Express 1/2 Ton Van V8-305 5.0L VIN M SFI (1998)
Refrigerant: Description and Operation
CAUTION: Avoid breathing A/C Refrigerant-134a and lubricant vapor and mist. Exposure may irritate eyes, nose, and throat. To remove
R-134a from the A/C system, use service equipment certified to meet the requirements of SAE J2210 (R-134a recycling equipment). If
accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resuming service. Additional health and safety information may be obtained
from refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
Like the coolant in the engine cooling system, the refrigerant is the substance in the air conditioning system that absorbs, carries, and then releases heat.
Although various substances are used as refrigerants in other types of refrigeration systems, past automotive air conditioning systems used a type called
Refrigerant-12 (A-12).
This vehicle uses a new type of refrigerant called Refrigerant-134a (R-134a). It is a nontoxic, nonflammable, clear, colorless liquefied gas.
While the R-134a A/C system is very similar to an R.12 A/C system, the differences in the refrigerant, lubricants, and service equipment are important.
Refrigerant-134a carries a charge of a special lubricant, polyalkaline glycol (PAG) refrigerant oil. GM (PAG) refrigerant oil will have a slight blue tint.
The oil is hydroscopic (absorbs water from the atmosphere) and should be stored in closed containers.
