Refrigerant Recovery

Test equipment must be connected to the refrigerant system in order to make system tests. If a charging station is used, follow the instructions of the station manufacturer.

In order to minimize the discharge of ozone depleting chlorofluorocarbons into the atmosphere, the Ford Motor Company supports the efficient useage, recovery and recycling of the R-12 used in passenger car, compact truck, and light truck air conditioners. Ford Motor Company recommends the use of a U.L.-approved recovery/recycling device such as Rotunda Model Number 158-00001 or equivalent (which meets SAE Standard J 1991) during any A/C system repair and recharge procedure which requires that the system be discharged.
1. If not yet connected, connect manifold gauge set as outlined. Manifold Gauge Set Connection
2. Leak test the system as outlined. Leak Tests
3. Discharge and evacuate the refrigerant system into a recovery/recycling device.
4. Ensure both manifold gauge valves are turned all the way to the right.
5. Ensure center hose connection at manifold gauge is tight.
6. Connect manifold gauge set center hose to a vacuum pump.
7. Open manifold gauge set valves and start vacuum pump.
8. Evacuate system with vacuum pump until low-pressure gauge reads at least 84.2 kPa (25 in-Hg) (vacuum) or as close to 101.04 kPa (30 in-Hg) as possible. Continue to operate vacuum pump for 15 minutes. If part of system has been replaced, continue to operate vacuum pump for another 20 to 30 minutes.
9. When evacuation of system is complete, close manifold gauge set valves and turn vacuum pump off.
10. Observe low-pressure gauge for five minutes to ensure that system vacuum is held. If vacuum is held, charge system. If vacuum is not held for five minutes, leak test system, service leaks, and evacuate system again.