A/C System Performance Test

A/C System Performance Test

Connecting The Gauge Set
- A test hose connected to the fitting directly under the low side gauge is used to connect the low side of the test manifold into the low side of the system, and a similar connection is found on the high side.
- When connecting the gauge manifold set to the air conditioning system an access valve core removing tool is available for connecting the test hoses to the high and low sides of the system.
- By using the valve removing tool it will enable the valve core to be removed and held back inside the tool eliminating restrictions thereby providing a full flow of refrigerant.

WARNING: Under no circumstances open the high side hand valve while the air conditioning system is in operation. If the high side hand valve should be opened while the system is operating, high pressure refrigerant will be forced through the high side gauge and to the refrigerant container if it is attached. This high pressure may rupture the container or possibly burst the fitting at the safety container valve, resulting in much damage including personal physical injury.

- With the engine switched off, remove the protective caps from the schrader valves.
- Fit the access valve removal tool to the schrader valves.
- Ensure that both the manifold hand valves are in the closed position.
- Connect the high pressure manifold gauge hose to the high pressure side of the air conditioning side of the system (high side will always be the line from the compressor to the condenser).
- Connect the low pressure or compound gauge hose to the low pressure side of the air conditioning system. Using the access valve removal tool loosen and screw out the valve cores.

Purging The Test Hoses
Follow the instructions of the manufacturer of the recovery system being used.

Test Procedure
1. Place all test hoses, gauge set and other equipment away from all engine moving parts. Also keep the hoses from touching the hot engine manifold.
2. Start the engine and adjust engine speed to fast idle.
3. Turn on the air conditioning and set for maximum cooling with blower fans on high speed.
4. Open the car doors and/or windows (to quickly eliminate car interior heat).
5. Operate the system under these conditions for 5 to 10 minutes, the system will be stabilized and ready for testing.
6. Check the system for full refrigerant by noting the sight glass indications. Some refrigerant loss will occur over a period of time, replacing this refrigerant loss will constitute much of the service required on the air conditioning system.