tdcarter72

I have a 1987 F-150 XLT Lariat w/302

I can not find the orifice tube in my a/c system. where is it suppose to be?

Also, does anybody know of a website or have a help guide for the A/C system?

I am redoing my a/c system and want to make sure I do things right the first time.

Thanks for any help!

jhelrey

There will be a kink in the line... Some are by the condenser and some are by the pump.

tdcarter72

Thanks for the reply.

I have took the hoses off so I could replace the o-rings and and spring clips on the lines and never found it. Someone had told me that it should have been slid in one of the hoses at a connection point. Would that be right?

Now, am not not putting it past the last owner to have not put one in the system. If thats the case, where should I put one in at? and what other precautions should I take in trying to get the system up and running?

My plans for the a/c system:
-replace o-rings and spring clips at all the connection
-replace comp
-replace drier
-replace orifice tube
-vac system
-recharge

History:
The a/c system worked when I first got the truck. It had a leak at one of the connections and stop cooling when it ran out of r134. The old comp. still works but the pulley and clutch system makes a heck of a noise which is why am changing it out.

jhelrey

The individual that told you it out be by a connection is 100% correct. It will be at a point where you separate two lines. You will have to get it out with a needle nose pliers. They are typically the diameter of a pencil.

Some AC systems did not use orifice tube but I don't know if this is one of them or not.

Correct in your steps also... toss some dye into it after you recharge it so if you get a leak again, it will be easy to find.

RocketScott

On the left side of the enigne bay as you're looking from the front (right side of the truck) there is a black box on the firewall that holds the evaporator core. The orifice valve is stuck in the tube coming out of the lower part of the box. The tube angles upward and connects to the line that runs forward to the condenser.

I can't remember if needle nose pliers will get it out. I have a special tool that I used. Here is somthing similar:

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...mString=search

OtherWeckta

Yeah, left side looking in from the front, it's the line that runs from your condenser (behind the radiator) into the evaporator, just below the circle spring connector (which you need a special tool to disconnect). The orifice tube will come out with regular needle nose pliers, and it'll be red or blue.

c.j.

The orifice tube is in the liquid line which is probably black flex until it turns 90 degrees downward just before it goes into the evaporator where it will be all metal with a larger diameter. There will be a spring lock fitting at that point (a 93 F150 is not down by the condenser as illustrated here but is closer to the evaporator entry point)You will need a spring lock tool (plastic) that fits the size your working with. After you get the line separated put a bit of the correct oil down in the tubing before you try to pull it out as it may be very stuck and require an orifice tube removal tool. I had one tear off on me and had to use forceps. Good luck..c.j.

tdcarter72

Thanks guys for the information and the help. It was right where ya'll said it would be. My needle nose won't reach it, so I going to get the tool.

One more question:
Since the comp. did not go bad, should I still flush the system?

jhelrey

You can use a dentist tool that has a hook on the end and reach up there and get it.

tdcarter72

I got the orifice tube out, it was stuck and I ended up pulling it apart getting it out. It was also pretty clogged up, so I am going to flush the system out before I put it back together.

The one that come out was the color red, the one that come with the new system is blue. Does the color matter or will the blue one work?