Scheme of the air conditioning system.
General security measures
1. R-134a refrigerant is a clear, colorless substance in both liquid and gas phases with a high evaporation rate. If the refrigerant comes into contact with the skin, local frostbite may occur. Always wear protective gloves when handling refrigerant.
2. If splashed refrigerant gets into your eyes, rinse immediately with clean water, then seek medical attention. Standard safety precautions when servicing an air conditioning system are usually special goggles to protect the eyes and special gloves to protect the hands.
3. R-134a refrigerant is in a high pressure bottle. Never leave the refrigerant bottle in a hot place. Make sure that the temperature of the room where the cylinder is stored does not exceed 52°C.
Attention: it is not allowed to heat the cylinder with a soldering pump or gas burner.
4. Use the special leak detector for R-134a to test the system for leaks. Keep in mind that contact of refrigerant vapors with an open flame (this detector burns propane to produce a small flame) leads to the formation of toxic phosgene gas.
5. Use only recommended compressor oil to lubricate the A/C system (system with R-134a refrigerant) and its components. If any other compressor oil is used, a malfunction may occur in the system.
- Recommended compressor oil: FD46XG
6. Compressor oil absorbs moisture from the surrounding air very quickly, so follow the instructions below:
- A) When disconnecting any component of the air conditioning system, immediately install plugs on open holes to prevent moisture from entering the air conditioning system.
- b) When installing any component on a vehicle, remove the plugs immediately before connecting the component to the system.
- V) Tighten the pipes and hoses of the air conditioning system securely as soon as possible to prevent moisture from entering the system.
- G) Use recommended compressor oil for lubrication only from a closed container.
7. If there is an unauthorized leak of refrigerant from the system, ventilate the work area immediately before resuming work.
8. Always disconnect the negative battery cable when replacing A/C parts.
Replacing System Components
1. Never open or loosen system components before the system has been drained of refrigerant.
2. Cap or plug the disconnected fittings immediately to prevent moisture and contaminants from entering the system.
3. Do not remove plugs from replacement components until they are ready for installation.
4. Always install new O-rings before connecting fittings. Lubricate the fitting and O-ring with compressor oil before connecting.
Working with tubes, hoses and connections
1. Flange with guide pin.
Check O-ring for damage (when replacing, use only the original gasket) and lubricate it with compressor oil. Gradually tighten the fastening nut by hand, pushing the tubes into each other. Tighten the nut to the specified torque.
2. Maintenance of pipes and connections.
The internal surfaces of air conditioning components remain chemically stable as long as pure refrigerant without moisture is used with a sufficient amount of compressor oil. Moisture, dirt, or air inside the system will affect the chemical stability of the system and may cause malfunction or serious damage.
3. The following safety precautions must be observed:
- A) If it is necessary to depressurize the system, prepare in advance everything that may be needed for maintenance or repair work so as not to leave the system depressurized for longer than necessary.
- b) Install caps or plugs on open system piping and fittings to prevent moisture and contaminants from entering the system.
- V) The openings of all pipelines and components of the air conditioning system located in the spare parts warehouse must be closed with covers or plugs until they are directly installed.
- G) Never attempt to bend already bent tubes during assembly. Install only original (not deformed) tubes when replacing parts.
- d) All tools and equipment, including the vacuum gauge, gauge manifold, pressure gauges and test hoses, must be kept clean and dry.