A/C Suction/Discharge Line - Cracking

NO: 24-10-97

GROUP: Heater & A/C

DATE: Jun. 13, 1997

SUBJECT:
A/C Suction And/Or Discharge Line Service

THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 24-15-96, DATED SEPT. 27, 1996, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES AND NOTED IN THE 1996 SERVICE BULLETIN MANUAL (PUBLICATION NO. 81-699-97010). THIS IS A COMPLETE REVISION AND NO **ASTERISKS** ARE USED TO HIGHLIGHT THE CHANGES.

MODELS:

1996 - 1997 (NS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
1996 - 1997 (GS) Chrysler Voyager (International Market)

NOTE:
THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.3L OR 3.8L ENGINE.

DISCUSSION:

If an A/C suction and/or discharge line requires replacement due to cracking at or near the compressor, inspect the three (3) A/C compressor mounting bolts and be sure they are torqued to 40 ft. lbs. (54 Nm).

When checking the lower inboard bolt, make sure the bolt is clamping the compressor leg to the engine. Some bolts may bottom out before applying a clamping force, if this condition is discovered, install a washer (p/n 06100881 or equivalent 2.0 mm thick) between the bolt head and the compressor leg to prevent the bolt from bottoming out.

NOTE:
VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A/C COMPRESSORS THAT HAVE AN "AB" SUFFIX PART NUMBER WILL NOT REQUIRE ADDING A WASHER (PART NUMBER IS LOCATED ON THE COMPRESSOR CLUTCH HUB). USE OF AN ADDITIONAL WASHER, WHEN NOT NEEDED, MAY CAUSE A MARGINAL THREAD ENGAGEMENT CONDITION AND SHOULD BE AVOIDED.

The root cause of A/C suction and/or discharge line cracking at or near the compressor may be related to the compressor being improperly secured to the engine. Excessive vibration may result if the compressor attaching bolts are not properly clamping the compressor to the engine. This vibration will eventually crack the aluminum tubing of the A/C lines and/or compressor mounting legs/ears.

POLICY: Information Only