Handling of Refrigerant Lines and Fittings

Tighten all tubing connections. Insufficient or excessive torque when tightening can result in loose joints or deformed joint parts. Either condition can result in refrigerant leakage.

All metal tubing lines should be free of dents or kinks to prevent loss of system capacity due to line restriction.

^ The flexible hose lines should never be bent to a radius of less than four (4) times the diameter of the hose.

^ The flexible hose lines should never be allowed to come within a distance of 63.5mm (2-1/2") of the exhaust manifold.

^ Flexible hose lines should be inspected regularly for leaks or brittleness and replaced with new lines if deterioration or leaking is found.

^ When disconnecting any fitting in the refrigeration system, the system must first be discharged of all refrigerant-12. However, proceed very cautiously regardless of gage readings. Open very slowly, keeping face and hands away so that no injury can occur if there happens to be liquid refrigerant-12 in the line. If pressure is noticed when fitting is loosened, allow it to bleed off as described under DISCHARGING, ADDING OIL, EVACUATING AND CHARGING PROCEDURES FOR C.C.O.T. A/C SYSTEMS.

^ In the event any refrigerant line is opened to the atmosphere, it should be immediately capped or taped to prevent entrance of moisture and dirt, which can cause internal compressor wear or plugged lines, condenser and evaporator core,expansion (orifice) tubes or compressor inlet screens.

^ The use of the proper wrenches when making connections on O-ring fittings is important. The use of improper wrenches may damage the connection. The opposing fitting should always be backed up with a wrench to prevent distortion of connecting lines or components. When connecting the flexible hose connections, it is important that the swaged fitting and the flare nut, as well as the coupling to which it is attached, be held at the same time using three different wrenches to prevent turning the fitting and damaging the ground seat.

^ O-rings and seats must be in perfect condition.A burr or piece of dirt may cause a refrigerant leak. When replacing the O-ring, first dip it in clean 525 viscosity refrigeration oil.

^ Where steel to aluminum connections are being made, use torque for aluminum tubing.