Cougar/XR7 V8-4.6L VIN W (1997)
Expansion Block/Orifice Tube: Description and Operation
NOTE: The A/C evaporator core orifice should be replaced whenever an A/C compressor is replaced.
The A/C evaporator core orifice has the following characteristics:
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is color coded orange.
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has a diameter of 1.46 mm (0.058 inch).
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is located in the condenser to evaporator tube.
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has filter screens located on the inlet and outlet ends of the tube body.
The A/C evaporator core orifice assembly is the restriction in the refrigerant circuit that creates the pressure drop necessary for cooling by metering the
flow of liquid refrigerant into the A/C evaporator core, reducing the pressure.
Operation is as follows:
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The temperature of the A/C evaporator core is controlled by sensing the pressure within the A/C evaporator core with the A/C cycling switch.
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The A/C cycling switch controls compressor operation as necessary to maintain the pressure in the A/C evaporator core within specified limits.
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The inlet filter screen acts as a strainer for the liquid refrigerant flowing through the A/C evaporator core orifice.
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O-ring seals on the A/C evaporator core orifice prevent the high-pressure liquid refrigerant from bypassing the A/C evaporator core orifice.
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Adjustment or service cannot be made to the A/C evaporator core orifice assembly. It must be replaced as a unit.
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The condenser to evaporator tube must be replaced, or an Orifice Tube Replacement Kit or equivalent installed, if replacement of the A/C
evaporator core orifice is necessary.
