Ford 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual page 3088

A/C Evaporator/Condenser Core—On-Vehicle Leak Test
1. Discharge and recover the refrigerant. For additional information, refer to
System Recovery, Evacuation and Charging
2. NOTE: DO NOT leak test an A/C evaporator core with the suction accumulator/drier (19C836)
attached to the core tubes.
Disconnect the suspect A/C evaporator core or A/C condenser core from the A/C system. For
additional information, refer to
3. Clean the spring lock couplings. For additional information, refer to
section.
4. Connect the appropriate test fittings from the A/C Test Fitting Set to the evaporator or
condenser tube connections.
5. NOTE: The automatic shut-off valves on some gauge set hoses do not open when connected to
the test fittings. If available, use hoses without shut-off valves. If hoses with shut-off valves are
used, make sure the valve opens when attached to the test fittings or install an adapter which
will activate the valve. The test is not valid if the shut-off valve does not open.
Connect the red and blue hoses from the manifold gauge set to the test fittings on the A/C
evaporator core or A/C condenser core. Connect the yellow hose to a known good vacuum
pump.
6. Open both gauge set valves and start the vacuum pump. Allow the vacuum pump to operate for
a minimum of 45 minutes after the gauge set low pressure gauge indicates 101 kPa (30 in-Hg).
The 45-minute evacuation is necessary to remove any refrigerant from oil left in the A/C
evaporator core or A/C condenser core. If the refrigerant is not completely removed from the oil,
outgassing will degrade the vacuum and appear as a refrigerant leak.
7. If the low pressure gauge reading will not drop to 101 kPa (30 in-Hg) when the valves on the
gauge and manifold set are open and the vacuum pump is operating, close the gauge set
valves and observe the low pressure gauge. If the pressure rises rapidly to zero, a large leak is
indicated. Recheck the test fitting connections and gauge set connections before installing a
new A/C evaporator core or A/C condenser core.
8. After evacuating for 45 minutes, close the gauge set valves and stop the vacuum pump.
Observe the low pressure gauge; it should remain at the 101 kPa (30 in-Hg) mark.
If the low pressure gauge reading rises 34 or more kPa (10 or more in-Hg) of vacuum
from the 101 kPa (30 in-Hg) position in 10 minutes, a leak is indicated.
If a very small leak is suspected, wait 30 minutes and observe the vacuum gauge.
If a small amount of vacuum is lost, operate the vacuum pump with gauge valves open
for an additional 30 minutes to remove any remaining refrigerant from the oil in the A/C
in this section.
Section 412-03 .
Air Conditioning (A/C)
Spring Lock Coupling in this