Checking For Leaks (Air Conditioning); Halide Torch Leak Detection - Jeep 1979 CJ-5 Technical & Service Manual

3E-8 AIR CONDITIONING
M I C
RED H I G H HIGH
PRESSURE PRESSURE
G A U G E V A L V E
C Y L I N D E R
GAUGE
TOP
C Y L I N D E R
V A L V E
C H A R G I N G
C Y L I N D E R
PLASTIC
S H R O U D
L I Q U I D
SIGHT
GLASS
R E F R I G E R A N T
C O N T R O L
V A L V E S
R E F R I G E R A N T
H E A T E R
SWITCH
8 0 6 8 3
Fig. 3E-7 Portable Air Conditioning Service Station J-23500-01
CHECKING FOR LEAKS
Whenever a system requires more than 1/2 pound of
refrigerant after a season's operation, a serious leak is
indicated which must be located and repaired.
Most leaks will be located at points of connection and
are caused by vehicle vibration. Correction of this type
of leak may only require retightening of the connection.
However some leaks may occur only at periods of high
traffic on a very warm day. This type of leak most often
occurs through the compressor shaft seal or service
valve gasket.
A system must contain an adequate quantity of re-
frigerant to be properly leak tested. If a system is com-
pletely discharged, evacuate and install 1/2 pound of
refrigerant.
Halie Torch Leak Detection
External leaks are detected and located with a halide
torch, tool J-6084 (fig. 3E-8). The torch burns propane
fuel and is equipped with a search hose. When air is
drawn into the hose by the torch, it contacts a heated
copper reactor ring in the torch. If refrigerant gas is
present in the air, the normally light blue flame will
change color. A small refrigerant leak will change the
flame color to yellow. A large refrigerant leak will
change it to green or purplish-blue.
Leak Test Procedure Using Halide Torch
(1) Open torch valve and light torch, adjusting
flame high enough to heat copper reactor ring to a
cherry red.
(2) Lower flame until it is about 1/4 inch above or
even with copper reactor ring. A smaller flame is more
sensitive to R-12 refrigerant.
(3) Move search hose slowly under all connections,
joints, and seals. R-12 refrigerant is heavier than air,
leaks may be detected more readily on lower side of
areas being checked.
(4) Watch for color change of flame indicating area
of leak.
WARNING: When R-12 refrigerant comes into contact
with an open flame, phosgene gas is formed. NEVER
INHALE
THE
VAPORS OR FUMES FROM
THE
HA-
LIDE
TORCH; they are poisonous.