RAM 3500 Truck 4WD L6-5.9L DSL Turbo VIN C (2002)
Hose/Line HVAC: Description and Operation
REFRIGERANT LINES
The refrigerant lines and hoses are used to carry the refrigerant between the various air conditioning system components. A barrier hose design with a
nylon tube, which is sandwiched between rubber layers, is used for the R-134a air conditioning system on this vehicle. This nylon tube helps to further
contain the R-134a refrigerant, which has a smaller molecular structure than R-12 refrigerant. The ends of the refrigerant hoses are made from
lightweight aluminum or steel, and commonly use braze-less fittings.
Any kinks or sharp bends in the refrigerant plumbing will reduce the capacity of the entire air conditioning system. Kinks and sharp bends reduce the
flow of refrigerant in the system. A good rule for the flexible hose refrigerant lines is to keep the radius of all bends at least ten times the diameter of the
hose. In addition, the flexible hose refrigerant lines should be routed so they are at least 80 millimeters (3 inches) from the exhaust manifold.
High pressures are produced in the refrigerant system when the air conditioning compressor is operating. Extreme care must be exercised to make sure
that each of the refrigerant system connections is pressure-tight and leak free. It is a good practice to inspect all flexible hose refrigerant lines at least
once a year to make sure they are in good condition and properly routed.
The refrigerant lines and hoses are coupled with other components of the HVAC system with peanutblock style fittings. A stat-O seal type flat steel
gasket with a captured compressible O-ring, is used to mate plumbing lines with A/C components to ensure the integrity of the refrigerant system.
The refrigerant lines and hoses cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.
