I started working on an A/C system today, & the orifice tube split in half when I tried to remove it. It is the expensice self-adjusting type. The top came off, but the bottom is still in the lower evaporator tube, & is held in place where the tube is pinched from the factory. Are there any suggestions for the best way to get this thing out, before I have to buy a repair kit?
Thanks.

 

I thought this was gonna be nasty.

 

Napa might sell a remover - they do sell a repair kit wherein you cut out the old pipe and put in a new one using compression fittings. www.ackits.com might have something too. Line shouldn't be bent or creased at the orifice fitting, so if it is, you should probably replace the Evaporator or use a repair kit.

 

The evaporator is new, & all is straight. I have 2 used evaporators, also. Apparently, the line constricts after getting cold, The tube won't come out of any of them. The orifice tube broke on all 3. I have a tool to remove them, also. The tube always splits in half. I know the repair kit is available, but I hate to cut a new evaporator. I'm thinking about using a small fishing hook (maybe treble) with some shark wire on the end. Maybe I can hook it & fish it out. I thought that perhaps some company has made a double J - hoook tool that could be closed with a scissor-type handle so as to pierce the orifice tube, & allow for removal.

 

 

When I was in AC school many years ago they had a special tool made especially to take out broken orifice tubes that the top break off of them, it basically screws into the remaining part lodged down in the tube and then you can turn it enough to get the remaining piece out.

You do know that usually the reason(s) for this type of situation is from trying to get the orifice tube out without using the proper tool, ie: it isn't needle nose pliers, I'm not trying to be a as* but just educating you in case you didn't know.

 

I know what tool to use. It is even posted above that I have one. Thanks for making sure, though. I have tons of tools. I fimly believe in 2 basic rules!!!

1) NEVER force anything.
2) If it's difficult, there is probably a tool made for it.

Here is the solution I came up with to get it out.....
I used a screwout tool (I believe it was #4). It is the screw remover that looks conical in shape, & has screw threads on it.
I carefully turned it counterclockwise to attach itself to the bottom half of the orifice tube. I used NO down force. That could move the orifice tube even farther down, & the tool would no longer reach. The tool grabbed the orifice tube, & I carefully continued to turn it counterclockwise until I felt a little resistance. After 1/2 more turns, I lifted it right out with the screwout tool. So, that's how to remove an orifice tube if it separates. At least it worked for me. Once again, this was the expensive self-adjusting orifice tube. It has a single loop on the top for removal. The normal ones have a couple of grooves on the side for the removal tube to grab hold of.

To get the new (regular) orifice tube in, I used an old trick for installing new strips in a roots-type blower. I put in on ice for a little bit of time (don't freeze it) while keeping it in the package. It compresses just a little, & becomes easier to install after the PAG oil is applied.

Thanks!

P.S. RonVette2, I really like the rims on that yellow Corvette. It looks classy.

 

Thanks for the comment on the wheels. I did read the whole thread before replying, sorry I didn't catch all about the tools, and like I tried to make sure above, I didn't mean any harm or implying about your knowledge of tools or experience, I'm not an expert, just giving my two cents. Glad to hear that you got it out with no issues, I just didn't want you to have to get one of those cut and replace the line kits when I didn't think it was neccessary to go to that much extreme for your issue, although I have seen some butchered up ones in the past as I'm sure you probably have too