GENERAL INFORMATION
03-25
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Components must not remain uncapped for
longer than 15 minutes. In the event of a delay,
the caps must be fitted.
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When disconnecting, immediately cap all air
conditioning pipes to prevent ingress of dirt and
moisture into the system.
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The receiver/drier contains desiccant which
absorbs moisture. It must be positively sealed at
all times. A receiver/drier that has been left
uncapped must not be used, fit a new unit.
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The receiver/drier should be the last component
connected to the system to ensure optimum
dehydration and maximum moisture protection
of the system.
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Whenever the refrigerant system is opened, the
receiver/drier must be renewed immediately
before evacuating and recharging the system.
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Use alcohol and a clean lint-free cloth to clean
dirty connections.
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Ensure that all new parts fitted are marked for
use with R134a.
When a major repair has been completed, a leak test
should be conducted; refer to the Air Conditioning
section of this manual for the correct procedure.
Refrigerant oil
Refrigerant oil easily absorbs water and must not
be stored for long periods. Do not pour unused
refrigerant oil back into the container. Always
use an approved refrigerant oil.
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CAPACITIES, FLUIDS AND
LUBRICANTS, Lubrication.
When replacing components in the A/C system,
drain the refrigerant oil from the component being
replaced into a graduated container. On assembly,
add the quantity of refrigerant oil drained to the new
component.
Compressor
A new compressor is sealed and pressurised with
Nitrogen gas. When fitting a new compressor, slowly
release the sealing cap; gas pressure should be
heard to vent as the seal is broken.
CAUTION: A new compressor should always be
sealed and could be pressurised with nitrogen
gas. To avoid possible oil loss, release the
sealing cap(s) slowly. Do not remove the cap(s)
until immediately prior to connecting the air
conditioning pipes to the compressor.
Rapid refrigerant discharge
If the air conditioning system is involved in accident
damage and the system is punctured, the refrigerant
will discharge rapidly. The rapid discharge of
refrigerant will also result in the loss of most of the oil
from the system. The compressor must be removed
and all the remaining oil in the compressor drained
and refilled as instructed in the air conditioning
section of this manual.
Precautions for refrigerant recovery, recycling
and recharging
When the air conditioning system is recharged, any
existing refrigerant is first recovered from the system
and recycled. The system is then charged with the
required weight of refrigerant and volume of
refrigerant oil.
WARNING: Refrigerant must always be recycled
before re-use to ensure that the purity of the
refrigerant is high enough for safe use in the air
conditioning system.
Recycling should always be carried out with
equipment which is design certified by
Underwriter Laboratory Inc. for compliance with
SAE J1991. Other equipment may not recycle
refrigerant to the required level of purity.
A R134a Refrigerant Recovery Recycling
Recharging Station must not be used with any
other type of refrigerant.
Refrigerant R134a from domestic and
commercial sources must not be used in motor
vehicle air conditioning systems.
CAUTION: The system must be evacuated
immediately before recharging commences.
Delay between evacuation and recharging is not
permitted.