Important: Before opening the refrigeration system, ensure that the work area is
well ventilated. Do not conduct welding or steam-cleaning operations on or
near the following areas:
| • | The refrigeration system lines |
| • | Other air conditioning parts on the vehicle |
| • | Ensure that all of the metal tubing lines are free of dents or
kinks that may cause line restriction. Line restriction may cause the loss
of system capacity. |
| • | Do not bend the flexible hose lines to a radius of less than 4
times the diameter of the hose |
| • | Do not allow the flexible hose lines to come within 6.5 mm
(2.5 in) of the exhaust manifold |
| • | Regularly inspect the flexible hose lines for leaks or brittleness.
Replace the lines with new lines if deterioration or leaking is found. |
| • | When disconnecting any fitting in the refrigerant system, recover
the system of all R-134a. Use the following procedure to recover the system
of all R-134a : |
| 1. | Proceed very cautiously regardless of the gage readings. |
| 2. | Open the fitting very slowly. |
| 3. | Keep hands and face away from the fitting in order to prevent
injury. |
| 4. | If pressure is noticed when a fitting is loosened, allow the pressure
to bleed off slowly. |
Notice: Never use alcohol to remove moisture from the refrigeration system.
Damage to the system components could occur.
| • | Immediately cap refrigerant lines that are opened to the atmosphere.
This action prevents the entrance of moisture and dirt which can cause internal
A/C compressor wear or plugged lines in the following areas: |
| - | The A/C evaporator core |
| - | The A/C expansion (orifice) tubes |
| - | The A/C compressor inlet screens |
| • | Remove the sealing caps from subassemblies just before making
the connections for final assembly. Apply a small amount of clean 525 viscosity
refrigerant oil on all of the tube and hose joints. |
| • | Use new O-ring seals dipped in 525 viscosity oil when assembling joints.
The oil aids in assembly and helps provide a leakproof joint. The O-ring seals
and seats must be in perfect condition because a burr or a piece of dirt can
cause a refrigerant leak. |
| • | Use the proper wrenches in order to make connections on the O-ring
seal fittings. |
| • | Using improper wrenches may damage the connection. Use a wrench to back
up the opposing fitting in order to prevent distortion of the connecting lines
or the components. |
| • | Use three different wrenches in order to simultaneously hold the
following parts when connecting the flexible hose connections: |
| - | The coupling that is attached to the flare nut |
| - | This action prevents turning in the fitting and damage to the seat. |
