Dodge R1500 1999 Service Manual page 128

1999 GENERAL SERVICING
A/C System General Servicing
All Models
USING R-134a REFRIGERANT
HANDLING/SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1) Always work in a well-ventilated, clean area. Refrigerant
is colorless and invisible as a gas. Refrigerant is heavier than
oxygen and will displace oxygen in a confined area. Avoid breathing
refrigerant vapors. Exposure may irritate eyes, nose and throat.
2) Always wear eye protection when working around A/C system
and refrigerant. The system's high pressure can cause severe injury to
eyes and skin if a hose were to burst. If necessary, wear rubber
gloves or other protective clothing.
3) Refrigerant evaporates quickly when exposed to atmosphere,
freezing anything it contacts. If liquid refrigerant contacts eyes or
skin (frostbite), DO NOT rub eyes or skin. Immediately flush affected
area with cool water for 15 minutes and consult a doctor or hospital.
4) Never use R-134a in combination with compressed air for
leak testing. Pressurized R-134a in the presence of oxygen (air
concentrations greater than 60 percent by volume) may form a
combustible mixture. DO NOT introduce compressed air into R-134a
containers (full or empty), A/C system components, or service
equipment.
5) DO NOT expose A/C system components to high temperatures
(steam cleaning for example), as excessive heat will cause refrigerant
system pressure to increase. Never expose refrigerant directly to open
flame. If refrigerant needs to be warmed, place bottom of refrigerant
tank in warm water. Water temperature MUST NOT exceed 125 F (52 C).
CAUTION: When R-134a is exposed to an open flame, drawn into engine,
or detected with a Halide (propane) leak tester, a poisonous
gas is formed. Keep work areas well ventilated.
6) Use care when handling refrigerant containers. DO NOT
drop, strike, puncture, or incinerate containers. Use DOT 4BW or DOT
4BA approved refrigerant containers.
7) Never overfill refrigerant containers. The safe filling
level of a refrigerant container MUST NOT exceed 60\% of the
container's gross weight rating. Store refrigerant containers at
temperatures less than 125 F (52 C).
8) R-134a refrigerant is sold and stored in 30- or 50-pound
Light Blue containers, while Freon (R-12) is stored in White colored
containers.
9) Refrigerant R-12 and R-134a must never be mixed, as they
and their desiccants and lubricants are not compatible. If the
refrigerants are mixed, system cross-contamination or A/C system
component failure may occur. Always use separate servicing and
refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment.
10) Read and follow equipment manufacturer's instructions for
all service equipment to be used. The Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS), provided by refrigerant manufacturer/supplier, contains
valuable information regarding the safe handling of refrigerants.
IDENTIFYING R-134a SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS
A/C SYSTEM GENERAL SERVICING
1999 Dodge Pickup R1500