Refrigerant Filter: Service and Repair
A/C REFRIGERANT SYSTEM FILTERING
NOTE: Two A/C service kits have been released to provide the necessary equipment and information to perform the new, mandatory 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 suction accumulator/drier and the compressor. Filter kits with the service part number suffix "B" are for vehicles with a rubber lined suction hose.
CAUTION: Follow all the refrigerant system safety and service precautions.
INSTALLATION
1. To Determine that the compressor has failed and the system must be filtered, recover the refrigerant from the A/C system and remove the orifice tube and liquid line, if necessary. Look for a dirty orifice tube and/or a liquid line containing black refrigerant oil and particles.
2. Remove the damaged compressor and drain the oil into a calibrated container.
NOTE: The proper amount of refrigerant oil must be added to the new compressor before it can be installed.
3. Install the new compressor. Be sure the compressor mounting bolts are tightened to the proper specification. Check the tension of the compressor drive belt. Adjust, if necessary.
4. Remove the suction accumulator/drier assembly and drain the oil into a calibrated container.
5. Add clean refrigerant oil to the new accumulator/drier in the same amount that was removed from the old unit, plus an additional 60 ml (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 compressor than the accumulator) 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. Get the proper service kit for the vehicle. 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 part number suffix "B" are for vehicles with rubber lined suction hose. The label on the filter shows which hose it is to be used with.
Filter For Nylon Hose:
Filter For Rubber Hose:
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 the filter is correctly oriented for the refrigerant system flow. Check the label on the filter. On the filter for nylon lined hose, install 0-rings (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 orifice tube. If the orifice tube is located in the liquid line between the condenser and the evaporator, replace the liquid line assembly or install an orifice replacement kit.
11. Install a pancake filter in the liquid line between the condenser and the orifice tube. Be sure the filter inlet is toward the condenser. Connections can be made using the A/C Test Fitting Set D88P-19703-B or equivalent and a flexible refrigerant hose of 2500 psi burst rating. Individual fittings are also available.
12. Evacuate, charge, and leak test the A/C 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), set the A/C control at MAX A/C. Set the blower on HI and the 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 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 an hour with the A/C system operating.
16. Stop the engine.
17. Allow the engine to cool sufficiently to remove the fittings, the flexible hoses, and the pancake filter from the liquid line.
WARNING: It will be necessary to recover the refrigerant from the A/C 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 A/C the system. Make any necessary adjustments.
21. Check the operation of the A/C system in all modes.