AC problem

[pfarah]

So I have a dumb question that needs clarification.
Does my 84 have an orifice tube or is the expansion valve the same thing?
Thanks!

[flashx]

expansion valve is what you have

[pfarah]

Thanks.
I take it that in order to access the valve, I must remove the glove box and knee panel and remove the blower fan assembly... Perfect in this 90 degree heat!

[mattdavis11]

Just curious as to why you need to get at it?

[pfarah]

Sorry for the delayed response...
I took the car to a buddy of mine that knows AC very well and he determined that the system is clogged. I've already replaced the drier and few other components so the expansion valve is the only other component remaining. I hope to work on the car this weekend and would like some instruction once the knee panel is removed. Thanks!

[bnoon]

You can have any ac certified person check to see if the expansion valve is bad. The difference in pressure from high side to low side will be off from where it should be. Too high of pressure on high side and too low on low side means plugged. Too equal of pressure means the valve is open and not closing all the way.

[pfarah]

That's what I did and, yes, he determined that the valve is clogged. You are on point with the gauge readings; I'm not an AC guy by any means, hence, the second opinion.