Chrysler DODGE D150 1993 Service Manual page 1454

• HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 2 4 - 1 7
REFRIGERANT S Y S T E M SERWICE P R O C E D U R E S
INDEX
page
Charging the System 19
Correcting Low Refrigerant Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 0
Discharging the System . 19
Evacuating the System 19
REFRIGERANT
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
W A R N I N G : E X T R E M E C A R E M U S T B E T A K E N T O
P R E V E N T A N Y L I Q U I D R E F R I G E R A N T F R O M C O M ­
ING IN C O N T A C T W I T H T H E S K I N A N D E S P E ­
C I A L L Y T H E E Y E S . A L W A Y S W E A R S A F E T Y
G O G G L E S W H E N S E R V I C I N G A N Y P A R T O F T H E
R E F R I G E R A N T S Y S T E M . IF E Y E C O N T A C T I S
M A D E , A P P L Y A F E W D R O P S O F M I N E R A L O I L T O
T H E E Y E S A N D F L U S H W I T H W A T E R F O R S E V ­
E R A L M I N U T E S . S E E K M E D I C A L A T T E N T I O N I M M E ­
D I A T E L Y .
The refrigerant used in t h e air conditioner system
is Refrigerant-12 (R-12). R-12 is nonexplosive, non­
flammable, non-corrosive, h a s practically no odor and
is heavier t h a n air. Although it is classified as a safe
refrigerant, certain precautions must be observed to
protect the parts involved and the person who is
working on t h e unit. Liquid R-12, at normal atmo­
sphere pressures and temperatures, evaporates so
quickly t h a t it has the tendency to freeze anything it
contacts.
W A R N I N G : T O A V O I D A D A N G E R O U S E X P L O S I O N ,
N E V E R W E L D O R S T E A M C L E A N N E A R A I R C O N ­
DITIONING L I N E S O R C O M P O N E N T S . D O N O T
H E A T R-12 A B O V E 52°C (125°F) B E C A U S E T H E
C A N M A Y E X P L O D E .
The R-12 in the system is always under pressure.
Because the system is tightly sealed, heat applied to
any part could cause this pressure to build up exces­
sively.
W A R N I N G : L A R G E A M O U N T S O F R E F R I G E R A N T
R E L E A S E D IN A C L O S E D W O R K A R E A W I L L D I S ­
P L A C E T H E O X Y G E N A N D C A U S E S U F F O C A T I O N .
A L W A Y S M A I N T A I N G O O D V E N T I L A T I O N S U R ­
R O U N D I N G T H E W O R K A R E A .
R-12 gas, under normal conditions, is non-poison­
ous. The discharge of R-12 gas near a n open flame
page
Pressure Gauge and Manifold Assembly 18
Refrigerant . 17
Refrigerant Leak Repair Procedure 2 0
Service Precautions . 17
can produce a very poisonous gas called phosgene.
Phosgene is generated when a flame-type leak detec­
tor is used.
C A U T I O N : When charging a n A / C system always
keep the tank in an upright position. If the tank is
on its side or upside down, liquid refrigerant will
enter the system and may damage the compressor.
In most instances, moderate heat is required to
bring t h e pressure of the refrigerant above system
pressure when charging or adding refrigerant. A
bucket or large pan of hot water, not over 52°C
(125°F), is all t h e heat required for this purpose. Do
not heat the refrigerant container with a blow torch
or any other means t h a t would raise t h e temperature
and pressure above this temperature.
C A U T I O N : D o not allow liquid refrigerant to touch
bright metal.
Refrigerant will tarnish bright metal and chrome
surfaces. Avoid splashing the refrigerant on any sur­
face. Refrigerant in combination with moisture is
very corrosive and can cause extensive damage to all
metal surfaces.
RECYCLING
(R-12) refrigerant is a chloroflorocarbon (CFC) t h a t
can contribute to the depletion of t h e ozone layer in
the upper atmosphere. Harmful radiation from t h e
sun is filtered out by the ozone. To assist in protect­
ing the ozone layer, Chrysler Corporation recom­
mends t h a t an (R-12) refrigerant recycling device
t h a t meets SAE standard J1991 be used. Contact a n
automotive service equipment supplier for refriger­
ant recycling equipment t h a t is available in your
area. Refer to the operating instructions provided
with the recycling equipment for proper operation.
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
Kinks in the refrigerant tubing or sharp bends in
the refrigerant hose lines will greatly reduce the ca­
pacity of the entire system. High pressures are pro­
duced in the system when it is operating. Extreme
care must be exercised to make sure t h a t all connec­
tions are pressure tight. Dirt and moisture can enter