C 2500 Truck 2WD V8-5.7L VIN R (1997)
Refrigerant Line Installation
Important
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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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Never bend flexible hose lines to a radius of less than four times the diameter of the hose.
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Do not allow flexible hose lines to come within a distance of 6.5 mm (2.5 inches) of the exhaust manifold.
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Inspect flexible hose lines regularly for leaks or brittleness and replace with new lines if deterioration or leaking is found.
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When disconnecting any fitting in the refrigerant system, the system must be discharged of all Refrigerant-134a. Proceed very cautiously,
regardless of the gage readings. Open fittings 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, cap it immediately to prevent the entrance of moisture and dirt. Moisture and dirt can cause
internal compressor wear or plugged lines in the condenser and evaporator core, 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 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.
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It is important to use the proper wrenches when making connections on O-ring seal fittings. Using 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 flare nut, as well as the coupling to which it is attached, be
held at the same time using two different wrenches to prevent turning the fitting and damaging the seat.
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When installing O-rings, make sure that the O-ring is seated on the raised lip of the fitting. Do not cock the O-ring on the line, or fail to seat the
O-ring.
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When installing refrigerant lines, make sure the lines butt securely together. The lines must be straight, and free of debris, contamination, or
burrs. Do not allow the lines to become cocked in relation to each other.
Tighten tubing connections to the specified torque, refer to "Specifications".
