Heating and Air Conditioning: Tools and Equipment

Special Service Equipment

The refrigerant system has a high-pressure (discharge) and a low-pressure (suction) gauge port valve.

CAUTION: Do not use R-12 special tools and equipment when servicing an R-134a system. Doing so may cause damage to the R-134a A/C system.

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

NOTE: Hoses should have shutoff devices or check valves within 305mm (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 (are) disconnected.

R-134a systems require the use of special servicing equipment designed specifically for R-134a systems. R-12 servicing equipment cannot be used when servicing R-134a A/C systems. R-134a special service equipment includes R-134a recovery/recycling/recharging station, R-134a leak detector, R-134a vacuum pump and R-134a manifold gauge set.

Ford Motor Company supports the efficient use, recovery, and recycling of R-134a in specified vehicle air conditioners. Ford Motor Co. recommends the use of a U.L. approved recovery/recycling device such as flotunda R-134a A/C Service Center 176-00001 (or other device which meets SAE Standard J 1991) during any air conditioning system repair and recharge procedure which requires the air conditioning system to be discharged.

Additional information and a typical procedure for operating a refrigerant recovery device follows:

Refrigerant recovery systems and recycling stations are in use in an increasing 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.

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

2. Turn the power to the recycling station on to start the recovery process. Allow the recycling station to pump the 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 the recycling station has evacuated the vehicle air conditioning system, close the station inlet valve (if so equipped). Then, switch oft the electrical power.

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

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

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

The refrigerant system has a high-pressure (discharge) and a low-pressure (suction) gauge port valve. They provide access to both sides (high-pressure and low-pressure) of the system for service hoses and a manifold gauge set so system pressures can be read.