Where is the orifice tube usually located?

It’s located on the high side between the condenser and the evaporator core. It is usually easy to locate because the manufacturers’ put a crimp in the line to keep the orifice tube from traveling down the tube towards the evaporator core. The tube is sometimes tricky to remove with just needle-nose pliers.

How do I know if my orifice tube is clogged?

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.

Is the orifice tube on the high or low side?

An orifice tube is used to control the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator. It works in conjunction with compressor controls to maintain low side pressure at a sufficient level, to prevent evaporator icing or flooding. The orifice tube is placed in the high side liquid refrigerant line, at or near the evaporator.

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 are the different color orifice tubes?

Do Orifice Tube Colors Mean Anything? If you’ve ever seen an orifice tube, then you know that they’re all different colors, from maroon to dark gray or purple. While you may have a personal preference of a blue orifice tube going on your truck rather than a yellow or brown one, the colors do matter.

Are all orifice tubes the same size?

it all depends on the car, type, model, original O tube size, factory refrigerant or retrofit..

How do I know if my expansion valve is clogged?

Symptoms of a bad expansion valve

Car AC system isn’t cooling enough or won’t cool at all.
High side pressure is high.
Air coming from vents is frosty.
AC blows cold, then hot.
AC kicks on and then immediately kicks off.
Airflow drops dramatically from vents.

Can you clean a clogged orifice tube?

We know of technicians who often remove the liquid line and back flush through it. In theory, back flushing the liquid line will clean the orifice tube. This is said to work in most cases; though replacing the liquid line is the preferred method. Remember, a dirty orifice tube can starve a compressor of oil.

What happens if orifice tube is backwards?

All the refrigerant has to go through the . 071 hole. So, it will work if installed backwards. If installed backwards it will suck to remove, and if there is debris in the system the screen has very little surface area so it will plug easily.

What happens if there is no orifice tube?

Faulty orifice tubes can also result in too little refrigerant flow through the evaporator. If this is the case, the flow of refrigerant will not be enough to absorb the heat that is coming from the condenser. When this occurs, the A/C simply will not be performing well enough to allow the system to cool.

Can a vehicle have an expansion valve and orifice tube?

The expansion valve does contain moving parts, including a self-contained meter system to regulate the refrigerant flow from the compressor to the evaporator. Most modern vehicles use either an orifice tube or an expansion valve depending on your make and model.

How do I know if my AC expansion valve is bad?

4 Symptoms of a Bad A/C Expansion Valve (& Replacement Cost)

#1 – Poor Air Conditioning Performance.
#2 – Inconsistent Airflow From Vents.
#3 – Air Conditioning Constantly Running.
#4 – Frost Forming on A/C Compressor or Vents.

Where is the orifice tube located in an auto?

The orifice tube may be located: In the inlet tube to the evaporator. Built into the high pressure liquid line. Inserted into the high pressure line near the condenser. The 5 different types of Auto AC orifice and expansion valves.

How do you remove the orifice tube in an evaporator?

Remove the orifice tube using needle nose pliers or removal tool. Note the orientation of the orifice tube. It must go back in the same way. Lubricate the O-rings on the new orifice tube with AC oil. Insert the new orifice tube into the evaporator or LLOT or SLOT.

What causes an orifice tube to fail in an AC system?

Most orifice tubes fail due to contamination in the AC system due to sealer, oil degradation or mechanical deterioration. Replacing a plugged orifice tube without solving the root problem will result in another plugged orifice tube.

What happens if you overcharge the orifice tube?

Overcharging by as little as 2-oz can dramatically reduce the performance of your car’s AC system. MORE is NOT better! Most orifice tubes fail due to contamination in the AC system due to sealer, oil degradation or mechanical deterioration.