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.
Caution: Always wear goggles and wrap a clean cloth around fittings, valves, and connections
when performing work that involves opening the refrigerant system.
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.
Handling of Refrigerant
Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners
must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring
replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant
are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or
corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified.
These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage
the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when
installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
| • | 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 65 mm (2-1/2 in)
of the exhaust manifold. |
| • | Inspect flexible hose lines regularly for leaks or brittleness. |
| • | Replace flexible hose lines with new lines if you find signs of deterioration
or leaking. |
| • | Discharge the refrigeration system of all refrigerant before disconnecting
any fitting in the refrigeration system. |
| • | Proceed very cautiously regardless of the gage readings. |
Caution: For personal protection, goggles and lint-free gloves should be worn and a clean cloth wrapped around fittings, valves, and connections when doing
work that includes opening the refrigerant system. If refrigerant comes in contact with any part of the body severe frostbite and personal injury can result. The exposed area should be flushed immediately with cold water and prompt medical help should
be obtained.
| • | Open the fittings very slowly. |
| • | 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 distortion of the connecting lines
or the components. |
| • | Back up both the swagged 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 polyalkaline glycol refrigerant oil before installation. |
