One of the many parts that can fail within your vehicle's air conditioning, is the orifice tube. This tube is also known as the expansion tube, and is located
within the tube between the condenser and the evaporator
. It has 1 side that is a little smaller than the other, to supply more pressure.
Where is the orifice tube in AC system?
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 is the orifice tube on an AC system?
The orifice tube is
a tube with a given length and cross-section which expands the refrigerant but
, unlike the expansion valve, it is unable to regulate flow rate and superheating. The orifice tube is always associated with an accumulator at the evaporator outlet.
How do I know if my orifice tube is clogged?
- 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.
Where is an expansion valve located?
The expansion valve is situated in
the liquid line between the condenser and the inlet of the evaporator
. It operates on the opposite side of the system, relative to the compressor.
Will a bad orifice tube cause high pressure?
If the filter's filled with white or brownish debris,
the desiccant bag in the accumulator has broken, sending desiccant throughout the system
. This restriction will cause high high side system pressures.
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.
How do I know if my expansion valve is clogged?
- 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.
Does an orifice increase pressure?
An orifice affects flow rate (volume) down, and pressure up, as it
decreases in diameter
. Vice versa, it increases volume, while dropping in pressure and velocity.
What is the purpose of an orifice?
Orifice plates are a primary flow element,
detecting the flow of a fluid passing through the plate by sensing the pressure drop across the plate
. When a fluid flows through a restriction in a pipe, it creates a pressure difference between upstream and downstream of the restriction.
How do you tell if your condenser is blocked?
- Loud and abnormal noises coming from the unit.
- Significantly reduced cooling capability from the unit.
- The unit is leaking a noticeable amount of fluid past the typical amount of condensation.
How do you test an expansion valve?
- Make sure the AC unit is plugged in or, if it is in an automobile, turn the vehicle on. …
- Use the manual to locate the thermostatic expansion valve. …
- Lift the sensing bulb from the suction bulb well. …
- Hold the sensing bulb in your hands for two minutes or place it in warm water.
Can an orifice tube be cleaned?
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.
How much does it cost to replace an expansion valve?
But on average, car owners pay somewhere
between $240 and $330
in most cases to do AC expansion valve replacement. That includes parts, which will run you right around $100, and labor, which will cost about twice that.
How long does it take to replace an expansion valve?
This might take
as much as 20 minutes
if the system is full. If you can't get access to the appropriate recovery machine by borrowing or renting, you can have a mechanic come to your house and evacuate the system for you.
Does the expansion valve need to be replaced?
There isn't a specific lifespan of the valve
, it's more just a wear and tear kind of situation. … If your expansion valve is cool and frosty, yet the air conditioning doesn't seem to be blowing cold air out, there's a good chance the valve needs to be replaced.
