have a 92 F150 and am in the process of converting to 134a. I am replacing the compressor, filter-dryer and orifice tube, if I can find the orfice tube. I have a Haynes manual, but it is no help. Exactly where is the orifice tube located??
I have read where it is on the entry or hight side of the condensor, before the coolant enters the condensor. If so, how do I get to it??

Any help from a forum buddy will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Chuck<!-- / message -->

 

One of 2 places. built into the liquid line, or in the liquid line where it connects to the evaporator.

 

Nitro,

I do not think it is located in the tube. If it is located where the liquid line goes into the condenser, how do I get to it? Do I have to remove the housing around the condenser? Do I access it from under the hood, or inside. Any help appreciated.

Chuck

 

It has been a while since I replaced it on my 93 bronco but I remember it being inside the line where you use the special spring lock fuel/ac line tool to seperate the line coming from the condensor from the evaporator core. You should have two lines coming out of your evaporator core. The top screws into the accumulator and the bottom is the one I am talking about that uses the spring lock coupling. Once you pull that hose off the evaporator core line, the orfice tube should be inside there. I don't remember if it is easy to see but I do know that I had to borrow the special tool to pull it out of the line. I am not sure if I got all the terminology correct, I get confused between accululator/drier condensor and evaporator core, but I think you might figure it out by my description. I hope this helps; let me know if you need better explanations.

 

Thanks dino! I know exactly what you are saying. Thanks again!

chuck

 

Great to hear, let me lnow how it turns out. I am curious to see how it works for you.

 

Dino,

Thanks for the info. Bought the disconnect tool from Autozone and it was easy to get loose. I could not get the gummed up orifice tube out with the orifice tube removal tool, but I screwed a 4" sheetrock screw into the old orifice tube and was able to get it out.

Now the problem?? The orifice tube was completely clogged with a very black goo. (Probably why my compressor failed??). I have now decided to replace my condensor as I am afraid that it may have "black death" in it. The suction hose is dry and looks ok, but it is also black inside. Same for the liquid line.

Questions: (1) Does my evaporator have an expansion valve, or does the orifice tube handle this chore? (2) Should I flush the evaporator? (3) Is it safe to flush the hoses? Both hoses connected to the compressor have mufflers in the lines.

Any help appreciated!

 

If the hoses have the inline cans, they must be changed out. There is no way to flush that black gunk out of those filters. As far as the evaporator, no it should not have any other tube or valves in it. If it is still servicable you will need to have it thoroughly flushed out. Make sure you are using a new drier also as these are non flushable also. It looks like your only flushing will be the evaporator since everything else has to be replaced. Once everything is clean it should be an easy bolt in. Pull you a good vacuum and be sure you have the proper amount of oil in the system. A buddy of mine put together a new system last month only to have the compressor lock up because he didn't use any oil. Each item has a specific amount of oil requirement but that should be explained in the instructions that come with the part.