EXPERTEC TSB (95-I-06)

Publication date: 1995-03-02
Reference number: 95-I-06

EXPERTEC TSB

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 95-I-06, Date of Issue: 03/02/95

INFO. ON A/C LEAK - DETECTOR MAINTENANCE KIT

Model(s): Saturn

Bulletin No.: Saturn 95-I-06

Date: 03/02/1995

SUBJECT

A/C Leak Detector Maintenance Kit Availability

TO Saturn Fixed Operations Managers

Lack of maintenance may reduce the performance of the A/C leak detector (SA9214NE). A maintenance kit, tool number SA9511NE is available from OTC, which contains the following

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Replacement filters (12) and air flow balls (P/N E7076EX) (4)
Replacement calibrated reference bottle (P/N K9344AH)
Replacement sensor (P/N H10N04)
Cotton swab cleaning sticks (10)
Safety pin
Tune-up/Maintenance date label reminder
Instructions

To guarantee uninterrupted service during peak cooling season, order the SA9511NE tune-up kit annually, just before your busy season. Additional tune-up kits or individual components can be ordered as needed.

The leak detector SA9214NE or 108-39400 is a critical image tool for use on R12 and R134a vehicles.

You can extend the life of the sensor and reduce maintenance costs if you calibrate the leak detector properly and maintain it properly. The leak detector is a rugged instrument, but it is not indestructible.

Be aware of the following basic information covering the sensor, filters, and calibration bottle included with the leak detector

FILTERS and AIR FLOW BALLS

The filter in the tip of the leak detector protects the pump and sensor from dust and moisture. With the high sensitivity of the leak detector, you need never touch any surface with the tip to locate the leak. Replace the filter often, and immediately if it comes in contact with moisture or is visibly dirty. Use the following schedule

Occasional Use - Change Weekly

Regular Use - Change Daily

Replace air flow ball if it becomes dirty Keep plenty on hand. Use the black rubber probe tip that came with the detector to keep the filter away from accidental contact with the surface under test.

CALIBRATED LEAK BOTTLE

This bottle simulates the smallest leak needed to be detected. The leak detector must be calibrated each time you use it.

NOTE: Never open the leak bottle. The leak bottle is activated when you remove and discard the black adhesive dot on the top of the cap. If you have removed the internal white seal, you have destroyed the accuracy of the leak bottle and you will need a replacement.

Never expose the leak detector to the liquid refrigerant in the bottle without the cap in place.

SENSOR

To increase the life of your sensor, use the lowest heater adjustment setting at which the leak detector detects the calibration leak. Higher than necessary heater adjustments will shorten the life of the sensor. Increase heater adjustment setting only when the leak detector does not respond to the calibration leak bottle. If heater adjustment screw is turned fully clockwise and detector does not calibrate, the sensor should be changed. Never calibrate with anything other than the calibrated leak bottle. Never intentionally expose the detector to a blast of refrigerant, such as from an open Schrader valve. It is recommended that the sensor be changed before each cooling season.

Advice for Trouble Free Operation

DON'T press the probe up against a surface under test.
DON'T intentionally pull liquids into the probe.
DON'T block the air flow in the probe, the sensor momentarily overheats and will false alarm.
DON'T poke foam insulation with the probe. The foam contains refrigerant gas and the leak detector will detect this as a leak.
DO keep plenty of spare filters on hand.
DO change the filter often, daily if necessary.
DO trust the results of the leak detector. It can only detect halogen gas and will not alarm on any other gas.