Precautions For Refrigerant System Service
PRECAUTIONS
Precautions For Refrigerant System Service
GENERAL REFRIGERANT PRECAUTION
WARNING:
- Never breathe A/C refrigerant and oil vapor or mist. Exposure may irritate eyes, nose and throat. Use only approved recovery/recycling equipment to discharge HFC-134a (R-134a) refrigerant. Ventilate work area before resuming service if accidental system discharge occurs. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from refrigerant and oil manufacturers.
- Never release refrigerant into the air. Use approved recovery/recycling recharging equipment to capture the refrigerant each time an air conditioning system is discharged.
- Wear always eye and hand protection (goggles and gloves) when working with any refrigerant or air conditioning system.
- Never store or heat refrigerant containers above 52�C (126�F).
- Never heat a refrigerant container with an open flame; place the bottom of the container in a pail of warm water if container warming is required.
- Never intentionally drop, puncture, or incinerate refrigerant containers.
- Keep refrigerant away from open flames: poisonous gas is produced if refrigerant burns.
- Refrigerant displaces oxygen, therefore be certain to work in well ventilated areas to prevent suffocation.
- Never pressure test or leakage test HFC-134a (R-134a) service equipment and/or vehicle air conditioning systems with compressed air during repair. Some mixtures of air and HFC-134a (R-134a)
have been shown to be combustible at elevated pressures. These mixtures, if ignited, may cause injury or property damage. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from refrigerant manufacturers.
WORKING WITH HFC-134a (R-134a)
CAUTION:
- CFC-12 (R-12) refrigerant and HFC-134a (R-134a) refrigerant are not compatible. These refrigerants must never be mixed, even in the smallest amounts. Compressor malfunction is likely to occur if the refrigerants are mixed.
- Use only specified oil for the HFC-134a (R-134a) A/C system and HFC-134a (R-134a) components.
Compressor malfunction is likely to occur if oil other than that specified is used.
- The specified HFC-134a (R-134a) oil rapidly absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. The following handling precautions must be observed:
- Cap (seal) immediately the component to minimize the entry of moisture from the atmosphere when removing refrigerant components from a vehicle.
- Never remove the caps (unseal) until just before connecting the components when installing refrigerant components to a vehicle. Connect all refrigerant loop components as quickly as possible to minimize the entry of moisture into system.
- Use only the specified oil from a sealed container. Reseal containers of oil immediately. Oil becomes moisture saturated and should not be used without proper sealing.
- Never allow oil (A/C System Oil Type R) to come in contact with styrene foam parts. Damage may result.
Precaution for Service of Compressor
-Plug all openings to prevent moisture and foreign matter from entering.
-When the compressor is removed, store it in the same position as it is when mounted on the vehicle.
-When replacing or repairing compressor, follow "Maintenance of Oil Level" exactly. Description.
-Keep friction surfaces between clutch and pulley clean. If the surface is contaminated with oil, wipe it off using a clean waste cloth moistened with thinner.
-After compressor service operation, turn the compressor shaft by hand more than 5 turns in both directions. This will equally distribute oil inside the compressor. After the compressor is installed, let the engine idle and operate the compressor for 1 hour.
LEAK DETECTION DYE
CAUTION:
- The A/C system contains a fluorescent leak detection dye used for locating refrigerant leaks. An ultraviolet (UV) lamp is required to illuminate the dye when inspecting for leaks.
- Always wear fluorescence enhancing UV safety goggles to protect eyes and enhance the visibility of the fluorescent dye.
- The fluorescent dye leak detector is not a replacement for an electrical leak detector. The fluorescent dye leak detector should be used in conjunction with an electrical leak detector to pin-point refrigerant leakages.
- Read and follow all manufacturers operating instructions and precautions prior to performing the work for the purpose of safety and customers satisfaction.
- A compressor shaft seal should not necessarily be repaired because of dye seepage. The compressor shaft seal should only be repaired after confirming the leak with an electrical leak detector.
- Always remove any remaining dye from the leakage area after repairs are completed to avoid a misdiagnosis during a future service.
- Never allow dye to come into contact with painted body panels or interior components. Clean immediately with the approved dye cleaner if dye is spilled. Fluorescent dye left on a surface for an extended period of time cannot be removed.
- Never spray the fluorescent dye cleaning agent on hot surfaces (engine exhaust manifold, etc.).
- Never use more than one refrigerant dye bottle [1/4 ounce (7.4 cc)] per A/C system.
- Leak detection dyes for HFC-134a (R-134a) and CFC-12 (R-12) A/C systems are different. Never use
HFC-134a (R-134a) leak detection dye in CFC-12 (R-12) A/C system, or CFC-12 (R-12) leak detection dye in HFC-134a (R-134a) A/C system, or A/C system damage may result.
- The fluorescent properties of the dye remain for three or more years unless a compressor malfunction occurs.
NOTE:
Identification
- Vehicles with factory installed fluorescent dye have a green label.
- Vehicles without factory installed fluorescent dye have a blue label.