The plastic expansion tube, is located between
the condenser outlet and the evaporator inlet. The expansion tube includes
a mesh screen and an orifice. The tube restricts the high pressure liquid
refrigerant in the liquid line. The system meters the flow of refrigerant
to the evaporator as a low-pressure liquid. The filter screens
on both the inlet (1) and the outlet (3) sides protect the expansion tube
and the orifice form contamination. When the system diagnostics indicate
a restricted expansion tube, it may not be necessary to replace the tube.
Metal chips, flakes or slivers found on the screen may be removed with
compressed air. The expansion tube is reusable if the none following conditions
are present:
• | A damaged or plugged brass expansion tube |
• | Any torn screen material |
• | A plugged screen (gritty material in screen) |