Astro Van 2WD V6-4.3L VIN W (2001)
Expansion Block/Orifice Tube: Service and Repair
EXPANSION (ORIFICE) TUBE REPLACEMENT
TOOLS REQUIRED
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J 26549-E Orifice Tube Remover.
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J 39400-A Halogen Leak Detector
REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Remove the air cleaner.
2. Recover the refrigerant from the system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging.
3. Remove the evaporator tube from the evaporator.
4. Remove the O-ring seal.
5. Use the J 26549-E in order to remove the orifice tube.
6. If you have difficulty removing a restricted or plugged expansion (orifice) tube, use the following procedure:
6.1.
Remove as much of any impacted residue as possible.
NOTE: If the system has a pressure switch near the expansion (orifice) tube location, it should be removed prior to heating the pipe to avoid damage
to switch.
6.2.
Carefully apply heat with a heat gun (hair dryer, epoxy dryer, or equivalent) approximately 7 mm (0.25 in) from the dimples on the inlet
pipe. DO NOT overheat the pipe.
6.3.
While applying heat, use the J 26549-E in order to remove the orifice tube.
6.4.
Use a turning motion along with a push-pull motion in order to loosen the impacted expansion (orifice) tube.
6.5.
Remove the expansion (orifice) tube.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
IMPORTANT: Install the shorter screen end of the expansion (orifice) tube into the evaporator first.