Lotus Elise Service Notes page 460

Lotus Service Notes Section XA
PH.7 - 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 equip-
ment connected to the service valves at the right hand front of the engine bay. 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 pre-
vent 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.
4. All joints should be coated with refrigeration oil before making any connections, to aid seating.
5. Great care must be taken to prevent damage to the pipe fittings and connections, since due to the high
pressures involved, a leak can be caused by the slightest imperfection. Always use two spanners of the
correct size when releasing or tightening any pipe joint so that the fixed part of the union may be pre-
vented from twisting and damaging the component. This is especially important with the aluminium
condenser.
6. All pipes and hoses must be free from any kinking. The efficiency of the system can be impaired by a
single kink, or restriction. Flexible hoses should not be bent to a radius which is less than ten times the
diameter of the hose.
Recommended Pipework Tightening Torques
Ref. Description Qty
Thread Torque Washer
1 Compressor to mounting bracket 3 M10 43-47 no
2
Belt tensioner pulley securing nut
1 M8 25 Nm as supplied
3 Pipe union to compressor 2 M8
23-27 Nm
no
4 Pipe support bracket 1 M5 5-6 Nm yes
5 Pipes to connector blocks 4 M6 7-9 Nm yes
6 Elbow pipe, condenser inlet 2 3/4-16 UNF 25-30 Nm n/a
7 Condenser outlet pipe to condenser
and receiver-drier 2 5/8-18 UNF 20-25 Nm n/a
8 Trinary switch to receiver-drier 1 3/8-24 UNF 10-13 Nm n/a
9 Outlet pipe to receiver-drier 1 5/8-18 UNF 20-25 Nm n/a
10 Clamp plate - pipes to exp. valve 1 M6 7-9 Nm
yes
11 Clamp plate - exp. valve to
evaporator 2 M5 5-6 Nm
no
All 'O' rings and connector union threads should be coated with refrigerant oil (Sanden SP20 or Seiko SK20)
prior to assembly. (Gloves should be worn when handling refrigeration oil)
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