Durango 4WD V8-5.9L VIN Z (1998)
Hose/Line HVAC: Description and Operation
Refrigerant Line
The refrigerant lines and hoses are used to carry the refrigerant between the various air conditioning system components. A barrier hose design
with a nylon tube inner hose liner is used for the R-134a air conditioning system on this vehicle. This nylon liner helps to further contain the R-
134a refrigerant, which has a smaller molecular structure than R-12 refrigerant. The ends of the refrigerant hoses are made from lightweight
aluminum, and use braze-less fittings.
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.
The refrigerant lines and hoses cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.
