Expansion Block/Orifice Tube: Service and Repair

A/C System:

REMOVE OR DISCONNECT
1. Recover refrigerant from system.
2. Loosen fitting at condenser outlet line and remove tube carefully with needle nosed pliers or tool J 26549-D or equivalent.

INSTALL OR CONNECT
1. Install new orifice tube with shorter screen end in first.
2. Install outlet and torque to proper specification.
3. Evacuate and charge system.

NOTICE: In the event that difficulty is encountered during the removal of a restricted or plugged expansion tube (orifice tube), the following procedure is recommended:

1. Remove as much of any impacted residue as possible.
2. 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.

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

3. While applying heat, use orifice removal tool J 26549-D to grip the orifice tube. Use a turning motion along with a push-pull motion to loosen the impacted orifice tube and remove it.
4. Swab inside of evaporator inlet pipe with R- 12.
5. Add 1 oz. of 525 viscosity refrigerant oil to system.
6. Lubricate new orifice tube and O-ring with 525 viscosity refrigerant oil and insert into inlet pipe. Install in proper direction (smaller screen first).