Just a note that no, you're not crazy if you think a brand new expansion valve from the parts store is bad.

I replaced the factory compressor which was weak and making noise with an aftermarket compressor. The high side looked okay but the low side was pulling to a vacuum. I figured the expansion valve failed and replaced it with a "CompressorWorks" expansion valve from the parts store. This one had the same symptoms, high side looked okay but low side was pulling down to a vacuum and no cooling. WTF? Sat and thought about it and couldn't come up with anything but that the new exp valve was bad too. Took out the evap and checked for obstructions, there didn't seem to be any. So I ordered a Honda exp valve from Majestic. Installed it and just got the system charged up again and everything works beautifully.

So no, you're not crazy. Trust me.