Variable AC Expansion Orifice Tube in My '95 Riv?

My service manual does not give information as to where the ac expansion orifice tube is. I bought a new variable tube and want to install it. I already put in the compressor and accumulator/drier.

Call of the dogs, I figured it out. It's located in the engine compartment on the passenger side mounted on the fender well across from the alternator. You have to break the ac line, seperate the pipes and there it will be. I bought a variable expansion tube from O'riellys but it is different looking enough from the one I removed so I'll take the removed one and compare what Auto Zone, Advantage, etc have. I may have to go to the dealer tomorrow

I pulled my expansion orifice and took it to Advance Auto. I asked for the variable version. The clerk,a former mechanic, compared it to my non-variable part and told me it would not work in my car and sold me an exact replacement. The variable part was about a 1/2" longer and it had a pointed tip. Is this true? What would I lose if I go with the original, non-variable expansion tube?

How can you lose if it's stock?
It's not like the original engineering is inadequate.
If that doesn't work, do what the NYC mayor does... hang a window air conditioner on your window
http://michellemalkin.com/2012/06/27/mayor-bloomberg-idling/

Denim,

I only ask because I read several threads that suggest it is better to use the variable version as it allows the ac system to pump out colder air. Also, thanks for the window unit backup plan.

Great. An improvement? I'll keep watch here.
Thanks.

Read the following then decide:

http://www.oilburners.net/forums/showthread.php?57364-A-C-orifice-tube-assy

http://madhatterexhaust.com/tag/auto-ac-repair/

http://acsource.net/acforum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=7853&p=19179&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

You have to get the VOV in **without breaking it** - that is the trick.

The parts guy can't take responsibility for that so he will only sell you the "exact replacement."

The Riviera's A/C system was the same '96 thru '99 model years.

The orifice *alone* is part 3033879 and full retail at a dealer is $5.36 only. Same part from RockAuto.Com is about $2.50 only.

If you are not comfortable putting in the VOV, don't do it. On the other hand if you are, then (for normal climate) consider going to a GM dealer or Delco parts dealer and getting 19189841 or 89032868; the Four Seasons number is 38902. About $45 at a GM dealer, about $19 - $23 from rockauto.com.

For the rest of you reading this, the severe climate versions of the VOV are 19189843, 89032872 for GM/AC Delco and 38904 for Four Seasons. Severe Climate means places like the Mojave desert with summer temps in excess of 105 deg. F.

Albertj

Thanks Albertj. I ended up putting in the standard expansion orifice. The tube I pulled out was dirty and had debris trapped by the screen. At least I have a clean one now. I had the ac shop evacuate, charge and leak test the system. All went well. I managed to not screw up the installation of a new APCOAIR compressor ( I had to add about 2" of wire to the male connector to be able to make the harness connection at the compressor...not an exact replacement compressor I guess), high pressure cut-out switch, accumulator, expansion orifice and all associated o-rings without screwing it up. I had cold air this morning. So far so good. If there comes a time when I have to break the system, I will get the VOV in even if I have to pay someone to do it. Also, I have a '95, is it the same as '96-99 that you mention?

Overall, she is driving much better after I installed new front struts, tie rod ends, stablizer bar bolts (old ones were completely broken), front and rear rotors and pads. The air was the finishing touch.

rivren wrote:

Thanks Albertj. I ended up putting in the standard expansion orifice. The tube I pulled out was dirty and had debris trapped by the screen. At least I have a clean one now. I had the ac shop evacuate, charge and leak test the system. All went well. I managed to not screw up the installation of a new APCOAIR compressor ( I had to add about 2" of wire to the male connector to be able to make the harness connection at the compressor...not an exact replacement compressor I guess), high pressure cut-out switch, accumulator, expansion orifice and all associated o-rings without screwing it up. I had cold air this morning. So far so good. If there comes a time when I have to break the system, I will get the VOV in even if I have to pay someone to do it. Also, I have a '95, is it the same as '96-99 that you mention?

Overall, she is driving much better after I installed new front struts, tie rod ends, stablizer bar bolts (old ones were completely broken), front and rear rotors and pads. The air was the finishing touch.

AFAIK the orifice choices are the same, you might want to check for yourself on Rockauto.com (they have pix and P/Ns for the parts). If you got the system in right and dry internally you won't be in it for a long time as long as you run the A/C often enough, I hear at least once a week (if you leave it on AUTO it will manage itself fine).

Albertj