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Aircon Oriface Tube

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76Vett:
Hi all. Can someone tell me the location of the Orifice Tube in a '76 aircon system?
Thank's in advance.

Vettech:
I have a 78, and I believe the A/C units would be sim or the same. Th orifice tube is located in the liquid line between the Condenser (radiator at front) and Evaporator (AC dash unit). Now if LHD, the Ac is on the RH side, there is a tube coming out of the lower part of the AC box it will have a hex nut arrangement which allows both disconnection of the line and access to the Orifice Tube, somewhere very close to this will be a a very fine capilary tube taped around the metal pipe - this is for the thermostat. Using TWO (2) spanners the hex nut can be opened to get at the Orifice Tube. I think if its blue you replace with blue, etc etc. Most AC places should carry them or direct from the states. If your car is RHD it depends on what they did with the Ac/heater box it could be on RH or LH sides, could be upside down. But remember the Accumulator  or the bright silver alloy canister is allways on the outlet of the Ac/heater box, whilst the Orifice is on the Liquid inlet side. Now orifice tubes have no moving or working parts, so I wonder why you would require to replace this ??????. I suppose it could be damaged if outer metal line has been damaged, or if there has been rubbish in the lines - then the tube could have a become blocked or plugged.

sirfixalot:
Pretty sure 76 doesn't have one on a 78 it goes in the pipe ex the drier under theguard

Vettech:
Then it must have a reciever/drier and an expansion valve. 78 definitely has an accumulator (flooded system) and yes from memory it is kinda tucked up the guard. If your silver canister has one tube up the bum, and one tube in the side near the top and a schrader valve very close to it (charge port) it is definitely an accumulater. If the canister has both tubes in and out on the top with a little sight glass then it is a rec/drier type, if so, it will have an expansion vavle. Having said that, there are an infinite number of shapes and sizes of these canisters, but I believe the 78 accumulator system is exactly like the early SLE Comodores, the base models had rec/drier type system. In fact I would say the blower & evap assembly would be identical but on the LH side of the SLE comodore firewall. Umm food for thought.

76Vett:
Thanks Vettech and Sirfixalot for the advice and you were both correct. The '76 does not have an orifice tube and does have a receiver/drier and an expansion valve. I managed to get a maintenance kit for the receiver/drier, so all is good now. Got a new A6 style compressor to replace the missing one and now system is good to go. On Tuesday it goes to get leak tested and gassed, I hope, so now should have a cool vet.

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