Orifice tube, WTF is it?

[Bri-Guy-GA]

I am replacing the AC compressor on my 95 GP 3.1 and can't find the orifice tube. I have removed the hoses from the compressor and the accumulator and cant find it. I looked at the straight run from the condensor (radiator thingy) running along the frame rail and it was also empty. Did I miss it or did some bone head not put one in?

[GutlessSupreme]

It should be in the tube running along the inside of the driver's side wheel well, beneath the cruise control module. That's where it is on '88-'93 anyway.

[Bri-Guy-GA]

Found it. Followed the tube toward the shock tower and it was in that joint. Did they have to hide it? Jeez. Thanks for the help.

[IRONDOG442]

I dont know but I found a tube in your orifice.

[Euro]

i dont even know how to say orifice....lol

 

what does it do?

[Crazy K]

the orifice tube 'element' 'filter' or whatever they may refer to it as, is basically a simple filter designed to capture contaminants inside the refridgerant lines for the a/c system. usually it's like and inch long and 1/4 inch in diameter and looks like a reinfoced mesh tube. It locks into a joint in the lines.

[mfewtrail]

the orifice tube 'element' 'filter' or whatever they may refer to it as, is basically a simple filter designed to capture contaminants inside the refridgerant lines for the a/c system. usually it's like and inch long and 1/4 inch in diameter and looks like a reinfoced mesh tube. It locks into a joint in the lines.

 

While it will catch particals/contaminants, it's purpose is to only allow a metered amount of refrigerant into the evaporator.

[Euro]

oh ok. thanks guys