Connecting the Manifold Gauge Set

Connecting the Manifold Gauge Set

Caution: Only use hoses with connectors which are dedicated to HFC 134A charge ports.

Attachment of the hose quick release connectors to the high and low side system ports is straightforward, provided that the high and low valves are closed and the system is NOT operational.

Assessment of the system’s operating system can be carried out by using the facilities of the Recovery-Recharging-Recycling station. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and closely observe the safety procedures.

Warning: Under no circumstances should the connections be made with the system in operation or the valves open. Should the valves be open and a vacuum pump or refrigerant container attached, an explosion could occur as a result of high pressure refrigerant being forced back into the vacuum pump or container.

Stabilising the System

Accurate test gauge data can be attained only if the system temperatures and pressures are stabilised.

Ensure that equipment and its hoses cannot come into contact with moving parts or heat sources.

It is recommended that a free standing air mover is placed in front of the vehicle to provide mass air flow through the condenser-cooling system.

Checking Procedure

1. Start the engine and allow it to attain normal working temperature then set it at fast idle (typically 1200 to 1500 rpm).
2. Select full air conditioning performance.
3. With all temperatures and pressures stable or displaying symptoms of faults, begin relevant test procedures.

Connecting the Gauge Set.

A test hose connected to the fitting directly under the low side gauge is used to connect the low side of the test manifold into the low side of the system, and a similar connection is found on the high side. When connecting the gauge manifold set to the air conditioning system an access valve core removing tool is available for connecting the test hoses to the high and low sides of the system.

Using the valve removing tool it enables the valve core to be removed and held back inside the tool eliminating restrictions and, thereby, providing a full flow of refrigerant.

Warning: Do not open the high side hand valve while the air conditioning system is in operation because, high pressure refrigerant will be forced through the high side gauge and to the refrigerant container, if it is attached. This could cause the container to rupture or the fitting at the safety container valve to burst resulting in damage and personal injury.

1. With the engine switched off, remove the protective caps from the schraeder valves.
2. Fit the access valve removal tool to the schraeder valves. Ensure that both the manifold hand valves are in the closed position.
3. Connect the high pressure manifold gauge hose (to the high pressure side of the air conditioning side of the system (high side is always the line from the compressor to the condenser). Connect the low pressure or compound gauge hose to the low pressure side of the air conditioning system.
4. Using the access valve removal tool loosen and screw out the valve cores.