Ford orifice tube?

[dblake]

I’m replacing my A/C compressor and filter/drier. I’m also replacing my fixed orifice with a replaceable inline orifice tube. I am unable to replace the whole line at this time. The A/C parts guy sold me an orifice for a Ford(the one on the left) he had an orifice for a Dodge but it didn’t fit inside the metal housing because it was physically larger(the one on the right). He said it was OK to use the Ford one. Any A/C mechanics know if that’s true and if not, do you know where to find an orifice line repair kit that has the Dodge orifice installed? Thanks.

 

[BigPapa]

I wouldn't. There are lots of different orifice tubes, not just one for a Ford and one for a Chevy. They use the colors as a simple way to identify them. I'm sure this isn't all of them, just the ones we keep here at the shop, but Ford has White, Gray, Black, Red, and Blue. GM has White, Black and White, Black, Gray, Dark Gray.

The liquid line with the orifice tube in it is cheap. Wondering why you'd want to go a different route?

 

[dblake]

I wouldn't. There are lots of different orifice tubes, not just one for a Ford and one for a Chevy. They use the colors as a simple way to identify them. I'm sure this isn't all of them, just the ones we keep here at the shop, but Ford has White, Gray, Black, Red, and Blue. GM has White, Black and White, Black, Gray, Dark Gray.

The liquid line with the orifice tube in it is cheap. Wondering why you'd want to go a different route?

 

[dblake]

Yes.
I researched it a bit and have decided to keep looking for a Dodge orifice tube. I was hoping someone here knew a source or at least specifications of the original orifice. My truck is down in Colombia and I’m flying down with the parts that will fit in my suit case. Unfortunately the condensor and orifice line are too big to fit in my suitcase.

 

[BigPapa]

My truck is down in Colombia and I’m flying down with the parts that will fit in my suit case.

Well, that would make a difference. Have you contacted the manufacturer of the piece you have? With a captive orifice tube there may not be any specs on the original. Maybe someone else here can help.

 

[jfmaz]

I think the OTs in some trucks are replaceable as they are located in the outlet of the condenser. My 98 has it in the line like you describe, but look at this screen shot from Rockauto where I used a 95 CTD as a search vehicle and put in orifice tubes. Might be able to match the part # at a local auto parts store, or just tell them it is for a 95.