Variable Orifice Valve

[Fitz98]

I am getting ready to order parts for an AC Fix on my 2003 Suburban.
This is the dealer part for the orifice valve:
OE Orifice Valve

This is another on Rock Auto.
Variable Orifice Valve
It states:
Features & Benefits

• Drop in replacement and upgrade to the standard Fixed Orifice Tube (FOT) - no further modification is required to the A/C system
• Increases A/C cooling performance at idle, low speed and hot climate situations
• Reduces A/C Compressor loading to help extend compressor life and improve fuel economy and emissions

Benefits of a Premium Variable Orifice Valve (VOV)
A Premium Variable Orifice Valve (VOV) is designed to change outputs based on different operating conditions. This significantly improves A/C performance at low speeds and idle, by allowing more refrigerant to flow.


Is this worth considering or just stay with OE? I do have high ambient temperatures and troubles cooling at idle (But that could be because of other issues)

 

[CDX825]

Stick with OE. Have heard nothing but problems from guys who tried to use a VOV.

 

[LazyDog]

Does the heater core has a shutoff valve to hot coolant if you might consider installing one.

I know some folks in Texas that install a valve in the coolant supply.

 

[shortyb]

Stick with OE tube. Compressor clutch handles loading (unless variable compressor) so varying the pressure restriction is not necessary and like said above, could cause issues.

 

[zzyzzx]

What do the reviews of the VOV suggest? I would think that in Florida I'd want one.

 

[dumkid]

You want the heater core disconnect and a standard orifice valve. The variable ones work good but can be troublesome and if your car didn't have one from the factory I wouldn't retrofit one, unless you can remove it and install a normal one someday and don't mind doing a/c work.

 

[Chris142]

put a yellow tube (.62) in the truck The variable ones jam shut after a few days.

 

[Fitz98]

put a yellow tube (.62) in the truck The variable ones jam shut after a few days.

I see the Yellow one on Amazon.
The compatibility checker says it does not fit my 03 Suburban...although that may be because it was not the standard for that vehicle
Yellow Orifice Tube

RA has the original part listed by the dealer (1st design 13mm) which would be .512
1st Design 13mm Orifice

RA also has a 17mm 2nd design which converts to .669
2nd Design 17mm Orifice

The yellow would be right in between the two. Is it the right fit for my 03 Suburban?
Which of the 3 is the best choice for Florida summer?

 

[Fitz98]

@Chris142,
Could you please confirm which orifice would be the best one for my conditions out of the 3 listed above?

 

[Chris142]

@Chris142,
Could you please confirm which orifice would be th best one for my conditions out of the 3 listed above?

yellow not black or white.

 

[Fitz98]

I can't find any yellow one with a part number that fits my vehicle.
5.3 L Suburban 1500.
I see multiple yellow orifice tube part numbers on Amazon (AC Delco) 15-30973 and 15-5759 and a few different Santech part numbers when I search without a vehicle filter. They all get kicked out when I check fit for vehicle.
Was the one in the image you showed above the correct one for my 5.3L '03 Suburban?
Price is not an issue, just want to do this once to eliminate problems after it's charged up.