Common questions

Where is the orifice tube located in an auto?

Where is the orifice tube located in an auto?

The orifice tube may be located: In the inlet tube to the evaporator. Built into the high pressure liquid line. Inserted into the high pressure line near the condenser. The 5 different types of Auto AC orifice and expansion valves.

Where is the orifice tube on a 98 Chevy 1500?

’98 Chevy 1500 Orifice Tube Location – help please! I’m hoping someone can help me with this. I bought an a/c kit and am replacing everything right now.

How do you remove the orifice tube in an evaporator?

Remove the orifice tube using needle nose pliers or removal tool. Note the orientation of the orifice tube. It must go back in the same way. Lubricate the O-rings on the new orifice tube with AC oil. Insert the new orifice tube into the evaporator or LLOT or SLOT.

What causes an orifice tube to fail in an AC system?

Most orifice tubes fail due to contamination in the AC system due to sealer, oil degradation or mechanical deterioration. Replacing a plugged orifice tube without solving the root problem will result in another plugged orifice tube.

The orifice tube may be located: In the inlet tube to the evaporator. Built into the high pressure liquid line. Inserted into the high pressure line near the condenser. The 5 different types of Auto AC orifice and expansion valves.

’98 Chevy 1500 Orifice Tube Location – help please! I’m hoping someone can help me with this. I bought an a/c kit and am replacing everything right now.

Remove the orifice tube using needle nose pliers or removal tool. Note the orientation of the orifice tube. It must go back in the same way. Lubricate the O-rings on the new orifice tube with AC oil. Insert the new orifice tube into the evaporator or LLOT or SLOT.

Most orifice tubes fail due to contamination in the AC system due to sealer, oil degradation or mechanical deterioration. Replacing a plugged orifice tube without solving the root problem will result in another plugged orifice tube.

What happens if you overcharge the orifice tube?

Overcharging by as little as 2-oz can dramatically reduce the performance of your car’s AC system. MORE is NOT better! Most orifice tubes fail due to contamination in the AC system due to sealer, oil degradation or mechanical deterioration.

Overcharging by as little as 2-oz can dramatically reduce the performance of your car’s AC system. MORE is NOT better! Most orifice tubes fail due to contamination in the AC system due to sealer, oil degradation or mechanical deterioration.

How does a radiator fan clutch work on a Dodge Ram?

Radiator Fan Clutch: Older Turbo Diesels utilized a belt driven cooling fan with an attached fan clutch. It becomes more or less engaged by a thermostatic valve inside, which regulates the flow of viscous fluid inside the clutch housing.

How to fix Dodge Ram 1500 AC evaporator?

If playback doesn’t begin shortly, try restarting your device. Videos you watch may be added to the TV’s watch history and influence TV recommendations. To avoid this, cancel and sign in to YouTube on your computer. An error occurred. Please try again later. (Playback ID: 73P9a4mNxCAmWqRH)

Can a liquid line be replaced on an orifice tube?

Ive read that its not replaceable, and the liquid line has to be replaced, If thats true, then, no problem, i’ll get one, just seems odd to have to replace the whole line just to replace orifice well the orifice is fixed on my truck, so the liquid line had to be replaced…was only 24.00 at the dealer, which surprised me

Why is the AC on in my Dodge Ram?

Here is video of the AC being turned on and off with the gauge hooked up. It starts with the AC just being turned on and then turned off midway through. The clutch is engaged the whole time the AC is on. Thoughts? Seems like a blockage, but I don’t know AC systems very well and realize it could be a number of things. I wonder why all of a sudden?

How does the a / C system on a Dodge Ram work?

Charging: Process of adding refrigerant to a system. Usually the engine is off, the yellow hose from the manifold gauge set is attached to the can, charging cylinder, scale, etc. and the manifold gauges attached to the service ports. Automated recovery/recycling equipment charges the manifold gauges with refrigerant up to the service couplers.


When to replace the orifice tube in your air conditioner?

When this orifice tube does not work properly, the air conditioner will seem like it is seized up. Here are some steps to replace the orifice tube in your vehicle. Before jumping under the hood of your vehicle, and tearing apart the various tubes looking for the orifice tube, you should become familiar with the air conditioning.

Where is the expansion tube in a car?

This tube is also known as the expansion tube, and is located within the tube between the condenser and the evaporator. It has 1 side that is a little smaller than the other, to supply more pressure.

What should the Arrow be on the orifice tube?

The orifice tube should have an arrow that correlates to the flow of the refrigerant. Make sure you’re installing the orifice tube the right way. Getting the o-rings on the orifice tube slightly wet with oil helps with the installation. Loading…

Where is the filter on a clogged orifice tube?

Clogged Orifice Tube. A fixed orifice tube contains a small brass tube of a fixed diameter encased in a plastic case. The case contains a debris catching filter at each end. It’s located between the condenser and the evaporator core.

What happens if the orifice tube of an AC unit fails?

The AC expansion valve and orifice tube work together to regulate the flow of the AC system. If either component fails or has an issue, it can disturb the performance of the AC system, which can cause it to underperform.

The AC expansion valve and orifice tube work together to regulate the flow of the AC system. If either component fails or has an issue, it can disturb the performance of the AC system, which can cause it to underperform.

What does the orifice tube on an A / C compressor do?

An orifice tube is an expansion device that controls refrigerant volume in front of the A/C evaporator. This tube prevents your evaporator from freezing. Unlike an expansion valve, an orifice tube is not adjustable. Other parts work with the orifice tube to regulate volume as the compressor cycles on and off as needed.

How big is the orifice of an A / C Hose?

Type: Liquid Line Hose Assembly With Captured Orifice Tube Orifice Size (in): 1/16 Inch Orifice Size (mm): 1.7mm

What causes an orifice tube to become clogged?

The small diameter of the passage, while critical for the cooling system, makes an orifice tube susceptible to becoming clogged from debris within the system. An orifice tube becoming stopped up is just about the only way that it can ever fail, as it is a relatively simple component by design.

Clogged Orifice Tube. A fixed orifice tube contains a small brass tube of a fixed diameter encased in a plastic case. The case contains a debris catching filter at each end. It’s located between the condenser and the evaporator core.

Were is the orifice tube located?

Orifice tubes are always located in the refrigerant tubing that connects to the high pressure port on the evaporator. However, the tube may be located in the evaporator tubing itself. In either designed, you must evacuate the system and disconnect the high pressure line from the evaporator to replace the orifice tube.

Where is a/C orifice tube located?

With Front and Rear A/C, the Expansion Block/Orifice Tube is located in a Y-shaped junction block in the tube between the condenser and the front evaporator. The junction block is located near the right side of the radiator support.

Where is the orfice tube or filter is located?

A fixed orifice tube contains a small brass tube encased in a plastic case with a filter at each end to protect it from any debris in the system. It’s located on the high side between the condenser and the evaporator core.

Where is the AC orifiice tube located?

Auto AC orifice tube locations. Because of the way an orifice tube works, it’s usually located on the inlet to the evaporator coil . However, on some vehicles the orifice tube location varies. Sometimes it is built into the liquid or high pressure line or inserted into the high pressure line right where the line connects to the condenser.

Where is the orifice tube on a Ford F150?

Yeah, left side looking in from the front, it’s the line that runs from your condenser (behind the radiator) into the evaporator, just below the circle spring connector (which you need a special tool to disconnect). The orifice tube will come out with regular needle nose pliers, and it’ll be red or blue.

What is an AC orifice tube?

Some car makers now use automotive AC orifice tube systems in their AC. An orifice tube is simply a refrigerant metering device to control the rate of flow of refrigerant into the evaporator located in your dash.

What is an air conditioning orifice tube?

An orifice tube is similar to an expansion valve, with both performing an important function in a vehicle’s A/C system. The valve helps control the flow of refrigerant through the evaporator, which is the main cooling component of the system.

What is a fixed orifice tube?

A fixed orifice tube is a compromise between highway performance, stop and go, and idle performance. At idle, the condenser has less air flow across its surface.

Do you need to replace orifice tube, now problem?

Your compressor is going. You not only need to replace the orifice tube, but the compressor, condenser, accumulator and flush all the lines. If you don’t, the problem will just return and if you only replace the compressor, the shavings will make their way back to the new compressor and take it out.

Can a yellow orifice tube be substituted for a blue one?

For example, a white orifice tube cannot be substituted for a yellow orifice tube or a red for blue. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the exact color and fit. Manufacturer names, logos and part numbers are for reference only.

Your compressor is going. You not only need to replace the orifice tube, but the compressor, condenser, accumulator and flush all the lines. If you don’t, the problem will just return and if you only replace the compressor, the shavings will make their way back to the new compressor and take it out.

Can a bad or failing orifice tube cause a car to freeze?

If the AC evaporator or orifice tube malfunctions, it can cause refrigerant to flow unmetered through the vehicle’s AC system. This can cause the evaporator to freeze over, or frost to form or come from the vehicle’s AC vents.

How does a high pressure orifice tube work?

Airflow across the condenser cools the high pressure gas, causing it to condense into a high pressure liquid. The high pressure refrigerant flows to the screen and port in the orifice tube. Once the high pressure liquid passes through the orifice, the liquid pressure drops and the liquid begins to fill the evaporator.

The small diameter of the passage, while critical for the cooling system, makes an orifice tube susceptible to becoming clogged from debris within the system. An orifice tube becoming stopped up is just about the only way that it can ever fail, as it is a relatively simple component by design.

Is there an orfice tube in a Ford Expedition?

Does a 2004 ford expedition with rear air have an orfice tube that can be replaced. Where is this located. I had a 1998 expedition and that was different and had an orfice tube. I was told this model … read more

Where is the expansion valve on a 2007 expedition?

The 2007 Expedition does not have an orifice tube. It uses a Thermostatic Expansion Valve. Below is from the shop manual. The thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) is located between the evaporator core lines and the thermostatic expansion valve manifold and tube assembly at the RH rear of the engine compartment.

If the AC evaporator or orifice tube malfunctions, it can cause refrigerant to flow unmetered through the vehicle’s AC system. This can cause the evaporator to freeze over, or frost to form or come from the vehicle’s AC vents.

How much pressure is generated by the orifice plate?

As you can see by the pressure gauge’s indication in the photograph, the static line pressure of the natural gas inside the pipe is over 300 PSI. The amount of pressure drop generated by the orifice plate at full flow, however, is likely only a few PSI (100 inches water column is typical for many orifice plate installations).

Which is the correct location for an orifice flowmeter?

It is recommended that location 1 be positioned one pipe diameter upstream of the orifice, and location 2 be positioned one-half pipe diameter downstream of the orifice. Since the pressure at 1 will be higher than the pressure at 2 (for flow moving from 1 to 2), the pressure difference as defined will be a positive quantity.

Airflow across the condenser cools the high pressure gas, causing it to condense into a high pressure liquid. The high pressure refrigerant flows to the screen and port in the orifice tube. Once the high pressure liquid passes through the orifice, the liquid pressure drops and the liquid begins to fill the evaporator.

What should the pressure be in the orifice tap?

Several standards exist for orifice pressure tap locations. Ideally, the upstream pressure tap will detect fluid pressure at a point of minimum velocity, and the downstream tap will detect pressure at the vena contracta (maximum velocity). In reality, this ideal is never perfectly achieved.

How do you replace the orifice tube in a car?

Replacing the orifice tube requires you to completely evacuate the AC system and disconnect the high pressure liquid line. It’s not a fun job. • Replacement orifice of the exact same color and part number as the old unit Buy or rent a refrigerant recovery machine. Attach the manifold gauge set to the high and low side ports on your car’s AC system

Where is the orifice tube located in Ricks free auto?

Lubricate the O-rings on the new orifice tube with AC oil. Insert the new orifice tube into the evaporator or LLOT or SLOT. Reconnect the liquid line to the evaporator or condenser and follow factory specs for tightening (if required).

Why is my orifice tube not working properly?

If either the evaporator or the refrigerant hose coming from the evaporator are warm or hot to the touch, this could indicate that the orifice tube isn’t doing its job. However, there could be many other causes for this problem, as well.

What does an orifice tube do in an A / C system?

This freezing restricts airflow through the coils and eventually results in a loss of cooling for the vehicle. The evaporator and refrigerant lines should be cold to the touch when running properly, but they should not be frozen. If freezing does occur, it may indicate a problem with the orifice tube, or even too much refrigerant in the system.

Where are the orifice tubes on an auto evaporator?

Orifice tubes are always located in the refrigerant tubing that connects to the high pressure port on the evaporator. However, the tube may be located in the evaporator tubing itself. In either designed, you must evacuate the system and disconnect the high pressure line from the evaporator to replace…

Where is the filter on the orifice tube?

A fixed orifice tube contains a small brass tube of a fixed diameter encased in a plastic case. The case contains a debris catching filter at each end. It’s located between the condenser and the evaporator core.


Where is the orifice tube on a Honda Accord?

Found only a few videos and not a lot of information on Google about where the orifice tube is. Some models are near the radiator or can be behind the glove box. Lara and I finally found this one near the accumulator/drier. We are in the middle of changing the compressor, drier and rear expansion valve also. Hope to post a video of that later.

Why are the orifice tubes on a diesel truck so big?

The larger orifice tube allows for faster movement of the refrigerant, that might be a good thing or bad. It needs to be in the evaporator long enough to cool it, but move on before it starts warming so more “cold” refrigerant can move in and keep it cold.

Yeah, left side looking in from the front, it’s the line that runs from your condenser (behind the radiator) into the evaporator, just below the circle spring connector (which you need a special tool to disconnect). The orifice tube will come out with regular needle nose pliers, and it’ll be red or blue.

Found only a few videos and not a lot of information on Google about where the orifice tube is. Some models are near the radiator or can be behind the glove box. Lara and I finally found this one near the accumulator/drier. We are in the middle of changing the compressor, drier and rear expansion valve also. Hope to post a video of that later.

Where is the orifice tube located on my 2007 Ford F150?

Does anyone know where the orifice tube is located on my 2007 Ford F150 4.6L V8? I’m located all over the place and cannot find anything. Does anyone have a schematic (diagram) of the HVAC system? Its part of the liquid line on Fords. They are only about 30bucks. Location: Va. Beach, VA.

Where is the orifice tube in an AC accumulator system?

Generally, the orifice tube is placed between the condenser and evaporator as shown in the picture below: AC accumulator orifice tube systems are found in some automobiles while other vehicles include an expansion valve in place of the orifice tube and a receiver-drier instead of the accumulator.

How can I tell if my orifice tube is bad?

A bad orifice tube can be identified by the air conditioning gauges. If your air conditioning gauges are showing irregular readings or fluctuations, you need to check your orifice tube right away and get the problem fixed.

Author Image
Ruth Doyle