
6. Inspect the system for leaks. Refer to Leak Testing.
7. Install the engine air cleaner.