Vehicle Damage Warnings
CAUTIONS:- Liquid refrigerant is corrosive to metal surfaces. Follow the operating instructions supplied with the service equipment being used.
- Never add R-12 to a refrigerant system designed to use R-134a. Damage to the system will result.
- R-12 refrigerant oil must not be mixed with R-134a refrigerant oil. They are not compatible.
- Do not use R-12 equipment or parts on the R-134a system. Damage to the system will result.
- Do not overcharge the refrigerant system. This will cause excessive compressor head pressure and can cause noise and system failure.
- Recover the refrigerant before opening any fitting or connection. Open the fittings with caution, even after the system has been discharged. Never open or loosen a connection before recovering the refrigerant.
- The refrigerant system must always be evacuated before charging.
- Do not open the refrigerant system or uncap a replacement component until you are ready to service the system. This will prevent contamination in the system.
- Before disconnecting a component, clean the outside of the fittings thoroughly to prevent contamination from entering the refrigerant system.
- Immediately after disconnecting a component from the refrigerant system, seal the open fittings with a cap or plug.
- Before connecting an open refrigerant fitting, always install a new seal or gasket. Coat the fitting and seal with clean refrigerant oil before connecting.
- Do not remove the sealing caps from a replacement component until it is to be installed.
- When installing a refrigerant line, avoid sharp bends that may restrict refrigerant flow. Position the refrigerant lines away from exhaust system component or any sharp edges, which may damage the line.
- Tighten refrigerant fittings only to the specified torque. The aluminum fittings used in the refrigerant system will not tolerate overtightening.
- When disconnecting a refrigerant fitting, use a wrench on both halves of the fitting. This will prevent twisting of the refrigerant lines or tubes.
- Refrigerant oil will absorb moisture from the atmosphere if left uncapped. Do not open a container of refrigerant oil until you are ready to use it. Replace the cap on the oil container immediately after using. Store refrigerant oil only in a clean, airtight, and moisture-free container.
- Keep service tools and the work area clean. Contamination of the refrigerant system through careless work habits must be avoided.
REFRIGERANT HOSES/LINES/TUBES PRECAUTIONS
Kinks or sharp bends in the refrigerant plumbing will reduce the capacity of the entire system. High pressures are produced in the system when it is operating. Extreme care must be exercised to make sure that all refrigerant system connections are pressure tight.
A good rule for the flexible hose refrigerant lines is to keep the radius of all bends at least ten times the diameter of the hose. Sharp bends will reduce the flow of refrigerant. The flexible hose lines should be routed so they are at least 80 mm (3 inches) from the exhaust manifold. It is a good practice to inspect all flexible refrigerant system hose lines at least once a year to make sure they are in good condition and properly routed.
There are two types of refrigerant fittings:
- All fittings with O-rings need to be coated with refrigerant oil before installation. Use only O-rings approved for use with R-134a refrigerant. Failure to do so may result in a leak.
- Unified plumbing connections with aluminum gaskets cannot be serviced with O-rings. The gaskets are not reusable and new gaskets do not require lubrication before installing.
Using the proper tools when making a refrigerant plumbing connection is very important. Improper tools or improper use of the tools can damage the refrigerant fittings. Always use two wrenches when loosening or tightening tube fittings. Use one wrench to hold one side of the connection stationary, while loosening or tightening the other side of the connection with a second wrench.
The refrigerant system will remain chemically stable as long as pure, moisture-free R-134a refrigerant and refrigerant oil is used. Dirt, moisture, or air can upset this chemical stability operational troubles or serious damage can occur if foreign material is present in the refrigerant system.
When it is necessary to open the refrigerant system, have everything needed to service the system ready. The refrigerant system should not be left open to the atmosphere any longer than necessary. Cap or plug all lines and fittings as soon as they are opened to prevent the entrance of dirt and moisture. All lines and components in parts stock should be capped or sealed until they are to be installed.
All tools, including the refrigerant recycling equipment, the manifold gauge set, and test hoses should be kept clean and dry All tools and equipment must be designed for R-134a refrigerant.