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Orfice tube location

Scout3 on Wed September 24, 2008 8:51 PM User is offline

Year: 1994
Make: Plymouth
Model: Voyager
Engine Size: 3.0
Refrigerant Type: 134
Country of Origin: United States

My 94 plymouth Voyager with all original equipment just had the AC compressor lock up. It has worked great up till now so I guess I can't complain. I just pulled the compressor, I turned it upside down and not even a drop of oil came out. There is no evidence of shavings or anything looking into where the coolant lines were attached. I am going to replace the compressor and the drier. Is there an orfice tube in this system, if so where is it located? Also where did the oil go? how much should I put back in the system for just the compressor and drier?

Thanks

ED

chris142 on Wed September 24, 2008 11:09 PM User is offline

This one uses an expansion block.

Chick on Thu September 25, 2008 7:04 AM User is offlineView users profile

You will find the expansion valve in the center of the firewall, it will have an electrical connector on the bottom of it. If your van uses rear air, there will also be one in the panel behind the driver seat. I recommend changing the valve(s). You system should use about 7 to 8 ounces of oil, let us know if it has rear air or not. Flushing the system is also recommended if the interior of the compressor went out on you, not so much if the clutch just went..Hope this help..

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Chick
Email: Chick

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Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose

Scout3 on Thu September 25, 2008 11:44 AM User is offline

I do not have rear A/C. Seeing as how old this vehicle is I don't want to put too much money into it. I have found what appears to be a clean functional used compressor. I was going to roll the dice and see what happens. The old compressor being dry of oil was what concerned me. I figure that is why it locked up. The clutch is kicking in fine. I tried tightening the belt as tight as I could and it almost stalls the engine when it kicks in. I asked about an orfice tube because I had one in my Chevy truck. I was told to check to see if it was gunked up. If not, I had a better chance the compressor didn't put trash all through my system. If I remove the expansion valve assembly and inspect it, can I assume the same thing if it is clean.

Thanks

ED

Chick on Thu September 25, 2008 5:19 PM User is offlineView users profile

if you're not going to change the drier and expansion valve, you're better off just leaving the windows down. The oil travels with the refrigerant, so it's not unusual to find the compressor dry. What color is the oil you got out, check the drier for oil, and color..Change it, the filter for expansion valve systems is in the drier.. If you use a used compressor, and don't flush you need to "guess" how much oil to add back, but if thats your route, be sure to at least use PAG 46 oil, pull a deep vacuum and recharge the system amount back in..Good luck and let us know how it turns out

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Chick
Email: Chick

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Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose

Scout3 on Thu September 25, 2008 7:33 PM User is offline

Thanks for the info. I did intend to change the drier with a new one. Thanks for telling me what type of oil to put in it. I hope to do the job this weekend. Will post results.

ED

HECAT on Fri September 26, 2008 6:38 AM User is offline

The condenser acts as a primary filter before it reaches the o-tube or in this case, a filter dryer in a TXV system. You can back blow the condenser in the opposite direction; use a clean rag on the outlet to look for signs of debris. I would bet the system got low on refrigerant and oil migration became compromised and was not returning to the compressor to maintain proper lubrication; thus the lock up and no oil found. Much of the old oil is probably lying in the evaporator and debris will be found in the condenser.

I understand your reluctance to spend any money, but you are setting yourself up to spend money and time with a very high risk of failure. You are planning on using a used compressor, installing it on an unknown but most probably contaminated system, adding a guess amount of oil without removing any of the old. I wish you all the luck in the world, but I also recommend you think it over well and look a little closer to understand the risks.

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Scout3 on Fri September 26, 2008 5:18 PM User is offline

Thank you for your suggestions and I do understand the risks. It is an old vehicle and works fine for a daily driver to work and back. To put in a new compressor and condenser would cost more than the vehicle is worth. I picked up the used compressor today and will try and get at it this weekend. If I find evidence of contamination, I will probably drive as is.

ED

Chick on Fri September 26, 2008 6:03 PM User is offlineView users profile

If it's your "daily" driver, it doesn't matter if it was a 86 model year, you want cold air..??? Doesn't matter what the car is worth either if you drive it every day..I could never figure that logic, but thats just me... Use you compressor, change the drier and add back some oil..Vacuum the system down and recharge it..You may get lucky, maybe not, but if you're gonna do anything, give it your best shot. Now if you say you aren't gonna pull a vacuum, and you're gonna use a death kit to charge it, then I have to say stop and leave it alone or you might ruin it by seizing the belt and you won't have a daily driver anymore.. Just do the best you can, but at least do the minimum needed if you don't want to do it right..Stay away from sealers or refrigerant with oil or other "magic" in them...You do have a shot, don't blow it on quick fixes.... Good luck..

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Chick
Email: Chick

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Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose

tony1963 on Sat September 27, 2008 8:44 AM User is offline

Not wanting to spend much money is the root of most failed auto repairs. The vehice is not, nor has it ever been, an investment. It is a choice of transportation. If you want the air to work, you have to fix it right.

With AC work, there is not much compromise when doing things right. It's not like using cheaper tires, etc.

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