OEM 2003 Chevrolet Express 3500 A/C Orifice Tube

2003 Chevrolet Express 3500 A/C Orifice Tube Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to replace the A/C Orifice Tube in an A/C system on 2003 Chevrolet Express 3500?

  A: The first step when it comes to replacing an A/C Orifice Tube involves recovering the refrigerant from the a/c system. The A/C Orifice Tube remover and installer (J 26549-E) enables expansion tube extraction after Evaporator hose retaining nut removal from the Evaporator. You must recover refrigerant from the system before starting. Remove the Evaporator hose retaining nut first and then use the A/C Orifice Tube remover and installer (J 26549-E) to remove the expansion tube. Stick-up expansion tubes can be softened with an appropriate heat source 7 mm (0.25 in) from the dimples on the inlet pipe and only heat the pipe up to a safe temperature to remove the stuck-up residue. The procedure requires the use of the A/C Orifice Tube remover and installer (J 26549-E) which should be used to secure the expansion tube and loosen it by turning and pushing while pulling it out. To install the expansion tube you should utilize the A/C Orifice Tube remover and installer (J 26549-E), beginning with the short-screened end at the Evaporator entrance and lubricate the o-ring seal with 525 viscosity refrigerant oil. Install new sealing washers onto the Evaporator tube before attaching the Evaporator hose to the Evaporator component and tightening the Evaporator hose retaining nut to the Evaporator at 16 n.m (12 lb ft). The halogen leak detector (J 39400-A) will check for leaks on all component fittings before evacuation and recharging of the system.