Plumbing-Front

CAUTION: The system must be completely empty before opening any fitting or connection in the refrigeration system. Open fittings with caution even after the system has been emptied. If any pressure is noticed as a fitting is loosened, retighten fitting and evacuate the system again. The use of correct wrenches when making connections is very important. Improper wrenches or improper use of wrenches can damage the fittings.

The internal parts of the A/C system will remain stable as long as moisture-free refrigerant and refrigerant oil is used. Abnormal amounts of dirt, moisture or air can upset the chemical stability. This may cause operational troubles or even serious damage if present in more than very small quantities. Before disconnecting a refrigerant line or hose, clean the outside of the fittings thoroughly to prevent contamination from entering the refrigerant system.

When opening a refrigeration system, have everything you will need to repair the system ready to minimize the amount of time the system is opened. Cap or plug all refrigerant line fittings as soon as they are opened. This will help prevent the entrance of dirt and moisture. All new lines and components should be capped or sealed until they are ready to be used. Before connecting a refrigerant line or hose, clean the outside of the fittings thoroughly to prevent contamination from entering the refrigerant system. All tools, including the refrigerant dispensing manifold, manifold gauge set and test hoses should be kept clean and dry.

The A/C refrigerant lines and hoses are used to carry the refrigerant between the various A/C system components. The refrigerant lines and hoses for the R-134a system on this vehicle consist of a barrier-hose design with a nylon tube sandwiched between rubber layers. The nylon tube helps to contain the R-134a refrigerant, which has a smaller molecular structure than R-12 refrigerant. The ends of the refrigerant lines are made from lightweight aluminum or steel, and commonly use braze-less fittings.

Any kinks or sharp bends in the refrigerant lines and hoses will reduce the capacity of the entire A/C system and can reduce the flow of refrigerant in the system. The radius of all bends in the flexible hose refrigerant lines should be at least ten times the diameter of the hose and the refrigerant lines should be routed so they are at least 80 millimeters (3 inches) away from the exhaust manifold(s) and exhaust pipe(s).

High pressures are produced in the refrigerant system when the A/C compressor is operating. Extreme care must be exercised to make sure that each of the refrigerant system connections is pressure-tight and leak free. It is a good practice to inspect all flexible hose refrigerant lines at least once a year to make sure they are in good condition and properly routed.

The refrigerant lines and hoses are coupled to other A/C system components with block-type fittings. An O-ring seal and a flat steel gasket are used to mate the refrigerant line fittings with A/C system components to ensure the integrity of the refrigerant system.

The refrigerant lines and hoses cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.