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.

How do you replace an AC compressor in a car?

Remove the compressor’s mounting bolts and pull the unit from the vehicle. Install the new compressor in reverse order. The warranty may also require you to change the orifice tube and receiver/dryer. Install and tighten the compressor-mounting bolts and hook up the electrical connectors.

Can a recovery machine be used for an AC compressor?

Recovery machines are specialized equipment that are limited to AC shops—you may need to take your vehicle in for this step before going any further. Remove the negative battery cable from its post. Remove the bolt at the compressor that secures the refrigerant lines and inspect the lines carefully for dirt or signs of wear.

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.

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.

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.

Where is the orifice tube located in a llot?

The orifice tube may be located: Before you replace an orifice tube, LLOT or SLOT, make sure you understand how an orifice tube system works and ensure you’ve done the right testing to conclude the problem is actually caused by the orifice tube.

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).

Where is the orifice tube in an AC car?

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. Problems/Symptoms of a Bad Accumulator and Orifice Tube. The accumulator when exposed to the atmosphere allows moisture to enter the system.