I have a 1996 Blazer LT 4dr 4wd 4.3L engine.

Last Labor Day weekend, I noticed a light oil spray residue around the hose connector (aluminum 2-hose) on the top of the AC compressor. I pulled the compressor clutch wire so as to not cycle it.

Fast forward to now. I have replaced the O-rings on the connector and have borrowed a nice 2.5 cfm AC vacuum to clean the system. I will replace the dryer; but I have a question before going to get parts. Do I need to replace the orifice tube or will the AC vacuum remove whatever is there from it? The guy I borrowed the vacuum from says he hasn't ever replaced an orifice tube, but that the dryers do get clogged and need to be replaced.

 

I decided to replace the orifice tube with a variable tube. The AC on my blazer never did work very well (bought used with 50,000mi) and I was going to check the orientation of the tube when I replace it as I don't know who has worked on the AC before. After researching, it seems as though the short-end of the tube gets put into the evaporator first and the long end needs to be towards the condenser side. Any input would be helpful.

 

The short end goes into the evaporator inlet tube first. Push it in until it stops. Then oil the O ring and install the high pressure liquid line from the condenser.