The orifice tube
controls the amount of refrigerant entering the evaporator
, and its diameter matches those of the evaporator system for smooth engagement without leaks. As the orifice tube contains no moving parts, vehicles that use these parts also need to employ an additional method of controlling refrigerant flow.
Where does the AC orifice tube go?
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 purpose of the fixed orifice tube?
A fixed orifice tube is
a compromise between highway performance, stop and go, and idle performance
. At idle, the condenser has less air flow across its surface. It causes head pressures to increase but also causes vaporized refrigerant leaving the condenser to enter the orifice tube.
Can an orifice tube get clogged?
The
orifice tube can become restricted and clogged with debris
. 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.
What happens when an orifice tube is clogged?
If the AC evaporator or orifice tube malfunctions,
it can cause refrigerant to flow unmetered through the vehicle’s AC system
. This can cause the evaporator to freeze over, or frost to form or come from the vehicle’s AC vents.
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.
Where is the orifice valve located?
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.
What is AC orifice tube?
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.
What color should my orifice tube be?
It always has to be
orange
to correspond with the truck’s orifice diameter.
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.
How do I know if my AC accumulator is bad?
- Rattling noises during operation. One of the first warning signs that an accumulator has failed is a rattling noise when the AC is turned on. …
- Noticeable refrigerant leaks. …
- Moldy smell when the AC is on.
What are the symptoms of a bad air compressor?
- A Lack of Hot Air Being Released Outside. …
- Loud or Strange Noises From the Unit. …
- Failure of the Compressor to Turn On. …
- Circuit Breaker Tripping. …
- Leaks Around the Air Conditioning Unit. …
- Warm Air Instead of Cool Air Being Delivered to the House. …
- Reduced Airflow.
How much is an expansion valve?
Replacing an HVAC thermostatic expansion valve costs
$100 to $500
. It’s also called a thermal expansion valve. Manufacturers may list it as TXV or TEV. The TXV controls the pressure of the refrigerant as it goes to the evaporator coil.
How much does it cost to fix an expansion valve?
Air Conditioning Expansion Valve Replacement Cost – RepairPal Estimate.
Labor costs are estimated between $157 and $198
while parts are priced between $72 and $112. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
