S10/T10 Blazer 4WD V6-262 4.3L VIN Z (1994)
A/C Coupler O-ring: Vehicle Damage Warnings
Handling of Refrigerant Lines and Fittings
Refrigerant Lines And Fittings
WARNING: Before opening the refrigeration system, make sure the work area is well ventilated. Welding or steam-cleaning operations should
not be done on or near refrigeration system lines or other air conditioning parts on the vehicle.
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All metal tubing lines should be free of dents or kinks to prevent loss of system capacity due to line restriction.
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The flexible hose lines should never be bent to a radius of less than four times the diameter of the hose.
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The flexible hose lines should never be allowed to come within a distance of 6.5 mm (2.5 inches) of the exhaust manifold.
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Flexible hose lines should be inspected regularly for leaks or brittleness and replaced with new lines if deterioration or leaking is found.
WARNING: When disconnecting any fitting in the refrigerant system, the system must be recovered of all Refrigerant-12 or
Refrigerant-134a. However, proceed very cautiously, regardless of the gage readings. Open very slowly, keeping your face and hands
away so that no injury can occur. If pressure is noticed when a fitting is loosened, allow it to bleed off very slowly.
NOTICE: Alcohol should never be used in the refrigeration system in an attempt to remove moisture. Damage to system components could occur.
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If any refrigerant line is opened to the atmosphere, it should be immediately capped to prevent the entrance of moisture and dirt. These can
cause internal compressor wear or plugged lines in the condenser and evaporator core and expansion (orifice) tubes or compressor inlet
screens.
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Remove sealing caps from subassemblies just before making connections for final assembly. Use a small amount of clean 525 viscosity
refrigerant oil on all tube and hose joints. Use new O-ring seals dipped in 525 viscosity refrigerant oil when assembling joints. The oil will aid
in assembly and help to provide a leakproof joint. O-ring seals and seats must be in perfect condition because a burr or a piece of dirt can
cause a refrigerant leak.
CAUTION: It is important to use the proper wrenches when making connections on O-ring seal fittings. The use of improper wrenches may
damage the connection. The opposing fitting should always be backed up with a wrench to prevent distortion of connecting lines or components.
When connecting the flexible hose connections, it is important that the swaged fitting and the flare nut, as well as the coupling to which it is
attached, be held at the same time using three different wrenches to prevent turning the fitting and damaging the seat (see accompanying figure).
NOTE: Tighten tubing connections to the specified torque, refer to "Specifications."
O-Ring Replacement
Install new GM-approved service replacement air conditioning O-ring seals whenever a joint or fitting is installed, except when the O-ring seals are
provided on new replacement components. Unless service replacement O-ring seals bearing the specified part numbers are used, excessive leakage of
Refrigerant-12 or Refrigerant-134a may occur. Refer to the part number for identification.
