A/C Refrigerant Recovery/Evacuation/Charging (1234yf): Procedure

WARNING: 

• Compressed air mixed with the HFO-1234yf (R-1234yf) forms a combustible vapor.
• The vapor can burn or explode causing serious injury.
• Never use compressed air to pressure test HFO-1234yf (R-1234yf) service equipment or vehicle air conditioning systems.

WARNING: 

• Air conditioning refrigerant or lubricant vapor can irritate your eyes, nose, or throat.
• Be careful when connecting service equipment.
• Do not breathe refrigerant or vapor.

NOTE: 

• If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate the work area before resuming service.
• Additional health and safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
• Do not allow moisture to contaminate the A/C system oil. Moisture in the oil is difficult to remove, and it can damage the A/C compressor.
• Using an electronic vacuum gauge may decrease the required evacuation time because you can measure actual moisture level with this tool.
• Air conditioning refrigerant is poisonous. If ingested, get medical attention immediately.

When an A/C System has been opened to the atmosphere, such as during installation or repair, it must be evacuated using an A/C recover/recycle/recharge machine. If the system has been open for several days, replace the receiver/dryer or the desiccant, drain the refrigerant oil , and add fresh oil. Then evacuate the system for several hours before charging it.

1. A/C Recover/Recycle/Recharge Machine - Connect

   1. Connect an A/C recover/recycle/recharge machine to the high-pressure service port (A) and the low-pressure service port (B), as shown, following the equipment manufacturer's instructions.

   Courtesy of HONDA, U.S.A., INC.

2. A/C Refrigerant - Recover

   1. Recover the refrigerant from the A/C system.

   2. Measure the amount of refrigerant oil 

   removed from the A/C system after the recovery process is completed. Be sure to put the same amount of new refrigerant oil  back into the A/C system before charging.

3. A/C System - Evacuate

   1. Evacuate the system. The vacuum pump should run for a minimum of 30 minutes or until the moisture vacuum test passes, to eliminate all moisture from the system. When the suction gauge reads -93.3 kPa (-700 mmHg, -27.55 inHg) for at least 30 minutes, or the moisture vacuum test passes, close all valves, and turn off the vacuum pump.

   2. If the suction gauge does not reach approximately -93.3 kPa (-700 mmHg, -27.55 inHg) in 15 minutes or the moisture vacuum test fails, there is probably a leak in the system. Partially charge the system, and check for leaks.

4. A/C Refrigerant Leak Check
5. A/C Refrigerant - Charge

   1. Charge the system with the specified amount of R-1234yf refrigerant. Do not overcharge the system; the A/C compressor will be damaged.Select the appropriate units of measure for your refrigerant A/C recover/recycle/recharge machine.

   1.5 L engine 

   Refrigerant Capacity:

   435 to 485 g

   15.34 to 17.11 oz

   0.435 to 0.485 kg

   0.959 to 1.069 lbs

   2.4 L engine 

   Refrigerant Capacity:

   415 to 465 g

   14.64 to 16.40 oz

   0.415 to 0.465 kg

   0.915 to 1.025 lbs

6. A/C Refrigerant Leak Check
7. A/C System - Test