Orifice tube problem

refugioco on Thu September 04, 2008 3:53 PM

Year: 1994
Make: Buick
Model: Roadmaster
Engine Size: 350
Refrigerant Type: r134a

I just opened the system and found the orifice tube full of metal and black gum. The funny thing is I can not get a new one or the old one back in all the way. How do I go about getting it reamed out so that it will be able to go in all the way. I know I will be doing a new compressor...etc. I am just curious about this problem. thanks

iceman2555 on Thu September 04, 2008 4:02 PM

This problem has occurred on a couple of vehicles. First be very careful if you decide to 'ream' the line to fit. Excessive metal removal or an irregular seating area may contribute to liquid refrigerant blow by.
Insure that the line is clean inside. Often this debris field will build up in the line and may prevent proper seating of the valve.
Also insure that the oring is lubricated....we simply cover the orifice with mineral lube and stick it in. Can use PAGs....we simply use mineral lube for this and all other orings.
Good luck.

-------------------------
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
Thomas Jefferson

Chick on Thu September 04, 2008 7:53 PM

Yes, be careful about reaming. You might be better off buying a new line. As stated, lube the O tube well, and it will go back in, I would suggest changing the condenser on that one if that much junk was on the O tube..Hope this helps..

-------------------------
Chick
Email: Chick

---------------------------------------------

Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose

HECAT on Fri September 05, 2008 10:40 AM

Quote
Originally posted by: refugioco
I just opened the system and found the orifice tube full of metal and black gum. The funny thing is I can not get a new one or the old one back in all the way. How do I go about getting it reamed out so that it will be able to go in all the way. I know I will be doing a new compressor...etc. I am just curious about this problem. thanks

I hope new compressor...etc. means addressing the metal and black gum that is throughout the system. The O-tube screen is always a great way to take a read for what the entire system looks like. Looks like some cleaning is needed to be sure your new compressor gets the clean and proper lubrication it requires. Condenser must be back flushed (if not replaced) as it works like a primary filter for larger metal than you will see in the O-tube screen.

Maybe the black gum is some type of buildup (sealer?) that is restricting the O-tube installation. Look closely at the one removed, did it leave part of the o-rings behind (stuck) when you pulled it out? I would try and clean the area well with an aggressive cleaner and lubricate the new o-rings well. Maybe test the fit without the o-rings installed.

-------------------------

HECAT: www.hecatinc.com You support the Forum when you consider www.ackits.com for your a/c parts.

FLUSHING TECHNICAL PAPER vs2.pdfÃÂ

refugioco on Fri September 05, 2008 2:19 PM

Those are great suggestions. I have tried scraping it with a small screw driver but dont bring up anything substantial. What type of aggressive cleaner do you suggests. thanks

HECAT on Fri September 05, 2008 4:49 PM

I was thinking of something aggressive like Brake Kleen and a small brush like engine builders use in small oil passageways. Be aware that whatever you do it will all be going into the evap and will need to be cleaned out of there before reassembling.

-------------------------

HECAT: www.hecatinc.com You support the Forum when you consider www.ackits.com for your a/c parts.

FLUSHING TECHNICAL PAPER vs2.pdfÃÂ