1993 CHEVROLET PLYMOUTH ACCLAIM adding oil

ENGINE INDEX
page page
Engine Oil Filter .......................... 9
Battery ................................ 15
Crankcase Ventilation System ............... 13
Drive Belts ............................. 14
Emission Control System ................... 14
Engine Air Cleaner ....................... 11
Engine Cooling System .................... 10 Engine Oil
............................... 8
Frequency of Engine Oil and Filter Changes ..... 8
Fuel Filter .............................. 14
Fuel Recommendations .................... 14
Ignition Cables, Distributor Cap, and Rotor ..... 14
Rubber and Plastic Component Inspection ...... 15
Spark Plugs ............................ 14
FREQUENCY OF ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
CHANGES
ENGINE OIL
Road conditions as well as your kind of driving af-
fect the interval at which your oil should be changed.
Check the following to determine if any apply to you:
² Frequent short trip driving less than 8 kilometers
(5 miles)
² Frequent driving in dusty conditions
² Frequent trailer towing
² Extensive idling (such as vehicle operation in stop
and go traffic)
² More than 50% of your driving is at sustained
high speeds during hot weather, above 32ÉC (90ÉF) If any of these apply to you then change your en-
gine oil every 4 800 kilometers (3,000 miles) or 3
months, whichever comes first. If none of these apply to you then change your oil
every 12 000 kilometers (7,500 miles) or 6 months,
whichever comes first. If none of these apply and the vehicle is in com-
mercial type service such as, Police, Taxi or Limou-
sine and principally used for highway driving of 40
kilometers (25 miles) or more between stations, the
engine oil should be changed every 8 000 kilometers
(5,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
FLEXIBLE FUEL VEHICLES
Flexible fuel is corrosive and contributes to engine
oil contamination. When flexible fuel is being used,
the engine oil should be changed every 8 000 kilome-
ters (5,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
OIL FILTER
The engine oil filter should be replaced with a new
filter at every second oil change.
ENGINE OIL
WARNING: NEW OR USED ENGINE OIL CAN BE IR-
RITATING TO THE SKIN. AVOID PROLONGED OR
REPEATED SKIN CONTACT WITH ENGINE OIL.
CONTAMINANTS IN USED ENGINE OIL, CAUSED
BY INTERNAL COMBUSTION, CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH. THOROUGHLY WASH EX-
POSED SKIN WITH SOAP AND WATER. DO NOT WASH SKIN WITH GASOLINE, DIESEL
FUEL, THINNER, OR SOLVENTS, HEALTH PROB-
LEMS CAN RESULT. DO NOT POLLUTE, DISPOSE OF USED ENGINE
OIL PROPERLY. CONTACT YOUR DEALER OR
GOVERNMENT AGENCY FOR LOCATION OF COL-
LECTION CENTER IN YOUR AREA.
BREAK-IN PERIOD
CAUTION: Wide open throttle operation in low
gears, before engine break-in period is complete,
can damage engine.
On a Chrysler Corporation vehicle an extended
break-in period is not required. Driving speeds of not
over 80-90 km/h (50-55 mph) for the first 100 km (60
miles) is recommended. Hard acceleration and high
engine rpm in lower gears should be avoided.
SELECTING ENGINE OIL
CAUTION: Do not use non-detergent or straight
mineral oil when adding or changing crankcase lu-
bricant. Engine or Turbocharger failure can result.
The factory fill engine oil is a high quality, energy
conserving, crankcase lubricant. The Recommended
SAE Viscosity Grades chart defines the viscosity
grades that must be used based on temperature in
the region where vehicle is operated and optional
equipment.
NON-FLEXIBLE FUEL VEHICLES Chrysler Corporation recommends that Mopar mo-
tor oil, or equivalent, be used when adding or chang-
ing crankcase lubricant. The API symbol (Fig. 1) on
the container indicates the viscosity grade, quality
and fuel economy ratings of the lubricant it contains.
Use ENERGY CONSERVING II motor oil with API
SERVICE SG or SG/CD classification.
0 - 8 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE Ä

² SG service engine oil is a high quality crankcase
lubricant designed for use in all naturally aspirated
engines. If SG service engine oil is used in turbo-
charged engine, change engine oil at every 4 800
km (3,000 miles) or three months.
² SG/CD service engine oil is a high quality crank-
case lubricant designed for use in most naturally as-
pirated and turbocharged gasoline or diesel engines.
FLEXIBLE FUEL VEHICLES
Vehicles operated using Flexible Fuel (M85) re-
quire engine oil that meet or exceed Chrysler Stan-
dard MS-9214. Mopar Flexible Fuel engine oil or
equivalent should be used when adding or changing
crankcase lubricant. The API symbol (Fig. 1) on the
container indicates the viscosity grade, quality and
fuel economy ratings of the lubricant it contains. Use
ENERGY CONSERVING II motor oil with API SER-
VICE SG or SG/CD classification.
ENGINE OIL ADDITIVES
Chrysler Corporation recommends that Mopar En-
gine Oil Supplement or equivalent be used when fric-
tion and corrosion reducing materials added to the
crankcase lubricant is desired.
CRANKCASE OIL LEVEL INSPECTION
CAUTION: Do not overfill crankcase with engine oil,
oil foaming and oil pressure loss can result.
Inspect engine oil level approximately every 800
kilometers (500 miles). Position vehicle on level sur- face. With engine OFF, allow enough time for oil to
settle to bottom of crankcase, remove engine oil level
indicator (dipstick) and wipe clean. Install dipstick
and verify it is seated in the tube. Remove dipstick,
with handle above tip, take oil level reading (Fig. 2).
Add oil only if level is below MIN or ADD mark on
dipstick.
ENGINE OIL CHANGE
Change engine oil at mileage and time intervals
described in Lubrication and Maintenance Schedules.
Position the vehicle on a level surface. Hoist and
support vehicle on safety stands. Refer to Hoisting
and Jacking Recommendations in this group. Place a
suitable 3.8 liter (4 qt.) drain pan under crankcase
drain. Remove drain plug from crankcase. Inspect
drain plug threads for stretching or other damage.
Replace drain plug and gasket if damaged. Install
drain plug in crankcase. Lower vehicle and fill
crankcase with specified type and amount of engine
oil described in this section. Start engine and inspect
for leaks. Stop engine and inspect oil level.
ENGINE OIL FILTER
SELECTING OIL FILTER
Chrysler Corporation recommends a Mopar or
equivalent oil filter be used when replacement is re-
quired. A replacement filter must be designed to
withstand 1756 kPa (256 psi) of internal pressure.
OIL FILTER REPLACEMENT
Position a drain pan under the oil filter. Using a
suitable oil filter wrench (Fig. 3) loosen filter. When
filter separates from adapter nipple, tip gasket end
upward to minimize oil spill. Remove filter from ve-
hicle. With a wiping cloth, clean the gasket sealing
surface (Fig. 4) of oil and grime. Wipe off oil residue
from below oil filter adapter.
TO INSTALL NEW OIL FILTER: Lightly lubricate oil filter gasket with engine oil or
chassis grease. Thread filter onto adapter nipple.
When gasket makes contact with sealing surface,
tighten filter one full turn. If necessary use a filter
wrench, do not over tighten. Add oil, verify crank-
case oil level and start engine. Inspect for oil leaks.
RECOMMENDED VISCOSITY GRADES
Fig. 1 API Symbol
Fig. 2 Oil Level Indicator DipstickÐTypical
Ä LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 9

The power steering pump drive belt should be in-
spected at the time and distance interval described in
the Lubrication and Maintenance Schedules. Refer to
the General Information section of this group.
POWER STEERING FLUID INSPECTION
WARNING: ENGINE MUST NOT BE RUNNING WHEN
INSPECTING POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL,
PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: Do not over fill power steering reservoir
when adding fluid, seal damage and leakage can re-
sult.
TO INSPECT FLUID LEVEL:
(1) Position vehicle on a level surface with engine
at normal running temperature. (2) Turn OFF engine and remove ignition key.
(3) Using a wiping cloth, clean oil and dirt residue
from around power steering reservoir cap. (4) Remove reservoir cap or dipstick and wipe off
fluid. (5) Install cap or dipstick.
(6) Remove cap or dipstick. Holding handle or cap
above tip of dipstick, read fluid level (Fig. 4, 5, or 6).
Add fluid if reading is below cold level mark on dip-
stick.
REAR WHEEL BEARINGS
INSPECTION
The rear wheel bearings should be packed with
new lubricant at the distance interval described in the Lubrication and Maintenance Schedules. Refer to
the General Information section of this group. The
bearings should be inspected for contamination and
wear before they are cleaned. Slight discoloration of
bearing rollers and race cup is normal. If metal
Fig. 3 Ball Joint Lubrication
Fig. 4 Power Steering Reservoir DipstickÐ2.2L or 2.5L Engine
Fig. 5 Power Steering Reservoir DipstickÐ3.0L Engine
Fig. 6 Power Steering Reservoir DipstickÐ3.3L or3.8L Engine
0 - 20 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE Ä

BRAKE RESERVOIR LEVEL INSPECTION
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW PETROLEUM OR WATER
BASE LIQUIDS TO CONTAMINATE BRAKE FLUID,
SEAL DAMAGE AND BRAKE FAILURE CAN RESULT.
RELIEVE PRESSURE IN ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYS-
TEM BEFORE ADDING BRAKE FLUID TO RESER-
VOIR. IF NOT, BRAKE FLUID COULD DISCHARGED
FROM THE RESERVOIR POSSIBLY CAUSING PER-
SONAL INJURY.
The brake reservoir level should be inspected when
other under hood service is performed. It is normal
for the reservoir level to drop as disc brake pads
wear. When fluid must be added, use Mopar, Brake
Fluid or equivalent. Use only brake fluid conforming
to DOT 3, Federal, Department of Transportation
specification. To avoid brake fluid contamination, use
fluid from a properly sealed container. On vehicles with anti-lock brakes, depressurize the
system before inspecting fluid level. Turn OFF the
ignition and remove the key. Pump the brake pedal
at least 50 times to relieve the pressure in the sys-
tem.
On all vehicles, if fluid should become low after sev-
eral thousand kilometers (miles), fill the reservoir to
level marks on the side of the reservoir (Fig. 8 or 9).
HEADLAMPS
The headlamps should be inspected for intensity
and aim whenever a problem is suspected. When lug-
gage compartment is heavily loaded, the headlamp
aim should be adjusted to compensate for vehicle
height change. For proper service procedures, refer to
Group 8L, Lamps. DRIVER SUPPLEMENTAL AIRBAG SYSTEM
If the AIRBAG indicator lamp does not light at all,
stays lit or lights momentarily or continuously while
driving, a malfunction may have occurred. Prompt service is required. Refer to Group 8M, Restraint
Systems for proper diagnostic procedures.
BODY LUBRICATION
Body mechanisms and linkages should be inspected,
cleaned and lubricated as required to maintain ease of
operation and to prevent corrosion and wear. Before a component is lubricated, oil, grease and dirt
should be wiped off. If necessary, use solvent to clean
component to be lubricated. After lubrication is com-
plete, wipe off excess grease or oil. During winter season, external lock cylinders should
be lubricated with Mopar, Lock Lubricant or equiva-
lent to ensure proper operation when exposed to water
and ice. To assure proper hood latching component operation,
use engine oil to lubricate the lock, safety catch and
hood hinges when other under hood service is per-
formed. Mopar, Multi-purpose Grease or equivalent
should be applied sparingly to all pivot and slide
contact areas.
USE ENGINE OIL ON:
² Door hingesÐHinge pin and pivot points.
² Hood hingesÐPivot points.
² Luggage compartment lid hingesÐPivot points.
USE MOPAR LUBRIPLATE OR EQUIVALENT ON:
² Door check straps.
² Hood counterbalance springs.
² Luggage compartment lid latches.
² Luggage compartment lid prop rod pivots.
² Ash tray slides.
² Fuel Fill Door latch mechanism.
² Park brake mechanism.
² Front seat tracks.
Fig. 8 Anti-lock Brake Reservoir
Fig. 9 Master Cylinder Brake ReservoirÐExcept
Anti-lock
0 - 22 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE Ä

As soon as the condition goes away, the Anti-Lock
Warning Light is turned off. Although a fault code
will be set in most cases.
BENDIX ABS SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS
Bendix Anti-Lock 6 Brake System Diagnostics, be-
yond basic mechanical diagnostics, covered earlier in
this section. Are accomplished by using the DRB II
scan tool. See testing procedures outlined in the Ben-
dix Anti-Lock 6 Diagnostics Manual for the 1992
M.Y. vehicles. Please refer to the above mentioned manual for
any further electronic diagnostics and service proce-
dures that are required on the Bendix Anti-Lock 6
Brake System.
ON-CAR ABS BRAKE SYSTEM SERVICE
GENERAL SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
The following are general cautions which should be
observed when servicing the Anti-Lock brake system
and/or other vehicle systems. Failure to observe
these precautions may result in Anti-Lock Brake
System component damage. If welding work is to be performed on the vehicle,
using an electric arc welder, the (CAB) connector
should be disconnected during the welding operation. The (CAB) connector should never be connected or
disconnected with the ignition switch in the ON po-
sition. Many components of the Anti-Lock Brake System
are not serviceable and must be replaced as an as-
sembly. Do not disassemble any component which is
not designed to be serviced.
CHECKING BRAKE FLUID LEVEL
CAUTION: Only use brake fluid conforming to DOT
3 specifications, such as Mopar or Equivalent. Do
not use any fluid which contains a petroleum base.
Do not use a container which has been used for pe-
troleum based fluids or a container which is wet
with water. Petroleum based fluids will cause swell-
ing and distortion of rubber parts in the hydraulic
brake system. Water will mix with brake fluid, low-
ering the fluid boiling point. Keep all brake fluid
containers capped to prevent contamination. Re-
move the front cap of the master cylinder reservoir
and fill to the bottom of the split ring.
For the specific procedure for the inspection of
brake fluid level and adding of brake to the reser-
voir. Refer to the Service Adjustments Section in this
group of the service manual.
BLEEDING BENDIX ANTI-LOCK 6 BRAKE SYSTEM
The Anti-Lock Brake System must be bled anytime
air is permitted to enter the hydraulic system, due to
disconnection of brake lines, hoses of components. If the Modulator Assembly is removed from the ve-
hicle, both the Base Brake System and the Anti-Lock
Brake System must be bled using the appropriate
procedures. It is important to note that excessive air
in the brake system will cause a soft or spongy feel-
ing brake pedal. During bleeding operations, be sure that the brake
fluid level remains close to the FULL level in the
reservoir. Check the fluid level periodically during
the bleeding procedure and add DOT 3 brake fluid as
required. The Bendix Anti-Lock 6 Brake System must be
bled as two independent braking systems. The non
ABS portion of the brake system is to be bled the
same as any non ABS system. Refer to the Service
Adjustments section in this manual for the proper
bleeding procedure to be used. This brake system can
be either pressure bled or manually bled. The Anti-Lock portion of brake system MUST be
bled separately. This bleeding procedure requires the
use of the DRB II Diagnostic tester and the bleeding
sequence procedure outlined below.
ABS BLEEDING PROCEDURE (FIG. 1)
(1) Assemble and install all brake system compo-
nents on vehicle making sure all hydraulic fluid
lines are installed and properly torqued. (2) Bleed the base brake system. Using the stan-
dard pressure or manual bleeding procedure as out-
lined in the Service Adjustments section of this
service manual. To perform the bleeding procedure on the ABS
unit. The battery and acid shield must be removed
from the vehicle. Reconnect the vehicles battery, to
the vehicles positive and negative battery cables us-
ing jumper cables. This is necessary to allow access
to the 4 bleeder screws located on the top of the Mod-
ulator assembly. (3) Connect the DRB II Diagnostics Tester to the
diagnostics connector. Located behind the Fuse Panel
access cover on the lower section of the dash panel to
the left of the steering column. (It is a blue 6 way
connector). (4) Using the DRB II check to make sure the
(CAB) does not have any fault codes stored. If it does
remove them using the DRB II.
5 - 126 ANTI-LOCK 6 BRAKE SYSTEM Ä

LATCHING VERSUS NON-LATCHING ABS FAULTS
Some faults detected by the CAB are latching; the
fault is latched and ABS is disabled until the igni-
tion switch is reset. Thus ABS is disabled even if the
original fault has disappeared. Other faults are non-
latching; any warning lights that are turned on, are
only turned on as long as the fault condition exists.
As soon as the condition goes away, the Antilock
Warning Light is turned off. Although a fault code
will be set in most cases.
BENDIX ANTILOCK 4 BRAKE SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS
Bendix Antilock 4 Brake System Diagnostics, be-
yond basic mechanical diagnostics, covered earlier in
this section, are accomplished by using the DRB scan
tool. See testing procedures outlined in the 1994 Ben-
dix Antilock 4 Diagnostics Manual. Please refer to the above mentioned manual for
any further electronic diagnostics and service proce-
dures that are required on the Bendix Antilock 4
Brake System.
ON-CAR ABS BRAKE SYSTEM SERVICE
GENERAL SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
The following are general cautions which should be
observed when servicing the Bendix Antilock 4
Brake System and other vehicle electronic systems.
Failure to observe these precautions may result in
Antilock Brake System component damage. If welding work is to be performed on a vehicle us-
ing an electric arc welder, disconnect the 60 way wir-
ing harness connector from the CAB, prior to
performing the welding operation. The wiring harness connector should never be con-
nected or disconnected from the CAB with the igni-
tion key in the ON or Run position. (3) Most components making up the assemblies of
the Bendix Antilock 4 Brake System can not be ser-
viced separately from those assemblies. This will re-
quire replacement of the complete assembly for the
servicing of these components. Do not disassemble
any component from an assembly which is desig-
nated as non-serviceable.
CHECKING BRAKE FLUID LEVEL
CAUTION: Only use brake fluid conforming to DOT
3 specifications, such as Mopar or Equivalent. Do
not use any fluid which contains a petroleum base.
Do not use a container which has been used for pe-
troleum based fluids or a container which is wet
with water. Petroleum based fluids will cause swell-
ing and distortion of rubber parts in the hydraulic
brake system. Water will mix with brake fluid, low-
ering the boiling point of the brake fluid, possibly causing brake fluid to boil resulting in brake fade.
Keep all brake fluid containers capped to prevent
contamination. Remove the front cap of the master
cylinder reservoir and fill to the bottom of the split
ring.
For the specific procedure for the inspection of
brake fluid level and adding of brake to the reser-
voir. Refer to the Service Adjustments Section in this
group of the service manual.
BLEEDING BENDIX ANTILOCK 4 BRAKE SYSTEM
The base brakes and Antilock Brake System must
be bled anytime air is permitted to enter the hydrau-
lic system, due to disconnection of brake lines, hoses
or components. If the Antilock Modulator Assembly is removed
from the vehicle, both the Base Brake System and
the Antilock Brake System must be bled using the
appropriate procedure. It is important to note that
excessive air in the brake system will cause a soft or
spongy feeling brake pedal. During brake bleeding operations, ensure that
brake fluid level remains close to the FULL level in
the reservoir. Check brake fluid level periodically
during bleeding procedure, adding DOT 3 brake fluid
as required.
CAUTION: The base brake and Antilock brake hy-
draulic systems, on the Bendix Antilock 4 Brake
System, can NOT be bled using any type of brake
pressure bleeding equipment. This type of bleeding
equipment does not develop the pressure required
in the brake hydraulic system, to adequately bleed
all trapped air. The only approved method for bleed-
ing air out of the hydraulic system on vehicles
equipped with the Bendix Antilock 4 Brake System,
is the manual procedure of pressurizing the hydrau-
lic system using constant, moderate to heavy foot
pressure on the brake pedal.
The Bendix Antilock 4 Brake System must be bled
as two independent brake systems. The non ABS por-
tion of the brake system is to be bled the same as
any non ABS system. Refer to the Service Adjust-
ments section in this manual for the proper bleeding
procedure to be used. The Bendix Antilock 4 Brake
System can only be bled using a manual method of
pressurizing the brakes hydraulic system. The Antilock portion of brake system MUST be
bled separately. This bleeding procedure requires the
use of the DRB Diagnostic tester and the bleeding se-
quence procedure outlined below.
Ä ANTILOCK 4 BRAKE SYSTEM 5 - 25

-37ÉC (-35ÉF) to -59ÉC (-50ÉF). If it looses color or
becomes contaminated, drain, flush, and replace with
fresh properly mixed solution.
SERVICE
Coolant should be changed at 52,500 miles or three
years, whichever occurs first, then every two years or
30,000 miles.
ROUTINE LEVEL CHECK
Do not remove radiator cap for routine coolant
level inspections. The coolant reserve system provides a quick visual
method for determining the coolant level without re-
moving the radiator cap. Simply observe, with the
engine idling and warmed up to normal operating
temperature, that the level of the coolant in the reserve
tank (Figs. 5 and 6) is between the minimum and
maximum marks.
ADDING ADDITIONAL COOLANT
The radiator cap should not be removed. When
additional coolant is needed to maintain this level, it
should be added to the coolant reserve tank. Use only
50/50 concentration of ethylene glycol type antifreeze
and water.
SERVICE COOLANT LEVEL
The cooling system is closed and designed to main-
tain coolant level to the top of the radiator. When servicing requires a coolant level check in the
radiator, the engine must be offand notunder pres-
sure. Drain several ounces of coolant from the radiator
drain cock while observing the Coolant Recovery Sys-
tem (CRS) Tank. Coolant level in the CRS tank should
drop slightly. Then remove the radiator cap. The radia-
tor should be full to the top. If not, and the coolant level
in the CRS tank is at the MIN mark there is a air leak
in the CRS system. Check hose or hose connections to
the CRS tank, radiator filler neck or the pressure cap
seal to the radiator filler neck for leaks.
LOW COOLANT LEVEL AERATION
Low coolant level in a cross flow radiator will equal-
ize in both tanks with engine off. With engine at
running operating temperature the high pressure inlet
tank runs full and the low pressure outlet tank drops.
If this level drops below the top of the transmission oil
cooler, air will be sucked into the water pump:
² Transmission oil will become hotter.
² High reading shown on the temperature gauge.
² Air in the coolant will also cause loss of flow through
the heater.
² Exhaust gas leaks into the coolant can also cause the
same problems.
DEAERATION
Air can only be removed from the system by gather-
ing under the pressure cap. On the next heat up it will
be pushed past the pressure cap into the CRS tank by
thermal expansion of the coolant. It then escapes to the
atmosphere in the CRS tank and is replaced with solid
coolant on cool down.
COOLING SYSTEM DRAIN, CLEAN, FLUSH AND
REFILL
Drain, flush, and fill the cooling system at the
mileage or time intervals specified in the Maintenance
Schedule in this Group. If the solution is dirty or rusty
or contains a considerable amount of sediment, clean
and flush with a reliable cooling system cleaner. Care
should be taken in disposing of the used engine coolant
from your vehicle. Check governmental regulations for
disposal of used engine coolant.
DRAINING
To drain cooling system move temperature selector
for heater to full heat with engine running (to provide
vacuum for actuation). Without removing radiator
pressure cap and with system not under pres-
sure, Shut engine off and open draincock. The coolant
reserve tank (Fig. 5) should empty first, then remove
radiator pressure cap. (if not, see Testing Cooling
System for leaks). To vent 2.2/2.5L engines remove the
plug above thermostat housing (Fig. 1). For Turbo III
engines remove coolant temperature sensor in the
thermostat housing (Fig. 2). For 3.3L /3.8L engine
remove the engine temperature sending unit (Fig. 3).
Removal of a plug or other component is required
because the thermostat has no air vent and prevents
air flow through it. This allows the coolant to drain
from the engine block.
Fig. 1 Thermostat Housing Drain/Fill PlugÐ2.2/2.5L Engines
Ä COOLING SYSTEM 7 - 15

REFRIGERANT SERVICE PROCEDURES INDEX
page page
Adding Partial Refrigerant Charge ............ 10
Charging Refrigerant SystemÐEmpty System . . . 11
Discharging Refrigerant System .............. 11
Evacuating Refrigerant System .............. 11
Manifold Gauge Set Connections ............. 9 Oil Level
............................... 12
R-12 Refrigerant Equipment ................. 8
Refrigerant Recycling ...................... 9
Sight Glass Refrigerant Level Inspection ........ 8
Testing for Refrigerant Leaks ............... 10
SIGHT GLASS REFRIGERANT LEVEL INSPECTION
The filter-drier is equipped with a sight glass (Fig.
1) that is used as a refrigerant level indicator only.
This sight glass is not to be used for A/C perfor-
mance testing. To check the refrigerant level re-
move the vehicle jack. Then clean the sight glass,
start and warm up engine, and hold rpm slightly
above idle (1100 rpm). Place the air conditioning con-
trol on A/C, RECIRC and high blower. The work
area should be at least 21ÉC (70ÉF). If a Fixed Dis-
placement type compressor does not engage, the re-
frigerant level is probably too low for the Low
Pressure Cut-Off switch to detect. Or, with a Vari-
able Displacement compressor, for the Differential
Pressure Cut-off to detect. If compressor clutch does
not engage, test the refrigerant system for leaks. If
compressor clutch engages, allow approximately one
minute for refrigerant to stabilize. View refrigerant
through sight glass. The suction line should be cold
to the touch and the sight glass should be clear.
If foam or bubbles are visible in sight glass, the re- frigerant level is probably low. Occasional foam or
bubbles are normal when the work area temperature
is above 43ÉC (110ÉF) or below 21ÉC (70ÉF). If suction
line is cold and occasional bubbles are visible in the
sight glass, block the condenser air flow. This will in-
crease the compressor discharge pressure. Do not al-
low engine to over heat. Bubbles should dissipate.
If not, the refrigerant level is low.
CAUTION: Do not allow engine to over heat while
blocking the condenser air flow.
WARNING: R-12 REFRIGERANT IS DETRIMENTAL
TO THE ENVIRONMENT WHEN RELEASED TO THE
ATMOSPHERE. DO NOT ADD R-12 REFRIGERANT
TO A SYSTEM THAT HAS A KNOWN LEAK.
The refrigerant system will not be low on (R-12)
unless there is a leak. Find and repair the leak be-
fore charging.
R-12 REFRIGERANT EQUIPMENT
WARNING: EYE PROTECTION MUST BE USED
WHEN SERVICING AN AIR CONDITIONING REFRIG-
ERANT SYSTEM. TURN OFF (ROTATE CLOCKWISE)
ALL VALVES ON THE EQUIPMENT BEING USED
BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THIS OPERATION.
PERSONNEL INJURY CAN RESULT.
When servicing an air conditioning system, an A/C
charging station is recommended (Fig. 2). An (R-12)
refrigerant recovery/recycling device (Fig. 3) should
also be used. This device should meet SAE standards.
Contact an automotive service equipment supplier
for refrigerant recycling/recovering equipment. Refer
to the operating instructions provided with the
equipment for proper operation. A manifold gauge set (Fig. 4) must also be used in
conjunction with the charging and/or recovery/recy-
cling device. The service hoses on the gauge set be-
ing used should have manual (turn wheel) or
automatic back flow valves at the service port con-
nector ends. This will prevent refrigerant from being
release into the atmosphere.
Fig. 1 Filter Drier and Sight Glass
24 - 8 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING Ä