Refrigerant Handling; Refrigerant Pipework Precautions - Lotus Evora Service Notes

Lotus Service Notes
Re-circulation Pump
A coolant re-circulation electric pump is mounted beneath the air cleaner, and is plumbed into the heater
supply line. When energised, the pump circulates coolant through the heater system, drawing coolant from the
back of the cylinder head, and pumping it through the heater matrix and back to the engine.
Heat Soak
After ignition switch off, the ECU remains live for a minimum period of 1 minute for coolant temperatures
below 75°C (at time of switch off), extending progressively to a maximum period of 10 minutes for temperatures
over 90°C. If, during this period, the coolant temperature exceeds 110°C, the re-circ. pump will be activated
and will run for a maximum period of 6 minutes, or until the coolant temperature falls to 50°C.
If, during the ECU live period the coolant temperature rises to 120°C, the cooling fans will run at slow speed
in addition to the re-circ. pump, for a maximum period of 2 minutes, or until the temperature falls to 70°C.
PN.4 - REFRIGERANT HANDLING
The system is charged with 0.625 kg of refrigerant HFC R134a, and the following precautions MUST
ALWAYS BE OBSERVED.
1. On no account should refrigerant ever be discharged to atmosphere - use a refrigerant recovery/recycling
station in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Standard R134a 'quick fit' connectors are provided in the compressor suction and discharge pipes at the
right hand front of the engine bay;
- the low pressure vapour line port is fitted in the pipe between the evaporator and compressor.
- the high pressure liquid line port is fitted in the pipe between the compressor and condenser.
3. Heavy concentrations of refrigerant vapour can produce toxic gas if exposed to a naked flame. The gas
can also attack metal.
4. Refrigerant drums must never be left open - always ensure the caps are securely fitted.
5. Never transport drums of refrigerant in the passenger compartment of a car.
6. Never expose refrigerant drums to high temperature.
7. Never weld or use a steam cleaner in close proximity to any part of the air conditioning system.
8. Never expose the eyes to vapourised or liquid refrigerant - ALWAYS wear safety goggles and gloves when
handling refrigerant.
PN.5 - REFRIGERANT PIPEWORK PRECAUTIONS
The following precautions must be observed when carrying out any work on the refrigerant pipework:
Before disconnecting any refrigerant pipework, the refrigerant must first be recovered using suitable equipment
connected to the service valves located at the rear of the right hand front wheelarch, behind the wheelarch liner.
Ensure that the equipment is suitable for R134a.
1. All replacement components and flexible end connections are sealed when new, and should only be
opened IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO FITTING, AND AT ROOM TEMPERATURE, to prevent condensation
of any moisture which may enter when the sealing is removed.
2. Pipes, flexible end connections and components, must be capped immediately they are opened to prevent
the ingress of moisture and/or dirt.
3. The receiver-drier should be the LAST component to be connected, to ensure optimum dehydration and
maximum moisture protection of the system.
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Section PN