Air conditioning precautions: Service precautions

Service precautions

Observe the following precautions when handling components used in the air conditioning system:

• Air conditioning units must not be lifted by their hoses, pipes or capillary lines.
• Hoses and lines must not be subjected to any twist or stress; the efficiency of the system will be impaired by kinks or restrictions. Ensure that hoses are correctly positioned before tightening couplings, and ensure that all clips and supports are utilised.
• Flexible hoses should not be positioned close to the exhaust manifold (less than 100 mm) unless protected by heat shielding.
• Completed assemblies must be checked for refrigeration lines touching metal panels. Any direct contact of components and panels may transmit noise and so must be eliminated.
• The appropriate torque wrench must be used when tightening refrigerant connections to the stipulated value. An additional spanner must be used to hold the union to prevent twisting of the pipe when tightening connections.
• Before connecting any hose or pipe, ensure that refrigerant oil is applied to the seat of the new ’O’ rings BUT NOT to the threads of the connection.
• All protective plugs must remain in place to seal the component until immediately prior to connection.
• Ensure components are at room temperature before uncapping, to prevent condensation of moisture from the air that enters it.
• Components must not remain uncapped for longer than 15 minutes. In the event of a delay, the caps must be fitted.
• When disconnecting, immediately cap all air conditioning pipes to prevent ingress of dirt and moisture into the system.
• The receiver / drier contains dessicant which absorbs moisture. It must be positively sealed at all times. A receiver / drier that has been left uncapped must not be used, fit a new unit.
• The receiver / drier should be the last component connected to the system to ensure optimum dehydration and maximum moisture protection of the system.
• Whenever the refrigerant system is opened, the receiver / drier must be renewed immediately before evacuating and recharging the system.
• Use alcohol and a clean lint-free cloth to clean dirty connections.
• Ensure that all new parts are marked for use with R13a.

When a major repair has been completed, a leak test should be conducted; refer to the ’AIR CONDITIONING’ section of this manual for the correct procedure.