Anyone heard of or used this on their A/C high pressure line?

[Motorhead]

I saw this while looking for a replacement orifice tube for my truck. Last orifice tube I bought from the dealer.
This looks like a nice way to replace the orifice without taking the system completely apart but another joint is another place to leak. Just saw it and wanted an opinion. https://www.ebay.com/itm/A-C-Orific...rentrq:1d1ebef41650a9cc5bd24b63fffca465|iid:1

 

[Wayne M.]

That looks like it’ll work fine if your line is in good shape/ not rotted, but I agree with your logic. More joints mean more chances for a leak.

 

[1weldit]

Make sure if you install this that you install it in the orifice area of the OEM location. It's actually right behind the passenger side battery where the line runs through between the inner and outer fender. You'll have to cut the crimped are of that line and install this piece and likely will have to remove that whole line from the truck anyway due to the location.

 

[PLohr]

Has anyone tried an orifice tube repair kit? I like this idea because it allows for the installation of a variable orifice valve. I am assuming that a fixed orifice valve is used in the OEM and aftermarket replacement tubes (normally the orifice valve is replaced by replacing the entire tube).

 

[BigPapa]

I personally would just replace the line. As mentioned above, you're going to have to remove the line anyway and the lines are available for cheap.

That said, you would be able to use a different OT if that's what you want to do. I'm not familiar with that. The line with the OT made in it has been working on a LOT of trucks for a LONG time. Kind of the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" line of thinking for me.

 

[PLohr]

Scott,
Thank you for your help. Are you saying that the orifice tube (valve) can be removed from the line and replaced once the hard tube is removed on my 2003?

 

[Motorhead]

PLohr, The orifice tube is fixed into the high side tube and I believe, NON-removable. You just replace the line and recharge.

 

[Tuesdak]

Has anyone tried an orifice tube repair kit? I like this idea because it allows for the installation of a variable orifice valve. I am assuming that a fixed orifice valve is used in the OEM and aftermarket replacement tubes (normally the orifice valve is replaced by replacing the entire tube).

The only place the VOV makes a difference that matters is high outside temp AND idle. Cold air is all that matters. On your 2003 you can add an electric fan, thermal dispersant coat the condenser, and monitor the fan clutch RPM. Old fan clutches that are not giving you ~1450+ fan RPM at idle cause the cold air to suffer. Dropping a brick on the throttle to get 1200 RPM "high idle" also helps AC performance a lot. Heater core bypass valve makes a difference.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...thermal-dispersant-on-an-ac-condenser.264486/

I am a fan of the VOV on GM stuff esp. with a R4 joke of a bad compressor design, however, IMO the 2003 Dodge simply doesn't get enough airflow at times thus I suggest work on that before a VOV mod. I am aware of the bean counter FOT leftover from R12 days design that is horrible on R134a vs. a Expansion Valve system. The VOV is an attempt to bridge that cheaper FOT design gap.

My favorite bookmark on the VOV:

http://www.imcool.com/articles/aircondition/VOV1.htm

Again if you get the that giant Cummins driven fan up to speed you don't need a VOV. I won't argue that the VOV can have a benefit merely suggest other areas that can use improvement 1st. As the Orface tube size changed to "bigger" in later 3rd gen model years (causing idle performance to suffer) a VOV may make more of a difference than it does in GM stuff.

Alternate refrigerant is another option.

 

[BigPapa]

Scott,
Thank you for your help. Are you saying that the orifice tube (valve) can be removed from the line and replaced once the hard tube is removed on my 2003?

Sorry I missed your question.

No, that was Motorhead. I was saying that I would just replace the line.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Other than when I finally ran low on freon last year, I've never had any performance issues with the AC in my truck.
Maybe I haven't had it in hot enough weather but at temps up to 106 it kept us cool.
I am wondering if I should replace my clutch fan just because it can't be that great anymore. Also because I'm afraid FCA will quit making them..
Scott

 

[Motorhead]

Other than when I finally ran low on freon last year, I've never had any performance issues with the AC in my truck.
Maybe I haven't had it in hot enough weather but at temps up to 106 it kept us cool.
I am wondering if I should replace my clutch fan just because it can't be that great anymore. Also because I'm afraid FCA will quit making them..
Scott

Scott, I am thinking the same thing too. My 2007, 5.9 clutch fan works real well but Me being 67 years old, I'm going to drive my truck until I don't drive any more. I've thought of buying a clutch fan hub and putting it away. 9 times out of 10, the "Aftermarket" replacements are crap.