1996 850 Is this orifice tube too cruddy?

rocketman4321 · Post by **rocketman4321** » 06 Sep 2015, 19:01

Working on replacing the a/c compressor--diagnosed a leak with dye. Compressor did not blow or seize; I have service records over the life of the car and it never did before, either. Pulled out the old orifice tube as part of the job, and it looks like the photo. One segment is pretty cruddy (but no big chunks, maybe 2-4 shiny metallic flecks), the other segments are clean. Is this normal?

I flushed out most of the lines and got nothing. Also back-blew (but did not flush) the condensor into a rag and had no crud. Good to go? (Yes, new orifice tube and accumulator/dryer going in with the new compressor.) Thanks!

Bonus question: why is the crud in the segment closest to the firewall? (most downstream).

Flystagg · Post by **Flystagg** » 06 Sep 2015, 20:18

I would replace it they only cost like $3 maybe a local parts store has it if you don't want to wait

rocketman4321 · Post by **rocketman4321** » 06 Sep 2015, 21:02

I'm replacing the tube. Is the old one telling me anything about the system I need to worry about? Condenser OK?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 06 Sep 2015, 23:03

It isn't ideal but it doesn't show any signs of a catastrophic failure. The fine particles are evidence of compressor wear but not necessarily a sign of impending failure.

...Lee

rocketman4321 · Post by **rocketman4321** » 07 Sep 2015, 07:21

OK, I'll probably leave the condenser and get this back on the road with the new compressor. Thanks!