01 Crown Vic A/C orifice tube location/removal question - Ford Forums

markinwestmich · 09-22-2007, 14:01

Where, specifically, is the A/C orifice tube location? It would appear as if mine is blocked (very high pressure on manometer and no cold air). Compressor appears to be functioning properly.

I believe the orifice tube is a rather small diameter piece. There is a spring lock on an A/C line located just underneath the dryer assembly and coming out of the evaporator. Is this it?

Any "tricks" to getting it out and cleaning or replacing it?

markinwestmich · 09-22-2007, 15:37

Update: Found it. Easy to remove.

Another question: Where is the low pressure port? I need to recharge the AC. Is it the port located on the dryer? If not, where?

**Nathan in MN** · 09-22-2007, 17:46

It won't be the port on the receiver/dryer as that's on the high pressure side of the system--specifically where the low pressure port is, I don't know, but look for the larger of the two lines coming from the compressor and follow that through the engine bay. That should help you find the low pressure port since it has to be on that line somewhere.

markinwestmich · 09-24-2007, 08:03

I found the low pressure port. Unfortunately, the A/C recharge kit comes with a hose/adapter that is too small for the fitting.

**Nathan in MN** · 09-24-2007, 08:40

If it doesn't fit, that makes me wonder if you've actually found the right port...

markinwestmich · 09-24-2007, 09:14

Well, since there are only two ports. One on the dryer (high pressure) and the other between the compressor and the orifice tube, then it would seem easy. However, the two ports are different diameters. The A/C recharge tube/fitting fits perfect on the high pressure port on the dryer...doesn't help me. The other low pressure port is about and 1/8th inch larger in diameter.

markinwestmich · 09-24-2007, 09:27

Photos:

1. What I believe to be the low pressure A/C port.

2. The orifice tube location.

3. The high pressure port on the dryer unit.

**Nathan in MN** · 09-24-2007, 11:11

Okay, I talked with someone a little more knowledgeable than me on panther air conditioning. The big can thing in your third picture is actually not a receiver/dryer--it's an accumulator, which means it's on the low pressure side of the system. The recharge port is on there. The port you were thinking was the low pressure port is actually on the high side of the system. Note that the lines coming from the accumulator are much larger in diameter than the lines on the little can in front of the pass. side valve cover. Small diameter lines are always on the high side of the system, large diameter lines are always on the low side. Hope this helps!

Nathan

markinwestmich · 09-24-2007, 11:33

Thank you.

**Nathan in MN** · 09-24-2007, 11:58

Very welcome, sir. By the way, just out of curiosity, your name suggests that you're in West Michigan? Whereabouts, exactly? I'm in Big Rapids at Ferris State University.