97 Has Orifice Tube or Expansion Valve?
#1
97 Has Orifice Tube or Expansion Valve?
I recently bought a 1997 3.8 standard. I was told the a/c expansion valve needed to be replaced to get the air to blow cold. The compressor is good and it vents warm air only. I am not sure if I am looking for the expansion valve or an orifice tube?
#2
Have you tried having it filled with refrigerant? Common cause of warm air blowing with A/C is little or no refrigerant. Buy some that has the dye in it and get the light and glasses so you can check for any leaks while filling. Most auto parts stores will have a kit that includes everything.
#3
Does the compressor clutch operate when you switch on the A/C? If not, you have other problems than an orifice tube. Conditions that prevent the activation of the compressor include low refrigerant charge, A/C trouble codes, and low idle speed.
Your 3.8L has the VDOT A/C compressor. That has an orifice tube (VDOT=Variable Displacement Orifice Tube). That allows the compressor to stay on all the time without cycling. The 5.7L V8 car has the type with the thermostatic expansion valve and that requires cycling.
Your 3.8L has the VDOT A/C compressor. That has an orifice tube (VDOT=Variable Displacement Orifice Tube). That allows the compressor to stay on all the time without cycling. The 5.7L V8 car has the type with the thermostatic expansion valve and that requires cycling.
Last edited by GaryDoug; 09-12-2014 at 10:11 AM.
#4
Yes I have tried refrigerant and I used a gauge it says its full. Still no cold air. I do not have much knowledge of the a/c system. I turn the a/c on when and the car doesn't sound like there is a change in the idle. I am not all sure how to tell if the clutch has engaged on it.
#5
Watch the front of the compressor. With the clutch off, you can see the pulley rotating but not the clutch, which is in the front/center of the assembly. With the clutch on, both parts will be rotating.
Last edited by GaryDoug; 01-05-2018 at 09:23 PM.
#8
If the condenser was clogged preventing air circulation, the engine would be overheating seriously.
Is the air coming in cold at first and then gets warmer over time? Or is it warm from the start?
The P/O could be right about the orifice tube. Have an A/C shop do an estimate. I have heard that the VDOT compressors are difficult to charge properly (high side only??)
Is the air coming in cold at first and then gets warmer over time? Or is it warm from the start?
The P/O could be right about the orifice tube. Have an A/C shop do an estimate. I have heard that the VDOT compressors are difficult to charge properly (high side only??)
#10
There is the possibility that the system is over filled or even the evaporator is clogged.