HVAC SYSTEM (HEATER, VENTILATOR AND A/C) > General Description

PREPARATION TOOL

CAUTION:

When working on vehicles with a 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 type of tool and screw, and the replacement valves used are different. The gas leak detectors for the HFC-134a and CFC-12 systems must also not be interchanged.

 

HFC-134a

CFC-12

Tool & screw type

Millimeter size

Inch size

Valve type

Quick joint type

Screw-in type

Illustration

Name and Function

Wrench

Various WRENCHES will be required to service an A/C system. 7 — 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 affix the pipe and hose fittings.

Applicator bottle

A small APPLICATOR BOTTLE is recommended to apply compressor oil to the various parts. It can be available at a hardware or drug store.

Manifold gauge set

A MANIFOLD GAUGE SET (with hoses) is available either from a refrigerant supplier or an automotive equipment supplier.

Refrigerant recovery system

A REFRIGERANT RECOVERY SYSTEM is used for the recovery and recycling of A/C system refrigerant after contaminants and moisture have been removed from the refrigerant.

Syringe

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.

Vacuum pump

A VACUUM PUMP is necessary (for a good working condition), and is available either at a refrigerant supplier or an automotive equipment supplier.

Can tap

A CAN TAP for the 397 g (14 oz.) can is available at an automotive equipment supplier.

Thermometer

A Pocket THERMOMETER is available either at a industrial hardware store or a refrigerant supplier.

Electronic leak detector

An ELECTRONIC LEAK DETECTOR is available at either a specialty tool supplier or an A/C equipment supplier.

Weight scale

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.