Coupler HVAC: Application and ID
Precautions for Refrigerant ConnectionA new type refrigerant connection has been introduced to all refrigerant lines except the following locations.
- Expansion valve to cooling unit
- Evaporator pipes to evaporator (inside cooling unit)
- Refrigerant pressure sensor
FEATURES OF NEW TYPE REFRIGERANT CONNECTION
- The O-ring has been relocated. It has also been provided with a groove for proper installation. This reduces the possibility of the O-ring being caught in, or damaged by, the mating part. The sealing direction of the O-ring is now set vertically in relation to the contacting surface of the mating part to improve sealing characteristics.
- The reaction force of the O-ring will not occur in the direction that causes the joint to pull out, thereby facilitating piping connections.
O-RING AND REFRIGERANT CONNECTION
CAUTION: The new and former refrigerant connections use different O-ring configurations. Do not confuse Orings since they are not interchangeable. If a wrong O-ring is installed, refrigerant will leak at or around the connection.
O-Ring Part Numbers and Specifications
WARNING: Make sure all refrigerant is discharged into the recycling equipment and the pressure in the system is less than atmospheric pressure. Then gradually loosen the discharge side hose fitting and remove it.
CAUTION: When replacing or cleaning refrigerant cycle components, observe the following.
- When the compressor is removed, store it in the same position as it is when mounted on the car.
Failure to do so will cause oil to enter the low pressure chamber.
- When connecting tubes, always use a torque wrench and a back-up wrench.
- After disconnecting tubes, immediately plug all openings to prevent entry of dirt and moisture.
- When installing an air conditioner in the vehicle, connect the pipes as the final stage of the operation. Do not remove the seal caps of pipes and other components until just before required for connection.
- Allow components stored in cool areas to warm to working area temperature before removing seal caps. This prevents condensation from forming inside A/C components.
- Thoroughly remove moisture from the refrigeration system before charging the refrigerant.
- Always replace used O-rings.
- When connecting tube, apply oil to circle of the O-rings shown in illustration. Be careful not to apply oil to threaded portion. Oil name: Genuine NISSAN A/C System Oil Type R or equivalent
- O-ring must be closely attached to dented portion of tube.
- When replacing the O-ring, be careful not to damage O-ring and tube.
- Connect tube until you hear it click, then tighten the nut or bolt by hand until snug. Make sure that the O-ring is installed to tube correctly.
- After connecting line, conduct leak test and make sure that there is no leakage from connections.
When the refrigerant leaking point is found, disconnect that line and replace the O-ring. Then tighten connections of seal seat to the specified torque.
Precautions for Servicing Compressor
- Plug all openings to prevent moisture and foreign matter from entering.
- When the compressor is removed, store it in the same position as it is when mounted on the car.
- When replacing or repairing compressor, follow "Maintenance of Oil Quantity in Compressor" exactly. Refer to "Maintenance of Oil Quantity in Compressor".
- Keep friction surfaces between clutch and pulley clean. If the surface is contaminated with oil, wipe it off by using a clean waste cloth moistened with thinner.
- After compressor service operation, turn the compressor shaft by hand more than 5 turns in both directions. This will equally distribute oil inside the compressor. After the compressor is installed, let the engine idle and operate the compressor for 1 hour.
- After replacing the compressor magnet clutch, apply voltage to the new one and check for normal operation. Refer to "Removal and Installation for Compressor Clutch".
Precautions for Service Equipment
RECOVERY/RECYCLING EQUIPMENT
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for machine operation and machine maintenance. Never introduce any refrigerant other than that specified into the machine.
ELECTRONIC LEAK DETECTOR
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for tester operation and tester maintenance.
VACUUM PUMP
The oil contained inside the vacuum pump is not compatible with the specified oil for HFC-134a (R-134a) A/C systems. The vent side of the vacuum pump is exposed to atmospheric pressure so the vacuum pump oil may migrate out of the pump into the service hose. This is possible when the pump is switched off after evacuation (vacuuming) and hose is connected to it.
To prevent this migration, use a manual valve situated near the hose-to-pump connection, as follows.
- Usually vacuum pumps have a manual isolator valve as part of the pump. Close this valve to isolate the service hose from the pump.
- For pumps without an isolator, use a hose equipped with a manual shut-off valve near the pump end. Close the valve to isolate the hose from the pump.
- If the hose has an automatic shut off valve, disconnect the hose from the pump: as long as the hose is connected, the valve is open and lubricating oil may migrate.
Some one-way valves open when vacuum is applied and close under a no vacuum condition. Such valves may restrict the pump's ability to pull a deep vacuum and are not recommended.
MANIFOLD GAUGE SET
Be certain that the gauge face indicates HFC-134a (R-134a). Make sure the gauge set has 1/2 inch -16 ACME threaded connections for service hoses. Confirm the set has been used only with refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) along with specified oil.
SERVICE HOSES
Be certain that the service hoses display the markings described (colored hose with black stripe). All hoses must include positive shutoff devices (either manual or automatic) near the end of the hoses opposite the manifold gauge.
SERVICE COUPLERS
Never attempt to connect HFC-134a (R-134a) service couplers to a CFC-12 (R-12) A/C system. The HFC-134a (R-134a) couplers will not properly connect to the CFC-12 (R-12) system. If an improper connection is attempted, discharging and contamination may occur.
REFRIGERANT WEIGHT SCALE
Verify that no refrigerant other than HFC134a (R-134a) and specified oils have been used with the scale. If the scale controls refrigerant flow electronically, the hose fitting must be 1/2 inch-16 ACME.
CHARGING CYLINDER
Using a charging cylinder is not recommended. Refrigerant may be vented into air from cylinder's top valve when filling the cylinder with refrigerant. Also, the accuracy of the cylinder is generally less than that of an electronic scale or of quality recycle/recharge equipment.