RAM 3500 Van V8-5.9L VIN Z LDC (1998)
Hose/Line HVAC: Service and Repair
A/C Liquid Hose/Line Replacement
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.
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS IN THE GENERAL INFORMATION BEFORE PERFORMING THE
FOLLOWING OPERATION.
REMOVAL
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
2. Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system.
Liquid Line Remove/Install
3. Remove the screw that secures the block fitting of the liquid line to the inlet of the filter-drier, and separate the fitting from the filter-drier. Install
plugs in, or tape over all of the opened refrigerant line fittings.
4. Remove the radiator grille from the vehicle.
5. Remove the screw that secures the block fitting on the liquid line to the block fitting on the outlet of the condenser, and separate the fitting from
the condenser. Install plugs in, or tape over all of the opened refrigerant line fittings.
6. Remove the liquid line from the engine compartment.
INSTALLATION
1. Remove the tape or plugs from the liquid line block fitting and the outlet of the condenser. Connect the liquid line to the condenser outlet and
secure the connection with a screw. Tighten the mounting screw to 22 N.m (200 in. lbs.).
2. Reinstall the radiator grille to the vehicle.
3. Remove the tape or plugs from the liquid line block fitting and the inlet of the filter-drier. Connect the liquid line to the filter-drier inlet and secure
the connection with a screw. Tighten the mounting screw to 13.5 N.m (120 in. lbs.).
4. Connect the battery negative cable.
5. Evacuate the refrigerant system.
6. Charge the refrigerant system.
