Refrigerant: Service and Repair
A/C SYSTEM FILTERINGTwo A/C service kits have been released to provide the necessary equipment and information to perform the A/C system filtering procedure. Filter kits with the service part number suffix "A" are to be used on vehicles that have a nylon lined suction hose between the A/C dehydrator and receiver tank and the A/C compressor. Filter kits with the service part number suffix "B" are for vehicles with a rubber lined suction hose.
CAUTION: Follow all refrigerant system safety and service precautions as outlined.
1. To determine that the A/C compressor has failed and must be replaced, remove the A/C evaporator core orifice and liquid line, if necessary. Look for a dirty A/C evaporator core orifice and/or a liquid line containing black refrigerant oil and particles.
2. Remove the damaged A/C compressor and drain the oil into a calibrated container.
NOTE: The proper amount of refrigerant oil must be added to the new A/C compressor before it can be installed.
NOTE: It will be necessary to transfer the magnetic A/C clutch from the old A/C compressor to the new A/C compressor.
3. Install the new A/C compressor. Be sure the A/C compressor mounting bolts are tightened to the proper specification. Check the tension of the drive belt.
4. Remove the suction accumulator/drier and drain the oil into a calibrated container.
5. Add clean refrigerant oil to the new suction accumulator/drier in the same amount that was removed from the old unit, plus an additional 60ml (2 oz) of new refrigerant oil.
6. Install the suction accumulator/drier in the vehicle.
7. Determine the type of suction hose with which you are working. To do this, cut the suction hose into two pieces (make the cut closer to the A/C compressor than the A/C dehydrator and receiver tank) and measure the hose wall thickness. Rubber lined hose has a wall thickness of 1/4 inch and nylon lined hose has a wall thickness of 1/8 inch.
8. Obtain the proper service kit for the vehicle being serviced. Filter kits with the service part number suffix "A" are to be used on vehicles with a nylon lined suction hose. Filter kits with the service par number suffix "B" are for vehicles with a rubber lined suction hose. The label on the filter shows with which hose it is to be used.
9. Remove a length of suction hose to accommodate the suction filter and install the filter using the hose clamps provided with the kit. Be sure filter is correctly oriented for refrigerant system flow. Check the label on the filter. On the filter for nylon lined hose, install 0-ring seals (two on each filter tube, being sure they are properly seated in the grooves on the tube). Tighten the hose clamps securely.
10. Install a new A/C evaporator core orifice. If the A/C evaporator core orifice is located in the liquid line between the A/C condenser core and the A/C evaporator core, replace the liquid line assembly.
11. Install a pancake filter in the liquid line between the A/C condenser core and the A/C evaporator core orifice. Be sure the filter inlet is toward the A/C condenser core. Connections can be made using A/C Test Adapter Kit 014-00332, A/C Pressure Test Adapter T94P-19623-G (10P13), A/C Pressure Test Adapter T94P-19623-E (FS-1O), or equivalent and flexible refrigerant hose of 17,238 kPa (2500 psi) burst rating. Individual fittings are also available.
12. Evacuate, charge, and leak test the system.
13. Check all refrigerant system hoses, lines and the positioning of the newly installed filters to be sure they do not interfere with other engine compartment components. If necessary, use tie straps to make adjustments.
14. Provide adequate air flow to the front of the vehicle (with a fan, if necessary) and turn the A/C control on. Set the blower motor control operation on maximum (4) and temperature control at full cool. Start the engine and let it idle briefly. Make sure the A/C system is operating properly.
15. Gradually bring the engine speed up to 1200 rpm by running it at lower rpms for short periods (first at 800 rpm, then at 1000 rpm). Set the engine at 1200 rpm and run it for one hour with the A/C system operating.
16. Stop the engine.
17. Allow the engine to cool sufficiently to remove the fittings, flexible hoses and pancake filter from the liquid line. It will be necessary to discharge the system first.
18. Discard the pancake filter. It can be used ONE TIME ONLY.
19. Reconnect the liquid line back into the system.
20. Evacuate, charge, and leak test the system. Make any necessary adjustments.
21. Check the operation of the system in all modes.