Express 3/4 Ton Van V8-5.7L VIN R (1998)
Refrigerant: Service Precautions
Handling Refrigerant
The air conditioning system in this vehicle contains Refrigerant-134a (R-134a). This chemical mixture requires special handling procedures to avoid
personal injury. Always wear goggles and wrap a clean cloth around fittings, valves, and connections when performing work that involves opening the
refrigerant system. Always work in a well ventilated area and avoid breathing any refrigerant fumes. Do not weld or steam clean on or near any
vehicle-installed air conditioning lines or components.
If R-134a should come in contact with any part of the body, flush the exposed area with water and immediately seek medical attention.
CAUTION: Avoid breathing A/C refrigerant and lubricant vapor or 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 or SAE J2209. If accidental system discharge
occurs, ventilate work area before resuming service. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from refrigerant and
lubricant manufacturers. Do not store or heat refrigerant containers above 125°F (52°C).Do not heat a refrigerant container with an open
flame; if container warming is required, place the bottom of the container in a pail of warm water. Do not intentionally drop, puncture, or
incinerate refrigerant containers. Refrigerant will displace oxygen, therefore be certain to work in well ventilated areas to prevent
suffocation. If it is necessary to carry a container of "Dot CFR" Refrigerant-134a in a vehicle, it should not be carried in the passenger
compartment. Only containers that meet DOT SPEC 4BA or 4BW should be used.
NOTICE: R-12 refrigerant and R-134a refrigerant must never be mixed, even in the smallest of amounts, as they are incompatible with each
other. If the refrigerants are mixed, compressor failure is likely to occur.
Use only polyalkylene glycol (PAG) synthetic refrigerant oil for internal circulation through the R-134a A/C system and only mineral base
525 viscosity refrigerant oil on fitting threads and O-rings. If lubricants other than those specified are used, compressor failure and/or fitting
seizure is likely to occur. Do not introduce compressed air to any refrigerant container or refrigerant component, because contamination will
occur.
Before attempting any service which requires opening refrigeration system lines or components. Carefully follow the instructions for recovering the
refrigerant and recycling, adding oil, evacuating, and recharging the refrigeration system.
All Refrigerant-134a disposable (colored blue) containers are shipped with a heavy metal screw cap to protect the valve and safety plug of the container
from damage. It is good practice to replace the cap after each use of the container to continue protection.
