Charging the AC system with small cans using a manifold set and a can tapping tool is sometimes used. This method is not an accurate way to ensure the exact amount of refrigerant is added to the AC system, but it is widely used because of the popularity of the small containers of refrigerant in the marketplace. There are a couple of different styles of can tap tools on the market that are used in conjunction with the manifold set. The reason this method is not accurate is because there is no way to measure how much refrigerant is being added to the system. Follow the steps below to charge the AC system.
Two common small can tap devices include the type that screws onto the threaded fitting on top of the can as well as the type that pierces the side of the can. Both of these tap devices are used in conjunction with a manifold
Charging the AC System with Small Cans
1. See the previous steps on pulling a vacuum with the electric pump or with the pneumatic pump. These steps must be followed prior to charging the AC system with this method.
2. Connect the yellow hose from the manifold set to the can tapping tool.
3. Carefully connect the can tap tool to the small can using a firm grip while being sure that the can tap tool snaps into a locked position.
The can tap tool connects to the manifold set’s yellow hose through a threaded connection. The yellow hose should be firmly tightened by hand to ensure a tight connection that will not
The can tap tool is opened and the small can is fitted into the opening. The tool is then closed, which pierces an opening in the side of the can that is sealed with a square-cut O-ring. The operator should use a firm grip and make sure that the locks catch on the handle to prevent the can from escaping and leaking refrigerant
4. Carefully loosen the yellow hose connection to purge the air from the hose. Quickly tighten the hose connection as soon as any hissing sound is present.
The yellow hose on the manifold should be loosened slightly in order to bleed the air from the hose. As soon as a hissing noise is heard, the hose should be tightened back
5. Open the blue and red valves on the manifold to allow the refrigerant to move from the small container into the vehicle’s AC system.
The blue knob on the manifold is turned counterclockwise to open up the valve, which lets refrigerant flow from the yellow hose to the blue hose and low side of the AC
The red knob on the manifold is turned counterclockwise to open up the valve, which lets refrigerant flow from the yellow hose to the red hose and the high side of the
6. Once the process slows down, the red valve on the manifold needs to be closed (turned clockwise), the vehicle can be started, and the AC system turned on.
Once the pressures equalize, the red valve on the manifold is closed, the vehicle is started, and the AC is turned on. This action allows the pressure in the low side of the AC system to be reduced so that the charging process can
7. The charging process will continue due to the low side pressure being lower than the pressure in the container. Holding the container in your hands while shaking it will assist in transferring the refrigerant into the vehicle. Holding the container in your hands while shaking it will assist in transferring the refrigerant into the vehicle.
Shaking the small can of refrigerant assists in getting as much of the refrigerant out of the can and into the vehicle as possible. This is necessary because the opening that the refrigerant has to pass through is very small and it helps to move the can around while warming up the can in your
8. It will likely be necessary to add another container of refrigerant into the AC system. Hold the small container away from you when unclipping the lock on the can tap tool. There will typically be a small amount of liquid refrigerant still left in the can, so it should be held at a safe distance to prevent it from being directed at your skin.
Removing the empty small can of refrigerant from the tap tool is a process that should be done with caution due to a small amount of refrigerant likely still in the can. Hold the tap tool and can away from the body, then unsnap the lock on the tool to release the small can. The empty can is safe to discard in the trash after removing it from the tap
9. This process is continued until the AC pressures move into normal ranges and the duct temperature cools to normal ranges too. Once the system is performing in a reasonable manner, the blue manifold knob is closed (turned clockwise) and the manifold set is removed from the vehicle.
