Refrigerant System Charge

Refer to "A/C Data Table" in the "A/C System Servicing" section, for refrigerant capacities.

DISPOSABLE CAN METHOD

1. Connect pressure gauge and manifold assembly J-23575 or equivalent. Keep both service valves in mid-position.
2. Close both gauge hand valves and disconnect service hose from vacuum pump.
3. Connect service hose to center of refrigerant can opener. Close valves on dispenser.
4. Attach refrigerant cans to opener. Refer to A/C Data Table in the "A/C System Servicing" section, for proper weight of refrigerant for vehicle being serviced.
5. Open one petcock valve and loosen center service hose at gauge to allow refrigerant to purge air from hose. Tighten hose and close petcock valve.
6. Open suction gauge hand valve and one petcock valve. Do not open high pressure gauge hand valve.
7. Start engine and set A/C system controls to maximum cooling position. Compressor will help pull refrigerant gas into suction side of system. Refrigerant cans can be placed in pan of water no hotter than 125 °F to aid charging process.
8. When first can is empty, open next valve to continue charging until specified amount of refrigerant is in system. Frost line on can may be used as a guide when specifications call for using part of full can. If a scale is available, weigh cans before and during charging procedure to ensure accurate filling.
9. When system is fully charged, close suction gauge hand valve and all petcock valves.
10. Operate system for 5-10 minutes to allow it to stabilize and to determine if system cycles properly.
11. After checking operation of system, back-seat suction and discharge service valves to normal operating position by turning valves fully counterclockwise.
12. Loosen pressure gauge and manifold assembly service hoses to release refrigerant trapped in hoses. Remove pressure gauge and manifold assembly and install dust caps on fittings.

CHARGING STATION J-23500-01 METHOD

Fig. 3 Charging station J-23500-01 hose connections. Shown with York type compressor:

1. After discharging and evacuating system, close low pressure valve on charging station. Fully open left hand refrigerant control valve at base of cylinder and high pressure valve on charging station and allow required charge of refrigerant to enter high side of system. When full charge has entered system, close refrigerant control valve and high pressure valve on charging station. Do not permit level of liquid to drop below zero mark on cylinder sight glass.
2. After charging is completed, close manifold gauges and check high and low pressures and system operation. Read gauges with high and low pressure valves closed on charging station. Low pressure gauge can be damaged if both high and low pressure valves are opened.
3. Close all valves on charging station and close refrigerant drum valve when all operations are finished.
4. After completing operational check, back-seat suction and discharge service valves to their normal operating position by turning them fully counterclockwise.
5. Disconnect high and low pressure charging hoses from compressor.
6. Open valve on top of cylinder to remove remaining refrigerant as charging cylinder is not designed to store refrigerant.
7. Replace quick seal caps on compressor service valves.