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Originally Posted by Sail
I can't find the orifice tube. I have a 1992 Ford F-150.
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There are two tubes (lines) coming out of the evaporator housing on the firewall; one upper and one lower.
The upper tube (suction side of the evaporator) is easily seen as it hooks up to the accumulator/drier.
The lower tube (liquid line to the evaporator) is not so easily seen...this is where the orifice tube is located. About 6"-10" upstream from where this line enters the evap housing, there is a large tubing nut fitting.
After evacuating the system, break open this nut and the orifice tube will be in the downstream (lefthand side as you're leaning over the fenderwell) side of the fitting.
The orifice tube can "usually" be removed with a pair of needlenose pliers, but sometimes they are stuck. If it's stuck, then you'll have to buy a special removal tool (they usually run about $30). I suggest you purchase a NEW orifice tube before removing the old one... only reason for this is so you can see what the little tab on the end looks like which you must grasp with the needlenose pliers... the tube is made of plastic and doesn't have a lot of physical strength, which means you can break it off inside the liquid line if you don't have an idea of what you're doing beforehand.
Now.... if the orifice tube is plugged with gunk (I assume this is why you're wanting to get at it), it may be very likely indicative of pending compressor problems. Make darned sure you've got enuff oil in the compressor when recharging. Most Ford systems of this size take about 4-6 oz of oil. Make sure the oil is compatible with whatever type of refrigerant you're using (R12, R134, Freeze12, etc).
07-01-2004, 05:06 PM
