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F4GaryMetric spanners? Do you have any SAE (inches) wrenches? When did GM go to metric?
Adams' Apple
GM started using metric hardware back in the mid '70s. However...the cooler line fittings on the metal lines should be 1/2" SAE. Might want to invest in a set of "line" wrenches, Kerry. Might not need them very often, but they sure are nice to have when ya need them. They have metric and SAE sizes...maybe just get a 1/2", 3/8", and a 5/16"....that's about all anyone really needs for one of these cars.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Norsky... Might want to invest in a set of "line" wrenches, Kerry. Might not need them very often, but they sure are nice to have when ya need them. They have metric and SAE sizes...maybe just get a 1/2", 3/8", and a 5/16"....that's about all anyone really needs for one of these cars.
Totally agree with Mr. Apple. Those wrenches have save me more than I care to admit...!!!
Jim Olson 
"The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave! 
F4GaryGM started using metric hardware back in the mid '70s. However...the cooler line fittings on the metal lines should be 1/2" SAE. Might want to invest in a set of "line" wrenches, Kerry. Might not need them very often, but they sure are nice to have when ya need them. They have metric and SAE sizes...maybe just get a 1/2", 3/8", and a 5/16"....that's about all anyone really needs for one of these cars.
Agree on the flare nut wrenches. Everyone should have a set.
I don't remember my 78 Vette being metric though.
Reds82CEThanks guys, re-ordered another upper coolant outlet pipe. Will get a set of the wrenches before installing. AC work went south with the orifice tube.
Had a real hard time pulling the old orifice tube out of the evaporator pipe. New orifice would only insert about 60 percent of the way in and seemed to jam. Top of orifice broke off trying to remove and reseat. I ensured I used the oil on the o-rings. When I finally got the old one out, it was black and makes me wonder if it is original 82 and the guys who converted the system to 134 in 2007 with new compressor/accumulator, could not get it out. If you look closely at the pics my pipe appears slightly bent from the clamp up to the top threads. From pics of new evaporators it appears the pipe should be straight.
Do the orifices just drop in with slight pressure to seat o-rings?
If so, it would confirm my suspicion my tube is bent. If you agree it probably is bent, I will try to make straight at least enough for new orifice to drop in easily. If not, guess I will be replacing the evaporator.
Lifetime Member #58
Our 82CE 
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Adams' AppleThere might be a slight bend there...hard to see. Orifice tubes are typically hard to remove on higher mileage systems, even with the special tool for removing them. New ones will normally have quite a bit of resistance installing, and you need to make sure it is aligned properly with the crimped section of the metal tube in order for the orifice to be inserted fully....the end of the orifice should sit down into the tube quite a bit.
As far as the color of the orifice tube(s), there are different colors depending on the type of refrigerant, and how large(or small) the system is. In reality, I have not seen much difference in performance in using the "incorrect" tube. That being said, I am not an HVAC specialist, so....I can only gauge my results from doing quite a few change-overs.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Reds82CEA special Orifice tool, I should have known. A quick google search and sure enough there they are.
Will the tool help with inserting the new orifice or is it just used for extracting.
Lifetime Member #58
Our 82CE
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Adams' AppleNot sure it would help installing. If there is enough bend in that tube, you might try to use a round tool/rod, slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the tube, inserted into the tube up to the bend, and carefully bend it back as straight as you can get it. Then see if the orifice will install correctly. If you look closely, that tube has a small crimped area where the inner end of the orifice seats. You need to make sure the orifice is turned to line the flat end of the orifice to fit past that crimp. Hard to describe, but I think it will make sense once you look at the tube, and the inner end of the orifice.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Reds82CEThis job is done. The tube was indeed bent. I used calipers to measure the orifice and then went through my tool drawers and found one of those multi-tip screw driver handles with identical diameter. slowly carefully worked it into the tube until I had it down to the crimps. The orifice dropped right down with a slight push to seat the oring. AC is blowing cold.
Thanks again for everyones help.
Next, new tires - Goodyear doesn't make the Eagle GT 255/60R15 anymore. have to switch to BFGoodrich or Cooper. challenge will be ordering tires that have not been sitting in warehouse for 12-24 months.
Lifetime Member #58
Our 82CE
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F4GaryI got my Cooper Cobra GTs from discount tire (veteran discount) and they were pretty fresh.
Adams' AppleSame here. Discount Tires had the Cooper Cobras that were fresh.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
