Is the orifice tube on the high side?
The orifice tube is placed in the high side liquid refrigerant line, at or near the evaporator. Some system designs place the orifice tube in the condensor outlet to dampen the hissing noise produced when the system is shut down. Some older designs use a thermostatic cycling switch to control system pressure.
What is the fixed orifice tube used for?
Like an expansion valve, the orifice tube is used to control the amount of refrigerant entering the evaporator. An orifice tube is a simple fixed device with no moving parts. It cannot vary the amount of refrigerant flowing into the evaporator the way an expansion valve can.
When should you replace orifice tube?
The orifice tube must always be replaced when another important part of the circuit is replaced (compressor, condenser, evaporator, accumulator). Valeo info: Flush the A/C loop before installing a new orifice tube.
Where are the T top orifice tubes located?
The “t-top” orifice tubes are designed to be placed in the condenser, where as other orifice tubes are evaporator mounted. The small side (outlet) always faces the evaporator. **System debris will clog an orifice tube, and sometimes the orifice tube can be very helpful with the diagnosis of compressor/system issues.
Where is the filter on a clogged orifice tube?
Clogged Orifice Tube. A fixed orifice tube contains a small brass tube of a fixed diameter encased in a plastic case. The case contains a debris catching filter at each end. It’s located between the condenser and the evaporator core.
What is a fixed orifice?
A fixed orifice tube is really a compromise between highway performance, stop and go, and idle performance. This is because at idle, the condenser has less air flow across its surface. This causes head pressures to increase, but also causes vaporized refrigerant leaving the condenser to enter the orifice tube.
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).