Expansion Block/Orifice Tube: Service and Repair
Removal Procedure1. Remove the air cleaner and duct assembly.
2. Recover the refrigerant.
3. Remove the brake modulator/master cylinder.
4. Disconnect the electrical connector to the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor.
5. Remove the liquid line/suction line bracket.
6. Remove the liquid line fitting at the orifice.
Important: If the expansion (orifice) tube is restricted or plugged perform the following procedure:
7. Remove the expansion (orifice) tube.
8. Remove the impacted residues.
9. Using a heat gun (hair dryer, epoxy dryer or the equivalent), apply heat approximately 1/4 inch from the dimples on the inlet pipe. Do not overheat the pipe.
10. While applying heat, perform the following steps:
10.1. Use needle-nose pliers in order to grip the orifice tube.
10.2. Use a turning motion along with a push-pull motion in order to loosen the impacted orifice tube.
10.3. Remove the orifice tube.
11. Add 30 ml (1 oz) of Polyalkylene Glycol (PAG) Synthetic Refrigerant Oil to the system.
12. Lubricate the new expansion (orifice) tube and O-ring seal with mineral base 525 viscosity refrigerant oil and insert into the inlet pipe.
13. Install tube with the smaller screen (3) first.
14. Remove the O-rings seals (2).
Installation Procedure
Important: Coated the new O-ring seals (2) with mineral base 525 viscosity refrigerant oil.
1. Install the new O-ring seals (2).
Install the new expansion (orifice) tube with the shorter screen (3) end in first.
2. Install the liquid line fitting at the orifice.
Tighten
Tighten the liquid line fitting to 27 N.m (20 lb ft).
3. Install the liquid line/suction line bracket.
4. Connect the electrical connector to the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor.
5. Install the brake modulator/master cylinder.
6. Evacuate and recharge the system.
7. Inspect the A/C system for leaks.
8. Install the air cleaner and duct assembly.