Refrigerant line couplers. Refrigerant oil

Refrigerant line couplers

DESCRIPTION

Spring-lock type refrigerant line couplers are used to connect many of the refrigerant lines and other components to the refrigerant system. These couplers require a special tool for disengaging the two coupler halves.

OPERATION

The spring-lock coupler is held together by a garter spring inside a circular cage on the male half of the fitting (Fig. 5). When the two coupler halves are connected, the flared end of the female fitting slips behind the garter spring inside the cage on the male fitting. The garter spring and cage prevent the flared end of the female fitting from pulling out of the cage.

Two O-rings on the male half of the fitting are used to seal the connection. These O-rings are compatible with R-134a refrigerant and must be replaced with O-rings made of the same material.

Secondary clips are installed over the two connected coupler halves at the factory for added blowoff protection.

Fig. 5 Spring-Lock Coupler - Typical

1 - MALE HALF SPRING-LOCK COUPLER

2 - FEMALE HALF SPRING-LOCK COUPLER

3 - SECONDARY CLIP

4 - CONNECTION INDICATOR RING

5 - COUPLER CAGE

6 - GARTER SPRING

7 - COUPLER CAGE

8 - "O" RINGS

Refrigerant oil

DESCRIPTION

The refrigerant oil used in R-134a refrigerant systems is a synthetic-based, PolyAlkylene Glycol (PAG), wax-free lubricant. Mineral-based R-12 refrigerant oils are not compatible with PAG oils, and should never be introduced to an R-134a refrigerant system.

There are different PAG oils available, and each contains a different additive package. The SD7H15 compressor used in this vehicle is designed to use an SP-20 PAG refrigerant oil. Use only refrigerant oil of this same type to service the refrigerant system.

OPERATION

After performing any refrigerant recovery or recycling operation, always replenish the refrigerant system with the same amount of the recommended refrigerant oil as was removed. Too little refrigerant oil can cause compressor damage, and too much can reduce air conditioning system performance.

PAG refrigerant oil is much more hygroscopic than mineral oil, and will absorb any moisture it comes into contact with, even moisture in the air. The PAG oil container should always be kept tightly capped until it is ready to be used. After use, recap the oil container immediately to prevent moisture contamination.