Connections

Assessment of the A/C system operating efficiency and fault classification may be achieved by using the facilities on a Recovery / Recycling / Recharging unit.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions implicitly and observe all safety considerations.

Connections

Only use hoses with connectors which are dedicated to HFC 134a charge ports.

Warning
Under no circumstances should connections be made with the A/C system in operation or valves open. Should 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.

Recovery

Warning
Handling liquid refrigerant is dangerous. A drop of refrigerant on the skin can result in localized frostbite. When handling refrigerant, wear gloves and safety goggles. If refrigerant splashes into the eyes, immediately wash them with clean water and consult a doctor.

Caution
Do not attempt to adapt this unit for R-12 as an A/C system failure will result. Recovery / Recycle / Recharging equipment has special connections to avoid cross contamination with R-12 systems.

The A/C unit's overfill limitation mechanism has been calibrated specifically for use with the 50 lb. (23 Kg) refillable refrigerant tank.

Run the A/C system for a few minutes before starting the recovery procedure as this will enable more refrigerant to be recovered. Turn the A/C system off before starting the procedure.

Ensure the A/C system has pressure in it before beginning the recovery process; if there is no system pressure there is no refrigerant to recover.

Ensure that the oil drain valve is closed.

Read manufacture's instructions and warnings before completing any recovery / evacuating and charging operations.

Caution
The Recovery / Recycling / Recharging unit relies on a weighing mechanism to weight the quantity of oil removed. Ensure that the Recovery / Recycle / Recharging unit is not disturbed during the recovery procedure.

1. Connect an R-134a Recovery / Recycling / Recharging unit to the vehicle A/C system.
2. Follow the Recovery / Recycling / Recharging unit manufacturer's instructions to evacuate the A/C system.

Compressor oil may be drawn out during this process, take note of the quantity recovered so that it may be replaced.

Evacuation

The removal of unwanted air and moisture, is critical to the correct operation of the A/C system. Moisture in the system can be highly destructive and may cause internal blockages due to freezing; water suspended in the lubricating oil will damage the compressor. Once the A/C system has been dismantled, or the refrigerant charge recovered, all traces of moisture must be removed before charging.

It is recommended that initially only the high-side valve be opened at the start of the procedure. After a short time a small depression should be seen on the low-side, at which point the low-side valve may be opened and the evacuation process completed. If a vacuum is not registered on the low-side, it may indicate that the expansion valve is permanently closed or that the system is blocked. This simple check may save time and effort when the system is recharged.

Read manufacture's instructions and warnings before completing any Recovery / Recycling / Recharging operation.

1. Connect an R-134a Recovery / Recycling / Recharging unit to the vehicle A/C system.
2. Follow the Recovery / Recycling / Recharging unit manufacturer's instructions to evacuate the A/C system.

Charging

Caution
Do not exceed the specification when charging the A/C system with refrigerant. Doing so will decrease the efficiency of the A/C unit or damage the refrigeration cycle parts.

Caution
Always start the charging of refrigerant from the high-pressure side. If charging starts from the low-pressure side, vanes of the A/C compressor will not be released and abnormal noise may result.

Read manufacture's instructions and warnings before completing any Recovery / Recycling / Recharging operation.

1. Connect an R-134a Recovery / Recycling / Recharging unit to the vehicle A/C system.
2. Follow the Recovery / Recycling / Recharging unit manufacturer's instructions to charge the A/C system.