Expansion Block/Orifice Tube: Service and Repair

FIXED ORIFICE TUBE REPLACEMENT USING ORIFICE TUBE KIT
1. Discharge the A/C refrigerant system into an approved recovery unit. Observe all safety precautions.
2. Remove the liquid line from the vehicle.

Orifice Tube Location:

3. Locate the orifice tube by the three indented notches or a circular depression in the metal portion of the liquid line.
4. Note the angular position of the ends of the liquid line so that it can be reassembled in the correct position.

Orifice Tube Section Removed From The Liquid Line:

5. Cut a 63.5 mm (2 1/2 inch) section from the tube at the orifice tube location. Do not cut closer than 25.4 mm (1 inch) from the start of a bend in tube.
6. Remove the orifice tube from the housing with pliers. The orifice tube removal tool cannot be used.
7. Flush the two pieces of liquid line to remove any contaminants.

Orifice Tube Kit Disassembled:

8. Lubricate the 0-rings with clean refrigerant oil and assemble the orifice tube kit (with orifice tube installed) to the liquid line. Ensure the flow direction arrow is pointing toward the evaporator end of the liquid line, and the taper of each compressor ring is toward the compression nut.

NOTE: The inlet tube will be positioned against the orifice tube tabs when correctly assembled.

Orifice Tube Kit Installed:

9. While holding the hex of the tube in a vise, tighten each compression nut to 88-94 Nm (65-70 ft lb) with a crow foot wrench.
10. Assemble the liquid line to the vehicle using new 0-rings lubricated with clean refrigerant oil. Use only specified 0-rings at spring lock coupling.
11. Leak test, evacuate, and charge the refrigerant system following the approved procedures.
12. Check the system for proper operation.