Auto A/C Orifice tubes... restrictions that cause auto A/C compressor failures!

Orifice Tubes, Expansion valves & TXV's - Auto A/C Diagnosis & Troubleshooting Help from the world leader in auto A/C information!

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Here is a close up look at an orifice tube from an automotive A/C system that suffered catastrophic compressor failure. Scroll down and you will see that the debris on the inlet side filter screen (lower section in the photo) has almost completely covered the screen; over 95% of the screen is plugged! (there is one little section at the bottom that is still unplugged). It would be impossible for refrigerant or oil to move through this orifice tube.