Orifice Tube problem

How far into the evaporator line (the upper one with the dimples) is the orifice tube supposed to go? I assume it should go in until the end of the orifice tube is even with the end of the evaporator line. If it doesn't, the line from the condenser that connects to the upper evaporator line won't go on. Yet, the last time I inserted it into the line I had to force it in until it was even with the end of the evaporator line. That didn't seem right but I was able to connect the condenser line. After the system was evacuated and charged I still wasn't getting cold A/C. And the orifice tube was pushed all the way to the end of the line where it makes a 45 degree turn into the evaporator. It took me about 1 1/2 hours to get it out even with using the Robinair orifice tube removal kit. The orifice tube is a 38623 or T38623 which from our catalog (I work at Advance) and everything I see on the internet is the right one. Those dimples, I believe, are meant to be stops so the orifice tube can go no further. If I push it in until I hear (and feel) a click, which I assume is the tube locking into those dimples, it's still too far out for the other line to be connected. If I force it in like last time, it has gone past those dimples and now nothing is preventing it from being pushed down the line. This changes where the transition from liquid to gas takes place. I have been told that under normal circumstances the orifice tube should be easy to insert and remove. I have checked the evaporator line for any obstructions and found none. What's going on here? Is that orifice tube some generic universal replacement for the original and may not work in all cases? I have tried 4 times to get this A/C system going with no luck. The compressor is new, the accumulator is new, and the evaporator, condensor and all lines have been flushed out. I have also checked this against another evaporator I have and the orifice tube only goes in the same distance with the end still hanging out. This is an 84 Grand Prix in case that makes any difference although I think all the Gbodys use the same A/C system. Frustrated!

Hey guys, thanks....great idea. So I guess I'm not the only one to run into this problem..

@ 383_StealthRam

Did you have to re-bend that line from the condenser? Mine runs along the bottom edge of the fender apron and then turns up and has that shepherds hook bend.

Thanks for that info. Boy do I feel stupid right now. I've been inserting it in the wrong direction. My first time working with A/C and I'm learning all about it. All my other cars are older and don't have A/C. I really appreciate that heads up and it probably explains why I haven't been able to get cold A/C up to now and why inserting it in the wrong direction leaves too much hanging out. Your the best!

69hurstolds said:

Think about it this way. The filter screen catches the incoming from the condensor line. So the screen should always face away from the evaporator. Of course look at the arrow when all else fails.

Click to expand...

Never even knew about the arrow. I wish I had paid attention to the orientation when I removed the old one.