Can you change the orifice tube?
Smear some refrigerant oil on the o rings and insert the new orifice tube into the line. Observe the direction, it’s easy to put it in backwards. Put new O rings on the line and re-connect the line.
Where is the orifice tube usually located?
Because of the way an orifice tube works, it’s usually located on the inlet to the evaporator coil. However, on some vehicles the orifice tube location varies. Sometimes it is built into the liquid or high pressure line or inserted into the high pressure line right where the line connects to the condenser.
What does a bad orifice tube do?
A clogged orifice tube is typically caused by compressor failure. When this happens, little pieces of metal and aluminum shrapnel will be found in the tube’s screen filter. If the filter’s filled with white or brownish debris, the desiccant bag in the accumulator has broken, sending desiccant throughout the system.
How much does a orifice tube cost?
Orifice Tube Replacement Cost – RepairPal Estimate. Labor costs are estimated between $52 and $65 while parts are priced between $13 and $15.
Are all orifice tubes the same?
Orifice tube colors correspond to the orifice diameters of different makes and models of trucks. So when you need to replace this part, not just any color will do. If you have an orange orifice tube, in other words, you are not able to replace it with any color that’s available.
Are fixed orifice tubes interchangeable?
Technician B says that fixed orifice tubes sizes are interchangeable in order to tailor system performance.
Where is the fixed orifice located?
A fixed orifice tube contains a small brass tube encased in a plastic case with a filter at each end to protect it from any debris in the system. It’s located on the high side between the condenser and the evaporator core.
What are the signs of a clogged orifice tube?
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube)
- AC system performing worse than usual and blowing warm air. One of the first symptoms of a problem with the AC expansion valve or orifice tube is an underperforming AC system.
- Frost on AC evaporator or coming from the vents.
- AC compressor constantly running.
How much does an orifice tube cost?
Orifice Tube Replacement Cost – RepairPal Estimate. Labor costs are estimated between $52 and $65 while parts are priced between $13 and $15. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location.
What is the difference between an expansion valve and an orifice tube?
Expansion valves are an active device, they regulate the flow of refrigerant to the evaporator depending on evaporator temperature. An orifice tube is just a fixed nozzle that pisses refrigerant into the evaporator without any sort of feedback.
What color should my orifice tube be?
It always has to be orange to correspond with the truck’s orifice diameter.