Fixed Orifice Tube Replacement (Except Continental)

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Discharge A/C system, using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. On Contour and Mystique, move power steering fluid reservoir to one side without disconnecting hoses.
2. On all models, disconnect condenser-to-evaporator discharge (liquid) line. Plug refrigerant lines to prevent contamination. Remove and discard "O" rings from line. Pour a small amount of refrigerant oil into inlet to lubricate old orifice "O" rings.
3. Insert Fixed Orifice Tube Remover/Installer (T83L-19990-A) into tube and turn tool to right to engage tangs on orifice tube. See Fig 1. Hold remover/installer "T" handle and slowly rotate body to slowly pull orifice tube out.
4. If orifice tube breaks off when removal is attempted, use Broken Orifice Tube Extractor (T83L-19990-A) to remove broken section. See Fig 2.
5. Lubricate replacement orifice tube "O" ring(s) with clean refrigerant oil. Place orifice tube into remover/installer. Insert tube, with short end toward evaporator, until seated. Reconnect high pressure line. On Contour and Mystique, tighten connection to 18 ft. lbs. (24 N.m).

Fig 1: Removing Orifice Tube (Typical)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 2: Removing Broken Orifice Tube (Typical)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.