Recommended Refrigerant Equipment

RECOMMENDED REFRIGERANT RECOVERY, RECYCLING, EVACUATION, AND CHARGING EQUIPMENT












A proper system charging station includes the following components:

- A manifold gauge set.
- A charging cylinder.
- A bulk refrigerant supply tank.
- A vacuum pump.
- Hoses for connection to the automotive A/C system.
- An electronic leak detector.
- A thermometer.

This setup will allow you to evacuate and charge an A/C system.

For handling R-12 refrigerant, use an R-12 recycling unit (such as the Kent-Moore ACR).

For R-134a refrigerant, a different unit is used (the Kent-Moore ACR). These units filter and remove moisture the refrigerant, before discharging it into a recovery tank.

Never use any R-12 service tool, such as manifold gauge sets, on R-134a systems. Tools retain small amounts of refrigerant and lubricant. Attempting to use the same equipment on both R-12 and R-134a vehicles will contaminate the air conditioning systems. Manifold gauge sets must be constructed of the proper hose material and fitting to be compatible with R-134a. Compatible units should be labeled be appropriately.

When servicing is completed, the protective sealing caps must always be reinstalled to prevent contamination via the service fittings.

The R-134a system (early models) uses a standard sight glass to view the refrigerant charge. The sight glass view may turn "cloudy" if the wrong compressor oil is used.