Refrigerant Recovery

Refrigerant Recovery

Refrigerant Reclaiming/Recovery/Recycling Equipment

Ford Motor Company recommends the use of a recovery / recycling device such as Rotunda 176-00001 R-134a Service Center or equivalent during any air conditioning service repair or discharge / recharge procedure.

Refrigerant recovery systems and recycling stations are in use in a number of automotive air conditioning service facilities. The use of such equipment makes possible the recovery and use of air conditioning system refrigerant after contaminants and moisture have been removed.

If a refrigerant recovery or recycling station is used, the following general procedures should be observed, in addition to the operating instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer.

CAUTION: Use extreme care and observe all safely and service precautions related to the use of refrigerants.

NOTE: Hoses should have shutoff devices or check valves within 25.4cm (12 inches) of the hose end to minimize the introduction of non-condensable gases (air) into the recycling station and to minimize the amount of refrigerant released when the hose(s) is disconnected.

1. Connect refrigerant recycling station hose(s) to vehicle air conditioning service ports and recovery station inlet fitting.

2. Turn power to the recycling station on to start recovery process. Allow recycling station to pump refrigerant from the system until the station pressure goes into a vacuum. On some stations, the pump will be shut off automatically by a low pressure switch in the electrical system. On other units it may be necessary to manually turn off the pump.

3. Once recycling station has evaluated vehicle air conditioning system, close the station inlet valve (if so equipped). Then, switch off electrical power.

4. Allow vehicle air conditioning system to remain closed for about two minutes. Observe system vacuum level as shown on the gauge. If pressure does not rise, disconnect recycling station hose(s).

5. If system pressure rises, repeat the above 3 steps until the vacuum level remains stable for two minutes.

6. Perform required service operations, evacuate and recharge the air conditioning system.