Handling Refrigerant-12 - Pontiac Fiero 1988 Service Manual

AIR CONDITIONING 1B-17
METAL TUBE
OUTSIDE
DIAMETER
THREAD AND
FITTING SIZE
S T E E L
T U B I N G
T O R Q U E
LB. F T N«m
ALUMINUM OR
COPPER
T U B I N G
L B . F T . N®m
NOMINAL
T O R Q U E
WRENCH SPAN
10-15 14-20
5-7 7-9 5/8
3/8
30-35 41-48 11-13 15-18 3/4
1/2
30-35 41-48 15-20 20-27 7/8
r 5 / 8
?m
30-35 41-48 21-27 29-37
1-1/16"
3/-"
J
30-35 41-48 28-33 38-45
1-1/4"
5 2 0 0 0 7 - 1 B
Figure 16 Pipe & Hose Connection Torque Chart
When replacing "O" rings on an air conditioning
component or joint connection, the fitting design
should be carefully identified to ensure installation of
the correct air conditioning service replacement "O"
ring. Some joint connections and components will
implement a "captured" "O" ring design fitting that
uses a groove to retain the "O" ring, while others do
not have a groove and use a "non-captured" or "stan-
dard" "O" ring.
Assembly and tightening procedures are the
same for both designs, however, the "O" rings are
different. Some "O" rings are color coated to ease
identification and assembly. The following is a list
showing the color applications for the currently ser-
viced air conditioning "O" rings:
Red — Captured (Grooved Male Fitting End
Form) "O" Ring Design.
A.
B. Blue — Non-captured/Standard (Straight Male
Fitting End Form) "O" Ring Design.
C. Yellow — "O" rings used on different types of
air conditioning switches.
These colored "O" rings are available in various
sizes for each application. "O" rings should be coated
with 525 viscocity refrigerant oil, prior to installation,
but must not be soaked. Soaking color coated "O"
rings will cause them to swell.
NOTICE: Do not soak the new color coated
" O " ring seals In refrigerant oil, it can cause
refrigerant leakage due to improper joint assem-
bly. Prolonged exposure, such as soaking, may
swell them large enough to prohibit joint assem-
bly. ALWAYS SLIP THE " O " RING ONTO
THE FLANGE TUBE TO ENSURE PROPER
LOCATING AND SEALING.
Also, prior to installation, verify that both "O"
rings and fittings have not been nicked or deformed.
Deformed or nicked parts must be replaced. Failure to
use the proper service replacement parts and proce-
dures may result in excessive Refrigerant-12 leakage.
- 1 5
CAPTURED
i
NON-CAPTURED
J 1 0 2 5 6 - 1 B - P
Figure 17 O-Ring Designs
HANDLING REFRIGERANT-12
Air conditioning systems contain Refrigerant-
12. This is a chemical mixture which requires special
handling procedures to avoid personal injury.
Always wear goggles and wrap a clean cloth
around fittings, valves, and connections when per-
forming work that involves opening the refrigerant
system. Always work in a well ventilated area and
avoid breathing any refrigerant fumes. Do not weld
or steam clean on or near any car installed with air
conditioning lines or components.
If Refrigerant-12 should come in contact with
any part of the body, flush the exposed area with
water.
All Refrigerant-12 drums are shipped with a
heavy metal screw cap. The purpose of the cap is to
protect the valve and safety plug from damage. It is
good practice to replace the cap after each use of the
drum.
If it is necessary to transport or carry any con-
tainer of Refrigerant-12 in a vehicle, do not carry it in
the passenger compartment. If the occasion arises to
fill a small Refrigerant-12 drum from a large one,
never fill the drum completely. Space should always
be allowed above the liquid for expansion.