Caution: Avoid breathing the A/C Refrigerant 134a (R-134a) and the lubricant
vapor or the mist. Exposure may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Work
in a well ventilated area. In order to remove R-134a from the A/C system,
use service equipment that is certified to meet the requirements of SAE J
2210 (R-134a recycling equipment). If an accidental system discharge occurs,
ventilate the work area before continuing service. Additional health and safety
information may be obtained from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
Air conditioning systems contain refrigerant. This is a chemical mixture which
requires special handling procedures to avoid personal injury.
Always wear goggles and wrap a clean cloth around the fittings, the valves,
and the connections when performing work that involves opening the refrigerant system.
Do not weld or steam clean on or near any vehicle-installed air conditioning
lines or components.
All refrigerant drums are shipped with a heavy metal screw cap. The purpose
of the cap is to protect the valve and the safety plug from damage. It is good practice
to replace the cap after each use of the drum.
If it is necessary to transport or carry any container of refrigerant in a vehicle,
do not carry it in the passenger compartment.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.
Both conditions can result in refrigerant leakage.
| • | Keep all metal tubing lines free of dents or kinks. Any line restrictions
will cause the loss of system capacity. |
| • | Never bend a flexible hose line to a radius of less than 4 times
the diameter of the hose. |
| • | Never allow a flexible hose line to come within 63.5 mm (2.5 in)
of the exhaust manifold. |
| • | Inspect flexible hose lines regularly for leaks or brittleness. |
| • | Replace flexible hose lines with new lines if there are signs of deterioration
or leaking. |
| • | Discharge the refrigeration system of all refrigerants before disconnecting
any fitting in the refrigeration system. |
| • | Proceed very cautiously regardless of the gage readings. |
| • | Open the fittings very slowly. |
| • | Keep your face and your hands away from the fitting so that you will not
be injured if there happens to be liquid refrigerant in the line. |
| • | Cap or tape any refrigerant line immediately after it is opened. This
will prevent the entrance of moisture and dirt, which can cause internal compressor
wear or plugged lines in the condenser, the evaporator core, the expansion valve,
or the compressor inlet screens. |
| | Important: Use 2 proper wrenches to connect the
O-ring fittings.
|
| • | Back up the opposing fitting to prevent the distortion of the connecting lines
or the components. |
| • | Back up both the swaged fitting on the flexible hose connections and the
coupling to which it is attached with 2 wrenches to prevent turning the fitting
and damaging the ground seat. |
| • | Keep the O-rings and the seats in perfect condition. A burr or
a piece of dirt may cause a refrigerant leak. |
| • | Dip new O-rings in clean polyalkalene glycol (PAG)
refrigerant oil before installation. |
