Expansion Block/Orifice Tube: Service and Repair

Expansion Tube:

Remove or Disconnect

Tool Required: J 26549-E Expansion Tube Remover

1. Recover refrigerant.
2. Battery negative cable
3. Condenser-to-evaporator tube fitting.

A. Seal open end of evaporator tube with tape or an approved plastic cap to prevent dirt or moisture contamination.
B. Discard seal (34).

4. Expansion tube (14) with J 26549-E from condenser outlet pipe.
^ If expansion tube (14) is restricted or plugged, and is difficult to remove, the following procedure is recommended:

a. Remove as much residue as possible.

b. Carefully apply heat with heat gun, such as a hair dryer or an epoxy dryer near open end of condenser outlet pipe. Do not overheat pipe.

c. While applying heat, grip expansion tube (14) with J 26549-E and use a twisting push-pull motion to loosen impacted expansion tube (14) and remove it.

Clean
^ Expansion tube (14), if it is to be reused.

A. Blow off any metal chips, flakes, slivers and other contaminants with air hose.
B. Clean expansion tube (14) in solvent and dry it.

Inspect
^ Expansion tube (14), if it is to be reused.

a. Discard if plastic frame is broken.

b. Discard if filter screen is torn, damaged or plugged with fine gritty material.

c. Discard if brass orifice tube is damaged or plugged.

Install or Connect
1. Expansion tube (14).

A. Coat expansion tube seal with mineral base 525 viscosity refrigerant oil.
B. Insert expansion tube (14) into open end of condenser outlet pipe as shown in Figure 19. Install expansion tube (14) until it stops, indicating proper seal seating.

2. Seal (34) to evaporator tube (10).

^ Coat new seal (34) with mineral base 525 viscosity refrigerant oil GM P/N 12301108 and fit onto evaporator tube (10).

3. Condenser-to~evaporator tube fitting.

Tighten
^ Condenser-to-evaporator tube fitting to 24 Nm (18 lb. ft.).

4. Battery negative cable.
5. Charge A/C system.
6. Leak test fittings.