Auto AC orifice tube system? (The answer is found)

  • How does an automotive AC orifice tube system work Some car makers now use automotive AC orifice tube systems in their AC. An orifice tube is simply a refrigerant metering device to control the rate of flow of refrigerant into the evaporator located in your dash.

What does a car AC orifice tube do?

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.

What type of AC system uses an orifice tube?

An orifice tube is similar to an expansion valve, with both performing an important function in a vehicle’s A/C system. The valve helps control the flow of refrigerant through the evaporator, which is the main cooling component of the system.

How do you know if your AC orifice tube is clogged?

Usually a bad or failing AC expansion valve or orifice tube will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver of a potential issue.

  1. AC system performing worse than usual and blowing warm air.
  2. Frost on AC evaporator or coming from the vents.
  3. AC compressor constantly running.

When should I replace orifice tube?

If the pressure does not equalize, or upon opening the system contamination is found, the orifice tube is likely to be replaced.

Do you have to replace orifice tube?

Car air conditioning systems need the expansion valve, or orifice tube, replaced if the AC is blowing warm air or the AC system is broken.

What is the difference between expansion valve and 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.

Can an orifice tube be cleaned?

On some Ford models the orifice tube cannot be removed without cutting the liquid line. 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.

Where is the fixed orifice located?

A fixed orifice tube contains a small brass tube encased in a plastic case with a filter at each end to protect it from any debris in the system. It’s located on the high side between the condenser and the evaporator core.

How do you evacuate an auto air conditioner?

The low, or blue, side needs to show a vacuum, which reads at, or below zero. If it does not, there is a leak that needs to be corrected before moving forward. Run the pump for thirty minutes, turn the pump off and close the red and blue gauges. This completes evacuation of your automobile air conditioning system.

Where is the orifice tube located?

It is customary for an orifice tube to be installed on the intake of the evaporator coil because of the way it functions. The placement of the orifice tube, on the other hand, differs from vehicle to vehicle. It is sometimes incorporated into the liquid or high pressure line, or it is placed into the high pressure line directly where the line links to the condenser, as seen in the illustration below. It is referred to as a Liquid Line Orifice Tube (LLOT) or a Suction and Liquid Line with Orifice Tube when the orifice tube is integrated into the line (SLOT).

It is included into the high-pressure liquid line.

There are five main types of auto air conditioning orifice and expansion valves available.

Read further: Where is the orifice tube located? (Professionals recommend)

How to replace and orifice tube

Preventing the need to replace an orifice tube, whether LLOT or SLOT, requires a thorough understanding of how an orifice tube system operates, as well as the proper tests to determine whether the problem is caused by the orifice tube in question. It is necessary to thoroughly drain the air conditioning system and disconnect the high pressure liquid line before replacing the orifice tube. It’s not a really enjoyable job. AC orifice tube system

What you’ll need to replace an orifice tube

Pliers with a needle nose are sometimes known as needle nose pliers. a tool for removing orifices Disconnecting the receiver/alternating drier’s current line has been improved. Replacement orifice that has the exact same color and component number as the previous unit is required. For your vehicle, a new A/C O-ring and gasket set is required. Freon is a kind of refrigerant oil. Machine for recovering refrigerant Vacuum pump using alternating current Manifold gauges for the air conditioning system The scale on the refrigerant in an air conditioning system Refrigerant that has been replaced

Recover and evacuate your car’s AC system

  1. Purchase or lease a refrigerant recovery equipment
  2. And Connect the manifold gauge set to the high and low side ports on the air conditioning system in your automobile. The old refrigerant must be recovered (it is against the law to release the refrigerant into the atmosphere)

Disconnect the high pressure line from the evaporator coil

Using needle nose pliers or a removal tool, carefully pry the orifice tube out of the hole. Take note of the tube’s orientation relative to the opening. It has to be returned in the same manner. AC oil should be used to lubricate the O-rings on the new orifice tube. Insert the new orifice tube into the evaporator, LLOT, or SLOT using the appropriate tool.

Lubrication new O-rings and gaskets with AC oil and install on line

Reconnect the liquid line to the evaporator or condenser and tighten it according to the manufacturer’s specifications (if required).

Replace the accumulator

When changing an orifice tube, always remember to change the accumulator as well. Immediately shut off the system.

Add AC oil

Estimate the amount of oil that was extracted throughout the recovery process and replace it with the same amount of oil.

Evacuate the AC system

Attach the vacuum pump to the system and run it for at least 30 minutes to create a vacuum throughout the system.

Recharge with refrigerant

Recharge the system with the EXACT quantity of refrigerant specified on the refrigerant scale.

Overcharging your car’s air conditioning system by as little as 2 ounces can have a significant impact on its performance. MORE IS NOT BETTER in this case!

WARNING about plugged orifice tubes

The majority of orifice tubes break as a result of pollution in the air conditioning system as a result of sealer failure, oil degradation, or mechanical deterioration. Replacing a clogged orifice tube without addressing the underlying cause will result in the occurrence of another plugged orifice tube in the future. Avoid deluding yourself into believing that you can get by with merely a replacement orifice tube if your orifice tube like the one shown below. You’ll have to replace the compressor, condenser, and even the evaporator if you want to keep your system running properly.

Evidence of the ‘Black Death’ can be seen in a clogged tube.

Rick Muscoplat posted a blog entry on

Where is orifice tube located?

Asked in the following category: General The most recent update was on the 24th of May, 2020. Theorifice tubes are only one of the many items that might go wrong with your vehicle’s air conditioning system. In certain circles, this tube is referred to as the expansiontube since it is placed within the tube between the condenser and the evaporator. It has one side that is somewhat smaller than the other, which allows it to exert more pressure. Because of the way anorifice tubes function, they are often found on the intake to the evaporator coil.

It is sometimes included into the liquid or high pressure line, or it is introduced into the high pressure line directly after the line links to the condenser, depending on the application.

A bad or failing expansion valve will manifest itself in the following ways: (Orifice Tube)

  1. The air conditioning system is operating at a lower level than normal and is producing warm air. One of the earliest signs of a problem with the air conditioning expansion valve or orifice tube is a poorly performing air conditioning system. AC compressor operating continuously due to frost on the evaporator or coming from the vents

System is operating poorer than normal and is blowing heated air, according to the manufacturer. A poorly performing air conditioning system is one of the earliest signs of a problem with the expansion valve or orifice tube. AC compressor operating continuously due to frost on the evaporator or coming from the vents.

The Orifice Tube in Automotive Air Conditioning Systems

Information Graphic about the AC Orifice Tube This website is dedicated to the orifice tube, which is commonly seen in vehicle air-conditioning systems. The reason for this is because this gadget is essential in vehicles with high mileage. We’ll go into the specifics of why this is the case in this section. To get this out of the way, this section is the point at which the high and low pressure refrigerant sides of the system meet. And not all automobiles will be equipped with one. Some car manufacturers made the decision to install an AC expansion valve, which is a metering device that measures alternating current.

  1. The key to emphasize here is that you can only have one or the other; you cannot have both at the same time.
  2. It is possible that it will be more difficult to complete than the orifice assembly.
  3. The orifice, on the other hand, is a basic copper tube that is enclosed by two screens.
  4. Unfortunately, because of the small size of the hole and the fact that it is the only screen in the refrigerant system, it presents a problem in the system.

Another reason we’re talking about this part first is because the orifice is the part that’s most commonly seen in the troubled autos from the 1990s and early 2000s. A large number of these vehicles are still on the road, and their owners want to get their air conditioning back up and running.

How the Orifice Tube Works

When I attended a General Motors-sponsored air conditioning class, the lecturer referred to the orifice as the precise location where the cold occurs. This is something that has stayed with me and serves as a decent depiction of what the component performs in general terms. On one side of the orifice tube is a high-pressure refrigerant liquid, while on the other side is air. This refrigerant is metered through a brass hole with a fixed size. The method leaves a low-pressure liquid immediately on the other side of the component when it has been completed successfully.

  1. The underlying premise is something that can be tested with an aerosol can as evidence.
  2. The high pressure liquid will flow through a tiny hole in the button’s face when you press down on the button, as you will observe when you press the button.
  3. And what happens if you keep your finger on the trigger for an extended period of time?
  4. A simple explanation of how an orifice tube keeps the air conditioning system cool is as follows: The low-pressure liquid flows into the evaporator core from the other side of the aperture.
  5. The temperature of this gadget is in the low 30 degree range.
  6. After that, it’s out into the inside cabin for everyone to enjoy themselves.
  7. And we owe a great deal of gratitude to the orifice tube for his tireless efforts.

How Does this Simple Plastic Part Fail

As previously stated, this component malfunctions as a result of other issues occurring inside in the car air conditioning system. In an ideal world, this component would never need to be serviced. However, due to the way it is constructed, it has the potential to become a snarling point, causing the system’s pressure balance to become erratic. Because the opening in the brass tube is so small, the maker had to safeguard it by enclosing it with screens to keep it from being damaged. In a factory-installed vehicle system, there are no further filters or screens to contend with.

When a sufficient quantity of debris accumulates, the aperture will no longer accurately meter the right amount of Freon into the evaporator.

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Symptoms of a Defective AC Orifice Tube

In many cases, the driver will describe symptoms such as an air conditioning system that initially cools when turned on but soon heats up as the car continues to operate. Installing a manifold gauge set and taking pressure measurements on an automotive air conditioning system will frequently reveal an automotive air conditioning system with strange pressure readings. It is possible that the values are consistent with a clog or a faulty compressor. More particular, the low side will have low pressure readings that are lower than average.

However, if you have a high side gauge attached and the tube is clogged, you will notice that the high side pressure readings will be greater than normal.

It is necessary to visually check this orifice tube if the pressure readings are low and below specification, and the pressure readings are high and above what is anticipated of them. This implies that the system must be restored and the problematic component physically removed from the system.

Service and Inspection of the Orifice Tube

Tube with a green orifice General Motors automobiles have a plastic and brass item that is five inches long and is inserted in the high pressure line behind the condenser, according to the manufacturer. It’s possible that it’ll be installed in the condenser outlet. Fortunately, there are some little crimp markings on the metal pressure line that might assist you in pinpointing its exact location. When it comes to other cars, they may be found pretty much anyplace on the high pressure side of the road.

  1. The not so amusing aspect of deleting this component is that it can be tough at times.
  2. When the plastic begins to disintegrate, it is trapped inside the high pressure line and cannot be removed.
  3. Using the specific instrument immediately away is preferable since attacking the problem with a needle nose pliers might render the remover useless.
  4. As a result, a $10 part becomes much more costly.
  5. When you remove the sensitive air conditioning component, it should seem like it was just installed.
  6. It should be noted that while changing the part, the parts are not all of the same size.
  7. These replacements are frequently color-coded in order to avoid any mistake.

What does a Clogged Tube Mean

a tube with a green orifice GM automobiles have a five-inch-long plastic and brass item that goes after the condenser and is inserted in the high-pressure line. The condenser outlet is sometimes where it is installed. Fortunately, there are several little crimp markings on the metal pressure line that might assist you in locating it more precisely. When it comes to other vehicles, they can be found pretty much anyplace on the high pressure side of the spectrum. On several versions, the component is, nevertheless, located rather close to the evaporator core.

  • No troubles at all when I came up to them and yanked it out with a pair of needle tip pliers without a hitch.
  • Getting it out in one piece is so frequent that tool manufacturers developed an affordable special tool to assist in getting it out.
  • This piece of the line will have to be replaced if it cannot be removed.
  • An expensive high pressure line might cost several hundred dollars on some automobiles.
  • It is likely that if you are reading this, the inlet screen region has become caked with metallic particles.

When changing the part, keep in mind that not all of the replacements will be of the same dimensions. Different model cars and manufacturers employ a variety of different size wheels and tires. This type of replacement is frequently color-coded in order to avoid misunderstandings.

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AC Accumulator Orifice Tube System Layout – HowTo

Introduction The air conditioning system in a car keeps the passenger compartment cool. The air conditioning system is made up of several components, including the compressor, evaporator, condenser, accumulator, and orifice tube, among others. In this section, we will discuss the operation and various elements of the accumulator and orifice tube. Working There are several parts to the air conditioning system, including an accumulator. Its primary function is to remove debris, oil, and moisture from the system, as well as prevent any residual liquid refrigerant from returning to the compressor.

  1. Located between the evaporator and the compressor on the ‘suction’ or ‘low-pressure side’ of the air conditioning system, the accumulator is responsible for storing energy.
  2. Preparing for the evaporator is accomplished by the use of an aperture tube, which allows refrigerant to expand and thus reduce its pressure before entering the evaporator.
  3. Aside from this, the orifice tube is also responsible for avoiding freezing or flooding of the evaporator.
  4. A faulty Accumulator and Orifice Tube can cause a variety of problems.
  5. The moisture is absorbed by the desiccant, which fills up to its maximum capacity with the moisture.
  6. It is possible for a desiccant that has absorbed a significant amount of moisture to cause the orifice tube to freeze, stopping the refrigerant from moving further through the AC system.
  7. It goes without saying that a failing accumulator or orifice tube will not provide efficient cooling performance.

Using an ultraviolet leak dye, you can detect the presence of refrigerant leaks in an accumulator that has been fractured or damaged.

If the readings on your air conditioning gauges are displaying irregularities or variations, you should get your orifice tube checked straight soon to ensure that the problem is not worsening.

In order to avoid any subsequent failure of the compressor owing to moisture or other foreign elements that might enter the compressor as a result of an ineffective accumulator, it is frequently recommended that it be done.

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Ac Orifice Receiver – Auto Repair Help

A/C ORIFICE, ACCUMULATOR,RECEIVER DRIERby Jim Miller Troubleshooting and repairing automotive A/C systems typically involves inspection of the following key A/C components.A/C ORIFICE TUBE 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.Some system designs place the orifice tube in the condensor outlet to dampen the hissing noise produced when the system is shut down.The orifice tube contains a small brass tubemachined to precise diameter, that is used to meter refrigerant flow.The tube is set inside a plastic carrierwhich also houses a mesh filter screen that is used to keep debris from entering the orifice.Seals are placed on the outside of the orifice tube assembly to block refrigerant from flowing around the tube and to help secure it in the liquid line.Automotive air conditioning systems that use an orifice tube also must use compressor controls to maintain low side pressure and temperature.Most use pressure cycling switches that are mounted on the accumulator to shut the compressor off when low side pressure drops below a specified level.Some older designs use a thermostatic cycling switch to control system pressure.These switches monitor low side temperature and cycle the compressor off when it drops below a specific level.The frequency of compressor cycling is dependent upon ambient air temperature and air flow across the condensor.Running the air conditioner at highway speeds or during cool days can result in the compressor cycling on and off at a higher rate.Compressor cycling may be felt by the operator of the vehicle, especially in vehicles equipped with small displacement engines.To address this, variable displacement compressors were designed to eliminate compressor cycling.Variable displacement compressors control system pressure by changing the amount of refrigerant the compressor can deliver in response to system demand.Refer to an auto repair manual for the specs on your vehicle’s A/C orifice and it’s removal and replacement instructions. A/C ACCUMULATOR The accumulator is placed at the evaporator outlet and is used to separate liquid refrigerant from vaporized refrigerant, as well as remove any moisture contained in the refrigerant.Refrigerant enters the accumulator as it leaves the evaporator.Any liquid refrigerant is trapped in the accumulator, while vaporized refrigerant and refrigerant oil is allowed to pass on to the compressor.A desiccant bag is placed in the accumulator to remove any moisture that may have contaminated the air conditioning system. A/C RECEIVER DRIER The receiver drier is used in air conditioning systems that utilize an expansion valve for refrigerant flow control.The receiver drier stores half of the systems refrigerant charge and contains a desiccant bag to remove any moisture that may have contaminated the system.The receiver drier is placed in the high pressure liquid line, between the condensor and the expansion valve.It may contain a sight glass that is used as an indicator for the amount of refrigerant contained in the system.Pressure switches and a pressure relief valve may also be placed on the receiver drier.(Jimis a lifelong fan of Dodger Baseball and used to race sprint cars inthe 1980s.)

What Does an Orifice Tube Do in an A/C System?

An orifice tube is comparable to an expansion valve in that both play a significant role in the operation of the vehicle’s air conditioning system. In order to manage the flow of refrigerant through the evaporator, which is the primary cooling component of the system, this valve must be installed. This flow is controlled directly by an expansion valve, which has a modulating rod that opens and shuts at different levels depending on the amount of cooling required. It also has a temperature detecting bulb, which senses the temperature of the evaporator’s interior.

  • Other methods, such as cycling the compressor on and off, or the use of a refrigerant regulating valve within the compressor itself, are used to control the refrigerant flow in orifice tube systems.
  • When there is an excessive amount of refrigerant flow, the evaporator runs excessively cold, causing moisture to freeze on the evaporator coils.
  • When the system is operating properly, the evaporator and refrigerant lines should be cool to the touch, but they should not be frozen.
  • Many cars are equipped with a ‘sight glass,’ which may be used to determine whether or not there are any air bubbles present in the refrigerant stream during operation.
  • It is also possible that faulty orifice tubes will result in insufficient refrigeration through the evaporator.
  • When this occurs, the A/C will simply not be able to keep up with the demands of the system and will fail to cool it.
  • However, there might be a variety of additional factors contributing to this condition.
  • It is because of this dynamic that the refrigerant can expand when it goes from the orifice tube into the evaporator.
  • A orifice tube’s tiny diameter, while essential for the cooling system, makes it subject to being clogged with debris from the system’s internal components.

Because it is a very basic component by design, the only way that it can fail is if the orifice tube becomes clogged with debris or becomes blocked completely.

Knowledge Building: Air Conditioning Basics

Apparently, according to the Farmer’s Almanac, we’re in for a scorcher of a summer (at least that’s what I’ve been told), which seems hard to believe given how late summer has gotten off to a start in certain areas of the nation. Nonetheless, even under moderate temperature conditions, a vehicle’s air conditioning system might malfunction, causing the car’s owner to overheat and become uncomfortable. The air conditioning system in a contemporary car is inextricably linked to the vehicle’s total temperature control and defogging system.

  • There are also several provincial rules that differ from area to region, but the principles that govern air conditioning systems stay the same, which is beneficial because it is a market that may place a high demand on the skills of those who work in the industry.
  • If you increase the pressure of the gas, the temperature of the gas will rise.
  • This attribute is responsible for the fact that the air conditioner works at all and is at the heart of most troubleshooting.
  • In addition, switches and controllers, as well as refrigerant and lubricant, are required for the operation of the system.
  • The first is the basic cycling clutch system; the second is the control valve system; the third is the clutch cycling orifice tube system (also known as an accumulator orifice tube system); and the fourth is the variable displacement orifice tube system (VDOT).
  • Despite the fact that they are closed-loop systems, air conditioning systems are separated into two sections: the High Side and the Low Side, which correspond to the pressure levels at each end of the system.
  • The orifice tube or expansion valve signals the beginning of the Low Side, which is characterized by a reduction in system pressure from as high as 250 pounds per square inch (psi) (or more) to, for example, 30 psi.
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The evaporator is responsible for routing low-pressure refrigerant.

The system pressure required for condensing the refrigerant at typical operating temperatures is provided by this component in any type of system (e.g.

While remaining in the gaseous condition, the refrigerant will not become a liquid until it passes through the Condenser, which will take many minutes.

In essence, they are all designed to perform the same function: to boost pressure on the refrigerant, helping it to condense more readily once it has passed through the condenser and enhancing its capacity to absorb heat as it goes through the evaporator.

These are the basic cycling and CCOT systems, respectively.

When the compressor clutch is engaged, a belt drives it from the crankshaft.

In order to keep the evaporator from freezing, a Thermostatic Cycling Switch (also known as an Evaporator Pressure Switch) is used to manage the cycling activity.

A Suction Throttling Valve (STV or POA or Control Valve) is used in ‘clutchless systems’ to manage evaporator pressure, preventing freezing by regulating the pressure in the system.

In most cases, the condenser is situated front of the car’s radiator, although it is significantly smaller.

It is positioned after the Condenser, on the high pressure side of the system, and it is also known as the Filter/Drier or Receiver/Drier.

It also has the function as a liquid storage device.

They are the equivalent of a receiver/drier, except they are positioned on the low-pressure side of a system and are utilized in CCOT and VDOT systems, which both employ Orifice Tubes as their primary flow path.

If the compressor were to come into contact with a ‘mouthful’ of liquid refrigerant that could not be compressed, it would malfunction.

Expansion Valves regulate the quantity of refrigerant that flows through the evaporator in response to variations in temperature and pressure.

Because they are fixed, there is a risk that some liquid refrigerant will enter the evaporator, which is why the low side Accumulator is required on orifice tube systems to prevent this from happening.

The majority of the time, they are utilized to correct for some of the conditions that might arise during R-134a retrofits of R-12 systems.

After receiving the low pressure refrigerant (in the form of tiny droplets) and being blasted through it by hot air from the passenger compartment, the refrigerant droplets absorb the heat from the air and begin to boil as a result of their absorption of heat from the air.

Also condensing on the cold evaporator is moisture absorbed from the air, which is then collected and directed to the ground.

A freeze-up, low refrigerant, or refrigerant overload are all examples of situations when these devices are intended to safeguard the system from harm.

The Components of an Automotive Air Conditioning System

5:56 p.m. on June 4, 2020 For those of you who live or drive in the southern United States, you appreciate how critical it is to have functional air conditioning in your vehicle. You may be familiar with the air conditioning system, but how much do you know about it? There are many basic types of vehicle air conditioning systems: orifice tube systems, expansion valve systems, and combinations of the two. Orifice tube systems are the most prevalent, while expansion valve systems are the least frequent.

The compressor, condenser, evaporator, accumulator (or receiver-drier), and orifice tube are the basic components of a refrigeration system (or expansion valve).

How does a car’s AC work?

A short review of how each component of a car’s air conditioning system contributes to air conditioning functioning in Madison, Tennessee:

  • In order for the air conditioning system to function properly, it must be filled with refrigerant gas, often known as Freon or R135A. When refrigerant is compressed, it has the capacity to modify its physical characteristics, which, as you’ll see in a minute, is critical to the operation of an air conditioning system. Compressor: The compressor is responsible for converting the refrigerant into a liquid since it compresses the refrigerant, as the name indicates. With compression, the gas warms up to a point where it is sent to the condenser for cooling. Condenser: The condenser is the part of the refrigeration system that cools the refrigerant. This component consists of a segment of coils through which air from the outside travels, allowing the heat from the compressed gas to be removed. It is as a result of this that the gas cools and condenses into a liquid form. This canister in the air conditioning system contains a desiccant, which helps to absorb moisture. It is also referred to as a receiver-drier in some circles. This portion may be equipped with a sight glass on the top, which allows you to monitor the flow. This is the phase of the process that results in the air entering your car having low levels of humidity. Filter: Cleaning the air is an important part of air conditioning. The inline filter of the air conditioner will remove any dirt in the air, holding it, and enabling the clean air to continue flowing through. A refrigerant expansion valve is a component that regulates the flow of refrigerant, resulting in it changing from a liquid at high pressure to a mist at low pressure before entering the evaporator. Using an orifice tube instead of an expansion valve can provide the same refrigerant mist effect as using an expansion valve
  • However, it is more expensive. After passing through the evaporator, air will be forced through the cold tubes of the evaporator by a blower motor, resulting in cool air being pumped into the vehicle’s passenger compartment.

As a result, you should have a rough concept about the operation of each component of a car’s air conditioning system and how they contribute to the air conditioning process. In order to obtain further information regarding air conditioning and car components, or to arrange repairs or service, please contact our knowledgeable auto repair shop in Madison, TN, immediately. Auto Air Conditioning Service is a category of service. Writer was the author of this article.

AC Thermal Expansion Valve Or Orifice Tube Repair

The air conditioning system in your car or truck is under high pressure, and the thermal expansion valve, also known as an orifice tube, measures the amount of pressure and temperature in your A/C system. It is responsible for determining the precise amount of refrigerant that may be safely introduced into the evaporator. When an expansion valve or orifice tube fails, the air conditioner in a vehicle’s air conditioning system frequently blows hot air. Whether to replace or repair

  • Having too much refrigerant in your system causes your evaporator to get excessively cold, while having too little refrigerant results in insufficient cooling. Expansion Valves: The expansion valve is a complicated valve that regulates the flow of refrigerant through the system. As a result of this process of metering the refrigerant, the flow rate is adjusted in accordance with the temperature of the refrigerant within the evaporator coil. Consult with one of the expert mechanics at Certified Automotive Solutions, since this component may be changed on its own and does not necessitate the replacement of the complete air conditioning unit. Ordinary orifice tubes, in contrast to the expansion valve, are a stationary device that does not require any moving elements to function properly. The flow of refrigerant into the evaporator cannot be varied as a result, and instead a permanent limitation is created in the system. The orifice tube, like the expansion valve, controls the flow of refrigerant through the system and filters debris that may pass past its mesh screen. A ‘poor orifice tube’ may frequently be repaired only by replacing the complete evaporator assembly.

More AC Repair Services:

AC Repair Services for Trucks and Automobiles Freon Recharging Services for Your Car Or Truck’s Air Conditioning Evaporator

Everything You Need to Know About Your Car’s A/C

Especially when it comes to surviving the sweltering concrete jungle, we all want the most cold possible pouring out of our air conditioning vents. When the air conditioning system kicks in on those hot, humid days, it’s something we all look forward to. There is, however, no ice machine on the premises (although ice was formerly used to cool people’s rides, as was the case in the past). It is really hot air that is used to generate the cool air produced by your A/C system, with hot gases eliminated through a multi-step process.

  1. The gist of it is that variations in pressure cause temperature to fluctuate in response to the changes in pressure.
  2. During its passage through the condenser, it loses heat (that second radiator looking thing in front of the radiator).
  3. The evaporator is the final stage of the process.
  4. The evaporator is located inside the dash of your vehicle.

A little difficult, but oh my goodness, is it refreshing! Having learned more about what it takes to stay cool, if you are experiencing difficulties staying cool, schedule an appointment at Firestone Complete Auto Care for anA/C Performance Check.

How often should my A/C be inspected?

You are the one who must inform us. How does the air quality feel in your vehicle? When your air conditioner is running, do you feel refreshed and cooled by the constant flow of air? Then you may cross the A/C inspection off your to-do list if the answer was ‘Yes, I am as cool as a cucumber.’ For those of you who said ‘No,’ do you fall into the category of ‘my A/C is not chilly enough’ or ‘it’s taking much too long to cool down,’ respectively? Please do not panic; simply bring your vehicle in for an A/C Performance Check and we’ll have you back on the road, cooler than ever.

How often do I need my A/C system “recharged”?

The only time is when the cool breeze does not feel quite so frigid as it did previously. It’s not difficult at all. It is true that a well maintained air conditioning system may operate without the need for a recharge for its entire life. However, that is only if you are extraordinarily fortunate. If you notice that your air conditioning isn’t delivering those wonderfully cold temps, it’s time to have your system evaluated. The majority of automobiles will be running short on Freon in this condition.

Whether it’s a little leak that need maintenance or a section of the air conditioning system that is malfunctioning, bring it in and we’ll run an A/C Performance Check to determine what’s wrong.

What is refrigerant?

Freons are often known to by its commercial name, which comes from DuPont. The most prevalent Freons are R-12, R-134A, and shortly, HFO-1234yf, which will be introduced. Freon is quite similar to motor oil and radiator coolant in that it is a working fluid that is developed for a specific system; in this example, the air conditioning system in your automobile. In the refrigeration industry, refrigerant is a carefully prepared combination that is used solely for the conversion of hot air into cold air.

Different equipment, like as the refrigerator in your house, the air conditioning system in your home, or your automobile, may utilize different types of refrigerants to function properly.

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Now that you know what cools automobiles, houses, and meat lockers, turn up the volume on your air conditioner and marvel as stagnant hot air is transformed into your own personal ice container.

What exactly is Freon?

It sounds like a history of automobile air conditioning is in order. Now that you’ve arrived, please take a seat and don your thinking cap. Freon, also known as R-12, was the major chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) used in automobile air conditioning systems until it was prohibited by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the mid-1990s after it was revealed that it was eroding our planet’s ozone layer. Toxic is an understatement. Since then, the automotive industry has shifted to the CFC-free R-134a refrigerant.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the ozone holes produced by CFCs are likely to be completely closed by roughly 2050.

Aside from putting an end to the heavy hairspray fad that swept the country in the 1970s and 1980s, the CFC prohibition also signaled the end of the CFC heavy hairspray mania. This transition was seen positively by many as a step forward in the development of American hair culture.

What is the Montreal Protocol? (R-12)

No, this isn’t a treaty that you studied about in high school or college history class. According to the official title, the Montreal Protocol is the international agreement that prohibits the use of R-12 (Freon) and other CFC (Chlorofluorocarbons) emitting goods everywhere on the earth in the future. And with good reason: it was determined that CFCs were responsible for large holes in our ozone layer. The Montreal Protocol was signed into law for the first time in 1987. Environmental guidelines intended to prohibit the use of ozone depleting gases (which have been in effect in the United States since 1996) predict that the ozone layer will be totally recovered by 2050 if the entire industrial world adopts them.

Starting in 2013, some car models in the United States will begin converting to HFO-1234yf, a cooling agent that is both more efficient and safer than the current standard.

According to the manufacturer, HFO-1234yf has little to no environmental impact at all.

What’s the difference between R-134a and R-12?

You may argue that the difference is so significant that it has prevented the extinction of the entire planet. Although I don’t want to get too deep into your psyche, when it was discovered that R-12 and a whole host of other products containing Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were depleting the ozone layer, environmental scientists immediately began working on developing an alternative cooling agent that would not contain ozone-depleting CFCs. That formula is R-134a, which is the industry standard and the only refrigerant approved for use in automobile air conditioning systems today.

HFO-1234yf is the most environmentally friendly and safest refrigerant available.

Talk about a significant improvement in air conditioning technology that will aid in the preservation of our environment for all those who are compelled to cruise the open road for many years to come.

But why replace R-134a?

Although R-134a was developed with the protection of the ozone layer in mind, it is still created using chemicals that may be harmful to the environment if they leak out of your air conditioning system or are carelessly disposed of. Because of this well-known fact, international environmental experts were certain that a more environmentally friendly A/C refrigerant was waiting to be discovered and developed. The refrigerant HFO-1234yf is set to become the industry standard:

  • After being evaluated, it was discovered that it had almost little influence on the environment. If your air conditioning system fails, there is no longer a public outcry about the environment.

It all boils down to the next generation of drivers in the future.

Our objective as automotive specialists is to offer the finest possible care for your vehicle while also conserving the natural environment of the road on which your vehicle will be traveling for many years to come.

How many parts make up a car A/C system?

Your air conditioning system is made up of five primary components that all work together to keep you and your passengers cool. The following components are found in the majority of air conditioning systems:

  • All of the components of your air conditioning system work together to keep you and your passengers comfortable. The following components are included in the construction of most air conditioning systems.

Your air conditioning system additionally includes hoses and refrigerant charge ports, but the majority of the work is performed by the five components indicated above. Starting with the following question, you may learn more about each component that makes up your air conditioning system. Cool.

What is the A/C compressor?

The compressor is the most important and fundamental component of any air conditioning system. The ability to keep cool is dependent on the operation of your compressor. We’ve seen folks attempt to produce chilly air without the use of a fan. We can assure you that it does not function. The compressor is as follows:

  • It increases the pressure of the refrigerant that cools your air
  • Temperature variations are detected by: Compressors use an electrically driven clutch to monitor and adjust the temperature output of the compressor. This clutch activates and deactivates anytime you adjust the temperature, select a new airflow setting, or simply when the temperature of the outside air decreases or increases. The serpentine belt provides the necessary power: That winding belt under your hood is in charge of providing power to a variety of critical components, including your air conditioning compressor.

Boosts the pressure of the refrigerant that cools your air conditioning system. Thermal sensors detect fluctuations in temperature. Using an electronically actuated clutch, compressors monitor and adjust the temperature of the output. This clutch is activated and deactivated anytime you adjust the temperature, select a new airflow setting, or simply when the temperature of outside air decreases or increases. The serpentine belt provides the necessary power. A lot of important components, such as your air conditioner compressor, are powered by the winding belt under your hood.

What is an A/C condenser?

You might think of it as the master of converting hot refrigerant vapors into liquid. The condenser is normally located near the front of the car, in front of the radiator, in order to conserve space. The condenser cools the heated refrigerant gas by condensing it into a condensed, colder refrigerant liquid as it flows through it. The following are the functions of an A/C condenser:

  • The master refrigerant cooler, which is located in front of the radiator and is often referred to as a mini-radiator. And he’s still the champion. The Condenser radiates the hot refrigerant vapors that have entered the system from the compressor, lowering their temperature and pressure, and converting them into a liquid that is sent to the A/C Dryer.

Symptoms of a deteriorated condenser include:

  • Leaks, clogged, rusted, or broken fins or tubes are all possibilities. Poor functioning of the air conditioning system

What’s a receiver/dryer?

It is common to find the receiver or dryer on cars that have a thermal expansion valve. A safety net is responsible for preventing all potentially hazardous particles such as dust, moisture and liquids from accessing the compressor and other critical A/C components. The receiver/dryer performs the following functions: It is used to separate gas from liquid. If liquid is not confined within the dryer, it has the potential to infiltrate and damage your compressor (compressors are not meant to handle liquids).

A desiccant is a substance that traps moisture.

It removes pollutants from the water.

Contaminants can cause components to wear out more quickly and cause corrosion to occur.

Quick fact: If there is any moisture present in your compressor, it has the potential to combine with the refrigerant and produce extremely harmful corrosive acids. Symptoms of a deteriorated receiver/dryer include:

  • Inadequate functioning of the air conditioner
  • The presence of moisture on the glass and/or the failure of the defroster to remove moisture from the glass and windows

Following are some examples of when the receiver/dryer has to be replaced:

  • The receiver/dryer will need to be changed every time that the A/C system is opened for maintenance or repair. In the event that a technician determines that moisture or debris has permanently impaired the functioning of your receiver/dryer

What is an accumulator?

An accumulator is similar to a receiver-dryer, except it can only be found on cars that have an aperture tube in the exhaust. It is likely that you do not have a thermal expansion valve if you have an accumulator in your system. The accumulator is comprised of:

  • The amount of refrigerant that enters the evaporator is monitored and controlled by this device. Excess refrigerants are stored so that they do not enter the compressor and cause harm. Filters out dirt and moisture from the air conditioning system.

When should you replace your accumulator?

  • The accumulator will need to be changed every time the air conditioning system is opened for maintenance. When a technician determines that moisture or debris has permanently impaired the operation of your accumulator

What is a thermal expansion valve/orifice tube?

The orifice tube, also known as a thermal expansion valve, is situated between the condenser and the evaporator in a refrigeration system. Your air conditioning system’s pressure and temperature must be regularly monitored in order to calculate the precise quantity of refrigerant that can be safely introduced into your evaporator, which is its function. It is possible that an orifice tube will also have a fine mesh screen, which will prevent pollutants from entering the remainder of the system.

Successful functioning of an air conditioning system is dependent on the appropriate performance of the thermal expansion valve or orifice tube.

  • When a professional determines that the A/C system has gotten unclean or clogged, the system’s performance is degraded.

What is an evaporator?

When a professional determines that the A/C system has gotten unclean or clogged, the system will work poorly.

  • Located just behind your steering wheel. The evaporator is the final and most crucial stop before cold air can reach your face
  • It cools air by using refrigerant to do so. There is a lack of pressure. Coolant passing through the evaporator absorbs heat from the passenger compartment, causing it to cool down to a more comfortable temperature. Air is forced over the cool surface of the evaporator and then expelled out the vents, delivering the chill you anticipate
  • This initiates the flow of cold air. This is the most important and last stage. Because of the evaporator’s tireless efforts, cold air should now be flowing from your vents.

Symptoms of a deteriorated evaporator include:

What is a compressor clutch?

In order to engage and disengage the compressor cycle, an unique electro-magnetic clutch, which is referred to as the ‘compressor clutch,’ must be installed prior to the compressor being turned on. The compressor clutch directs the compressor when to turn on and off, ensuring that the Freon (refrigerant) is properly pressured for use by the condenser, and that the chilled water is supplied to the evaporator where the chilling process begins. Do you have troubles with your air conditioning? Make an appointment for an A/C Performance Check now.

What is the clutch cycling switch?

In order to engage and disengage the compressor cycle, an unique electro-magnetic clutch, which is referred to as the ‘compressor clutch,’ must be installed prior to the compressor being turned on and operating. The compressor clutch controls the compressor when to turn on and off so that the Freon (refrigerant) is properly pressured for use by the condenser, which then delivers the pressurized Freon to the evaporator, where the chilling process begins to take effect. Do you have troubles with your A/C?

  • When the evaporator freezes up, or when the evaporator does not become cold enough

What is a refrigerant charge port?

This is the point at which the magic happens. During an air conditioning system recharge, the refrigerant charge port is the connecting point via which additional refrigerant may be introduced into the system. In most cases, your port is placed on the larger A/C hose, next to or on the accumulator. A word of caution: Only personnel who are adequately equipped and qualified should execute A/C recharging services.

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