A/C Service Tips and Precautions
Service TipsWARNING: When handling refrigerant (R-12):
- Always wear eye protection.
- Do not let refrigerant get on your skin or in your eyes. If it does:
- Do not rub your eyes or skin.
- Splash large quantities of cool water in your eyes or on your skin.
- Rush to a physician or hospital for immediate treatment. Do not attempt to treat it yourself.
- Keep refrigerant containers (cans of R-12} stored below 40°C (100°F).
- Do not handle or discharge refrigerant in an enclosed area near an open flame: it may ignite and produce a poisonous gas.
1. Always disconnect the negative cable from the battery whenever replacing air conditioner parts.
2. Keep moisture and dust out of the system. When disconnecting any lines, plug or cap the fittings immediately; don't remove the caps or plugs until just before the lines are reconnected.
3. Before connecting any hose or line, apply a few drops of refrigerant oil to the seat of the 0-ring or flare nut.
4. When tightening or loosening a fitting, use a second wrench to support the matching fitting.
5. When discharging the system, don't let refrigerant escape too fast; it will draw the compressor oil out of the system.
6. Add refrigerant oil after replacing the following parts:
- Condenser: 10 cm3 (1/3 fl oz)
- Evaporator: 30 cm3 (1 fl oz)
- Line or hose: 10 cm3 (1/3 fl or)
- Receiver: 1O cm3 (1/3 fl oz)
NOTE: When a new compressor is installed, drain 30 cm3 (1 fl oz) of refrigerant oil thru the suction fitting on the compressor.
7. Tighten nuts to the following torque:
