Venture V6-3.4L VIN E (1997)
Refrigerant: Description and Operation
Refrigerant-134a, like the coolant in the engine cooling system, is the substance in the air conditioning system that absorbs, carries and then releases
heat. Although various substances are used as refrigerants in other types of refrigeration systems, past automotive air conditioning systems used a type
called Refrigerant-12 (R-12). This vehicle uses a new type of refrigerant called Refrigerant-134a (R-134a). It is a non-toxic, non-flammable, clear,
colorless, liquefied gas. While the R-134a A/C system is very similar to an R-12 A/C system, the differences in the refrigerant, lubricants, and service
equipment are important.
NOTICE: R-134a refrigerant is not compatible wit R-12 refrigerant in an air conditioning system. R-12 in an R-134a system will cause compressor
failure, refrigerant oil sludge or poor air conditioning system performance. Refrigerant-134a carries a charge of special lubricating oil, polyalkylene
glycol (PAG) refrigerant oil. GM PAG refrigerant oil will have a slight blue tint. The oil is hydroscopic (absorbs water from the atmosphere) and
should be stored in closed containers.
Use only polyalkylene glycol (PAG) synthetic refrigerant oil for internal circulation through the R-134a A/C system and only mineral base 525
viscosity refrigerant oil on fittings, threads and O-rings. If lubricants other than those specified are used, compressor failure and/or fitting seizure is
likely to occur.