Handling Refrigerant Lines & Fittings

Tighten all tubing connections as shown in Specifications. INSUFFICIENT OR EXCESSIVE TORQUE WHEN TIGHTENING CAN RESULT IN LOOSE JOINTS OR DEFORMED JOINT PARTS. Either condition can result in refrigerant leakage. Refer to Specifications.

All metal tubing should be free of dents or kinks to prevent loss of system capacity due to tube restriction.

^ The flexible hoses should never be bent to a radius of less than four times the diameter of the hose.
^ The flexible hoses should never be allowed to come in contact with the exhaust manifold.
^ Do not allow the hose assembly to twist towards the exhaust manifold during assembly.
^ Flexible hoses should be inspected regularly for leaks or brittleness and replaced with new hoses if deterioration or leaking is found.
^ When disconnecting any fitting in the refrigeration system, the refrigerant must first be recovered. Proceed very cautiously even though the refrigerant has been recovered. Open very slowly, keeping face and hands away so that no injury can occur if there happens to be liquid refrigerant in the tube. If pressure is noticed when fitting is loosened, retighten fitting and reperform refrigerant recovery. This condition may indicate a high side restriction which must be repaired before charging the A/C system.
^ In the event any refrigerant tube is opened to the atmosphere, it should be immediately capped or taped to prevent entrance of moisture and dirt, which can cause internal compressor wear or plugged tubes, in the condenser and evaporator core and expansion tubes or compressor inlet screens.
^ The use of the proper wrenches when making connections on O-ring fittings is important. The opposing fitting should always be backed up with a wrench to prevent distortion of connecting tubes or components. When connecting the flexible hose connections, it is important that the swaged fitting and the flare nut, as well as the coupling to which it is attached, be held at the same time to prevent twisting the hose assembly out of location during tightening of the joint.
^ O-rings and seats must be in perfect condition. A burr or piece of dirt may cause a refrigerant leak. Change O-rings when servicing.
^ Partial hose replacement, splicing and clamp replacement CANNOT be performed on this type of hose. For all repairs, warranty and non-warranty, replace the complete hose assembly.