Dakota R/T 2WD V8-5.9L VIN Z LDC (1999)
Expansion Block/Orifice Tube: Description and Operation
SYSTEM OPERATION
The fixed orifice tube is installed in the liquid line between the outlet of the condenser and the inlet of the evaporator. The fixed orifice tube is
located near the front end of the rear half of the two-piece liquid line. It is accessed for service by separating the tube fitting that joins the two
halves of the liquid line.
Fixed Orifice Tube - Typical
The inlet end of the fixed orifice tube has a nylon mesh filter screen, which filters the refrigerant and helps to reduce the potential for blockage of
the metering orifice by refrigerant system contaminants. The outlet end of the tube has a nylon mesh diffuser screen. The O-rings on the plastic
body of the fixed orifice tube seal the tube to the inside of the liquid line and prevent the refrigerant from bypassing the fixed metering orifice.
The fixed orifice tube is used to meter the flow of liquid refrigerant into the evaporator coil. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant from the
condenser expands into a low-pressure liquid as it passes through the metering orifice and diffuser screen of the fixed orifice tube.
The fixed orifice tube cannot be repaired and, if faulty or plugged, it must be replaced.
