Orifice tube powdery crud?

[Bonnewagon]

I just pulled out and changed the orifice tube in my Bonneville. It was totally clogged with a whitish-grey powdery crud that filled the screens and had built up to about 1/4" thick in spots. My manual says that if the orifice tube is NOT clogged with this stuff, it can be cleaned and re-used, but if it's clogged it needs to be replaced, so it is expected to maybe be there. I was replacing it anyway, but I wondered what this stuff is and does it indicate other problems in the AC system? I also blew out the line with dry air but very little came out, probably what had gotten dislodged by removing the orifice tube.

 

[tc1959]

I just pulled out and changed the orifice tube in my Bonneville. It was totally clogged with a whitish-grey powdery crud that filled the screens and had built up to about 1/4" thick in spots. My manual says that if the orifice tube is NOT clogged with this stuff, it can be cleaned and re-used, but if it's clogged it needs to be replaced, so it is expected to maybe be there. I was replacing it anyway, but I wondered what this stuff is and does it indicate other problems in the AC system? I also blew out the line with dry air but very little came out, probably what had gotten dislodged by removing the orifice tube.

All the stuff in the orifice is the gut's of your compressor ( rings, pistons and the cylinders and swashplates.).
I guess Isobutane does not carry the oil thru the system properly ? :0

 

[Bonnewagon]

No, the compressor pumps just fine. The reason I am changing it is because it is leaking from the shaft seal. When I got the car it was empty, so I vacuumed it down and it held a vacuum of 30" for 3 days, so I filled it and it was good for 2 summers. Now, if I charge it up it will only hold a charge for a week or so, then it's gone. The manual said if the compressor goes it will shed metal filings and junk, that's not what this is, it looks like talcum powder.

 

[81Regal]

Sounds like aluminum it turns into a grey powder when it gets corroded.

 

[Bonnewagon]

Yes, it reminds me of the oxidation on an aluminum boat. I wonder if sitting empty with a leak for years could have let moisture in and it caused internal corrosion?

 

[tc1959]

No, the compressor pumps just fine. The reason I am changing it is because it is leaking from the shaft seal. When I got the car it was empty, so I vacuumed it down and it held a vacuum of 30" for 3 days, so I filled it and it was good for 2 summers. Now, if I charge it up it will only hold a charge for a week or so, then it's gone. The manual said if the compressor goes it will shed metal filings and junk, that's not what this is, it looks like talcum powder.

It could be the desiccant from the accumulator.the cloth bag may have come apart. I would flush the components before replacing the compressor. and add new oil. Accumulator and orifice tube replacement is recommended when installing a new compressor.

 

[Bonnewagon]

Should I cut it open to see? I replaced it anyway, but I would like to be sure what that stuff is.

 

[tc1959]

Should I cut it open to see? I replaced it anyway, but I would like to be sure what that stuff is.

couldn't hurt to take a look.

 

[Bonnewagon]

Negatory. Bag was intact, oil was clean, and in fact it looked to be in great shape. Now I'm leaning to the aluminum oxide idea, I can't think of anything else that looks like this stuff.

 

[tc1959]

Negatory. Bag was intact, oil was clean, and in fact it looked to be in great shape. Now I'm leaning to the aluminum oxide idea, I can't think of anything else that looks like this stuff.

that's good news , It's possible if system sat empty for a while it's just oxidation. I have seen stranger things.