CAUTION:
When working on vehicles with HFC-134a system, only use HFC-134a specified tools and parts. Do not mix CFC-12 tools and parts. If HFC-134a and CFC-12 refrigerant or compressor oil is mixed, it will result in poor lubrication and the compressor itself may be damaged.
In order to prevent the mixture of HFC-134a and CFC-12 parts and liquid, the tool & screw type and the type of service valves used are different. The gas leak detectors for the HFC-134a and CFC-12 systems must also not be interchanged.
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HFC-134a |
CFC-12 | |
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Tool & screw type |
Millimeter size |
Inch size |
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Valve type |
Quick joint type |
Screw-in type |
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ILLUSTRATION |
Tools and Equipment |
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Wrench |
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Various WRENCHES will be required to service any A/C system. A 7 to 40 N·m (0.7 to 4.1 kgf-m, 5 to 30 ft-lb) torque wrench and various crowfoot wrenches will be needed. Open end or flare nut wrenches will be needed to hold the tube and hose fittings. | |
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Applicator bottle |
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A small APPLICATOR BOTTLE is recommended to apply refrigerant oil to the various parts. It can be available at a hardware or drug store. | |
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Manifold gauge set |
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A MANIFOLD GAUGE SET (with hoses) can be obtained at either a refrigerant supplier or an automotive equipment supplier. | |
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Refrigerant recovery system |
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A REFRIGERANT RECOVERY SYSTEM is used for the recovery and reuse of A/C system refrigerant after contaminants and moisture have been removed from the refrigerant. | |
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Syringe |
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A graduated plastic SYRINGE will be needed to add oil into the system again. A syringe can be available at a pharmacy or drug store. | |
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Vacuum pump |
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A VACUUM PUMP (in good working condition) is necessary, and may be obtained from either a refrigerant supplier or an automotive equipment supplier. | |
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Can tap |
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A CAN TAP for the 397 g (14 oz.) can is available at an automotive equipment supplier. | |
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Thermometer |
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A Pocket THERMOMETERS are available from either industrial hardware stores or commercial refrigeration supply houses. | |
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Electronic leak detector |
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An ELECTRONIC LEAK DETECTOR can be available at either a specialty tool supplier or an A/C equipment supplier. | |
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Weight scale |
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A WEIGHT SCALE such as an electronic charging scale or a bathroom scale with digital display will be needed, if a 13.6 kg (30 lb) refrigerant container is used. |
