Air conditioning: Adjustments

SERVICE PRECAUTIONS

Care should be taken when handling the components in the refrigeration system. Units must not be lifted by their hoses, pipes or capillary lines. Hoses and lines must not be subjected to any twist or stress. Ensure that hoses are positioned in their correct run before tightening couplings, and ensure that all clips and supports are used. Torque wrenches of the correct type must be used when tightening refrigerant connections to the stated value. An additional spanner must be used to hold the union to prevent twisting of the pipe.

Before connecting any hose or pipe ensure that refrigerant oil is applied to the seat of the new ’O’ ring seals but not to the threads.

Check the oil trap for the amount of oil lost.

All protective plugs must be left in place until immediately prior to connection.

The receiver/drier contains desiccant which absorbs moisture. It must be positively sealed at all times.

CAUTION: Whenever the refrigerant system is opened, the receiver/drier must be renewed immediately before evacuating and recharging the system.

Use alcohol and a clean cloth to clean dirty connections.

Ensure that all new parts fitted are marked for use with R134a.

Refrigerant oil

Use an approved refrigerant lubricating oil:

Seiko Seiki SK-20 Unipart SK-20 Idemitsu SK-20

CAUTION: Do not use any other type of refrigerant oil.

Refrigerant oil easily absorbs water and must not be stored for long periods. Do not pour unused oil back into the container.

When renewing system components, add the following quantities of refrigerant oil:

Condenser 30cm³ Evaporator 30cm³ Pipe or hose 10cm³ Receiver drier 30cm³

Total amount of oil in the system: 170 cc

A new compressor is sealed and pressurised with Nitrogen gas, slowly release the sealing cap, gas pressure should be heard to release as the seal is broken.

NOTE: A new compressor should always have its sealing cap in place and must not be removed until immediately prior to fitting the compressor air conditioning pipes.

Rapid refrigerant discharge

If the air conditioning system is involved in accident damage and the circuit is punctured, the refrigerant will discharge rapidly. The rapid discharge of refrigerant will also result in the loss of most of the oil from the system. The compressor must be removed and all the remaining oil in the compressor drained and refilled as follows:

1. Remove the drain plug and gravity drain all the oil, assisted by rotating the clutch plate (not the pulley).
2. Refit the compressor with the following amount of new refrigerant oil: 170cm³
3. Refit the drain plug and plug the inlet and outlet port.