Ford Brown Orifice tube (O-Tube) in GM car??

Question

How do I install a ford brown orifice tube in a 1992 Chevy (chevrolet) Cavalier? It looks visually different from the one that I removed, specifically the little plastic stops on the tube are different, how do I keep it stationary in the line once installed? otherwise they look very similar, and of the same diameter. I have heard about people using different diameter tubes from different OE manufacturers so I know it can be done.

Please don't ask me why I want to do this, I only need to know how. and please don't insult me for it either...I just want some info. thank you

No low pressure switch, at least not on the low side one on the high side merely to keep it from operating while empty, it has no low pressure switch as it uses a v-5 variable displacement compressor.

I have made the assumption incorrectly that all
GM cars used the "T-Top" type orifice tubes and that was the source of my confusion. I have looked around and found 2 smaller tubes than the standard "white/black" .072 tubes. The "white/yellow" .062 and "white/orange" .057. all of which have the cross shaped stop on the top on them.

Thanks everybody for all the help and input.

Answer 1

You may have problems - the first is that they will seat different - not only the part where the "O" rings the white is shorter than the brown. If you are wanting to change from the white (.072) to the brown (.047) for a better cooling effect there are other ways to accomplish this. Your 92 cavalier originally used 36 O.Z. of R12 - First use the white orifice tube - Second go to your low pressure switch located on the receiver/drier - unplug it and take it off (5/8 wrench) look down to where it plugged in at and you will see a screw - take and turn it to the left on half turn - that will lower your pressure from about 24 to 28 psi on your gages - reinstall the low pressure switch (be care full not to over tighten) next is the tricky part- most generally the system will use less R134A than what was generally in the system - start with about 12 to 16 oz and watch the pressures on your gages - at 80 degrees to about 90 degrees ambient temp you want 25 to 28 psi on the low side and 180 to 240 psi on the high side as the ambient temp increases so will the pressures so it is important to keep a close watch on the thermometer in the right hand vent (place your blower fan motor on the next to high speed and maintain your rpms at about 1500rps)(this simulates you car traveling at 30mph which the system is designed for) after the first 12 to 16 oz of refrigerant slowly keep adding until your compressor stops cycling and desired pressures are reached and your vent temp should be anywhere between 40 degrees to 55 degrees depending on the outside temp. good luck - yes it does - it should be located on the accumalator/drier - there will be a plug with green and black wires leading to it - that is the low pressure switch - follow the big (low pressure) line from your compressor back to the accumalator the thing sticking out is your low pressure switch. good luck.

Answer 2

The $2 maxium cost? Orifice tube is held in by the krimping on the high side tube. As for different manufacture GM vs Ford. Just keep in mind the direction the tube go's look closely at the fine screen and slightly course'r screen on the tube. Orifice is a jet and the amount flow into the evaporator. That size is determined by compressor size evap heat removal. You can flow to much and head pressures won't be right for your system. Backward orifice tube will do crazy things like noise in the evap core and high head pressures. Just keep it stock.