SYSTEM INSPECTION

The air conditioning system should be checked periodically for worn hoses, loose connections, low refrigerant, leaks, dirt and bugs in the condenser. If any of these conditions exist, they must be corrected or they will reduce the efficiency of your air conditioning system.

Checking the System for Leaks

Refrigerant leaks show up as oily areas on the various components because the compressor oil is transported around the entire system along with the refrigerant. Look for oily spots on all the hoses and lines, and especially on the hose and tubing connections. If there are oily deposits, the system may have a leak, and you should have it checked by a qualified technician.

NOTE: A small area of oil on the front of the compressor is normal and no cause for alarm.

Keeping the Condenser Clear

Periodically inspect the front of the condenser for bent fins or foreign material (dirt, bugs, leaves, etc.) If any cooling fins are bent, straighten them carefully with needle-nosed pliers. You can remove any debris with a stiff bristle brush or hose.

Periodic System Operation

A lot of A/C problems can be avoided by simply running the air conditioner at least once a week, regardless of the season. Let the system run for at least 5 minutes a week (even in the winter), and you'll keep the internal parts lubricated as well as preventing the hoses from hardening.

NOTE: R–12 refrigerant is a chlorofluorocarbon which when released in the atmosphere can contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere. Ozone filters out harmful radiation from the sun.Be sure to consult the laws in your area before servicing the air conditioning system. In some states it is illegal to preform repairs involving refrigerant unless the work is done by a certified technician.

Refrigerant Level Check

The first order of business is to find the sight glass. It will either be in the head of the receiver/drier, or in one of the metal lines leading from the top of the receiver/drier. Once you've found it, wipe it clean and proceed as follows:

1. With the engine and the air conditioning system running, look for the flow of refrigerant through the sight glass. If the air conditioner is working properly, you'll be able to see a continuous flow of clear refrigerant through the sight glass, with perhaps an occasional bubble at very high temperatures.
2. Cycle the air conditioner ON and OFF to make sure what you are seeing is clear refrigerant. Since the refrigerant is clear, it is possible to mistake a completely discharged system for one that is fully charged. Turn the system off and watch the sight glass. If there is refrigerant in the system, you'll see bubbles during the off cycle. If you observe no bubbles when the system is running, and the air flow from the unit in the vehicle is delivering cold air, everything is OK.
3. If you observe bubbles in the sight glass while the system is operating, the system is low on refrigerant. Have it checked by a certified technician.
4. Oil streaks in the sight glass are an indication of trouble. Most of the time, if you see oil in the sight glass, it will appear as a series of streaks, although occasionally it may be a solid stream of oil. In either case, it means that part of the charge has been lost.