AIR CONDITIONING
3
ADJUSTMENT SERVICING EQUIPMENT
The following equipment is required for full servicing
of the air conditioning system.
Recovery, recycling and charging station
Leak detector
Thermometer +20°C to -60°C
Safety goggles and gloves
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY RECYCLING
RECHARGING
WARNING: The air conditioning system is
charged with a high pressure, potentially
toxic refrigerant. Repairs or servicing must
only be carried out by an operator familiar with
both the vehicle system and the charging and
testing equipment.
All operations must be carried out in a
well-ventilated area away from open flame and
heat sources.
Always wear safety goggles and gloves when
opening refrigerant connections.
WARNING: Wear eye and hand safety
protection. Open connections slowly in
case liquid or pressure is present. Allow to
bleed off slowly.
CAUTION: Overcharging air conditioning
system will cause excessive head
pressure.
An air conditioning portable Refrigerant Recovery
Recycling Recharging Station for use with R134a
refrigerant incorporates all the features necessary to
recover refrigerant R134a from the air conditioning
system, to filter and remove moisture, to evacuate and
recharge with the reclaimed refrigerant. The unit can
also be used for performance testing and air
conditioning system analysis.
The operator must adhere to the equipment
manufacturer's instructions.Recovery and recycling
1. High pressure servicing connection
2. Low pressure servicing connection
1.Connect a Refrigerant Station to the high and
low pressure servicing connections.
2.Operate the refrigerant recovery system
according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3.Measure the amount of oil discharged from the
system. Add an equal amount of new refrigerant
oil to compressor before evacuation sequence.
WARNING: Refrigerant must always be
recycled before reuse, 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.
82AIR CONDITIONING
4
ADJUSTMENT Evacuation and recharging
1.Add refrigerant oil to compressor if necessary.
2.Renew the receiver/drier.
CAUTION: When a major repair has been
carried out, a leak test should be carried
out using inert gas.
3.Connect a Refrigerant Station to the high and
low pressure servicing connections.
CAUTION: Whenever the refrigerant
system is opened, the receiver/drier must
be renewed immediately before evacuating
and recharging the system.
4.Operate the refrigerant evacuation system
according to the manufacturer's instructions.
NOTE: If the vacuum reading is below
700mmHg after 15 minutes, suspect a leak
in the system. Partially recharge the
system and check for leaks using an electronic
leak tester. Check suction lines first, then run the
compressor for 5 minutes and then check the high
pressure lines.
CAUTION: The system must be evacuated
immediately before recharging
commences. Delay between evacuation
and recharging is not permitted.
5.Operate the refrigerant recharging system
according to the manufacturer's instructions:-
Refrigerant required to charge system:
Without rear air conditioning = 0.90kg (32 fl/oz)
With rear air conditioning = 1.15kg (40 fl/oz)
6.If the full charge has not been accepted by the
system, start the engine and run it at 1500
rev/min for a minimum of 2 minutes.
Switch on the air conditioning system, open the
car windows, set the temperature control to cold
and switch the blower to maximum speed.
7.Consult Refrigerant Station Manual for correct
procedure to complete the charge.
8.Carry out the air conditioning system
performance test.LEAK TEST SYSTEM
The following instructions refer to an electronic type
Refrigerant Leak Detector for use with R134a, which
are the safest and most sensitive.
CAUTION: When a major repair has been
carried out, a leak test should be carried
out using an inert gas (see below).
1.Place the vehicle in a well ventilated area but
free from draughts, as leakage from the system
could be dissipated without detection.
2.Follow the instructions issued by the
manufacturer of the particular leak detector
being used.
3.Commence searching for leaks by passing the
detector probe around all joints and components,
refrigerant gas is heavier than air.
4.Insert the probe into an air outlet of the
evaporator or into the evaporator drain tube.
Switch the air conditioning blower on and off at
intervals of ten seconds. Any leaking refrigerant
will be gathered in by the blower and detected.
5.Insert the probe between the magnetic clutch
and compressor to check the shaft seal for
leaks.
6.Check all service valve connections, valve plate,
head and base plate joints and back seal plate.
7.Check the condenser for leaks at the pipe
unions.
8.If any leaks are found, the system must be
discharged before rectification.
9.Rectify any leaks and recheck for leaks during
evacuation prior to charging.
Leak test using inert gas
Use Nitrogen or Helium gas.
1.Connect gas line to recharging station.
2.Pressurise system to 3 bar.
3.Carry out leak test as above.
