CAUTION: Liquid refrigerant is corrosive to metal
surfaces. Follow the operating instructions and pre-
cautions supplied with equipment being used when
servicing refrigerant system.
COOLING SYSTEM PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: ANTIFREEZE IS AN ETHYLENE GLYCOL
BASE COOLANT AND IS HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED
OR
INHALED.
IF
SWALLOWED,
DRINK
TWO
GLASSES OF WATER AND INDUCE VOMITING. IF
INHALED, MOVE TO FRESH AIR AREA. SEEK MEDI-
CAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.
DO NOT STORE IN OPEN OR UNMARKED CON-
TAINERS.
WASH SKIN AND CLOTHING THOROUGHLY AFTER
COMING IN CONTACT WITH ETHYLENE GLYCOL.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN AND PETS.
DO NOT OPEN A COOLING SYSTEM WHEN THE
ENGINE IS AT RUNNING TEMPERATURE. PERSONAL
INJURY CAN RESULT.
The engine cooling system is designed to develop
internal pressure of 97 to 123 kPa (14 to 18 psi) under
normal operating conditions. Allow the vehicle approxi-
mately 15 minutes (or until a safe temperature and
pressure are attained) before opening the cooling sys-
tem. Refer to Group 7, Cooling System.
HANDLING TUBING AND FITTINGS
Kinks in the refrigerant tubing or sharp bends in the
refrigerant hose lines will greatly reduce the capacity
of the entire system. High pressures are produced in
the system when it is operating. Extreme care must be
exercised to make sure that all connections are pres-
sure tight. Dirt and moisture can enter the system
when it is opened for repair or replacement of lines or
components. The refrigerant oil will absorb moisture
readily out of the air. This moisture will convert into
acids within a closed system.
The following precautions must be observed:
The system must be completely discharged before
opening any fitting or connection in the refrigeration
system. Open fittings with caution even after the
system has been discharged. If any pressure is noticed
as a fitting is loosened, allow trapped pressure to bleed
off very slowly.
A good rule for the flexible hose lines is to keep the
radius of all bends at least 10 times the diameter of the
hose. Sharper bends will reduce the flow of refrigerant.
The flexible hose lines should be routed so they are at
least 3 inches (80 mm) from the exhaust manifold.
Inspect all flexible hose lines to make sure they are in
good condition and properly routed.
Unified plumbing connections with aluminum gas-
kets cannot be serviced with O-rings. These gaskets
are not reusable and do not require lubrication before
installing.
The use of correct wrenches when making connec-
tions is very important. Improper wrenches or im-
proper use of wrenches can damage the fittings.
The internal parts of the refrigeration system will
remain in a state of chemical stability as long as
pure-moisture-free Refrigerant 12 and refrigerant oil is
used. Abnormal amounts of dirt, moisture or air can
upset the chemical stability. This may cause opera-
tional troubles or even serious damage if present in
more than very small quantities.
When opening a refrigeration system, have every-
thing you will need to repair the system ready. This
will minimize the amount of time the system must be
opened. Cap or plug all lines and fittings as soon as
they are opened. This will help prevent the entrance or
dirt and moisture. All new lines and components
should be capped or sealed until they are ready to be
used.
All tools, including the refrigerant dispensing mani-
fold, the manifold gauge set, and test hoses should be
kept clean and dry.
.
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
24 - 3