Robinair 342000 User Manual

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Operating Manual

Model 342000 Refrigerant Service Solution

Series: 342000

Refrigerant: R-134a

Air Conditioning and Refrigerant

Service Solution

SAFETY DEFINITIONS: Follow all WARNING, CAUTION, IMPORTANT, and NOTE messages in this manual. These messages are defined as follows: WARNING means you may risk serious personal injury or death; CAUTION means you may risk personal injury, property damage, or serious unit damage; IMPORTANT means you may risk unit damage; and NOTEs provide clarity and helpful tips. These safety messages cover situations ROBINAIR is aware of. ROBINAIR cannot know, evaluate, and advise you as to all possible hazards. You must make sure all conditions and procedures do not jeopardize your personal safety.

COPYRIGHT: No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recorded, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of ROBINAIR.

DISCLAIMER: All information, illustrations, and specifications contained in this manual are based on the latest information available at the time of publication. The right is reserved to make changes at any time without obligation to notify any person or organization of such revisions or changes. Further, ROBINAIR shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages (including lost profits) in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material. If necessary, obtain additional health and safety information from the appropriate government agencies and the vehicle, refrigerant, and lubricant manufacturers.

WARNINGS

ALLOW ONLY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL TO OPERATE THE UNIT. Before operating the unit, read and follow

the instructions and warnings in this manual. The operator must be a certified technician and must be familiar with air conditioning and refrigeration systems, refrigerants, and the dangers of pressurized components. If the operator cannot read English, operating instructions and safety precautions must be read and discussed in the operator’s native language.

Si el operador no puede leer el inglés, las instrucciones de operación y las precauciones de seguridad deberán leerse y comentarse en el idioma nativo del operador.

Si l’utilisateur ne peut lire l’anglais, les instructions et les consignes de sécurité doivent lui être expliquées dans sa langue maternelle.

PRESSURIZED TANK CONTAINS LIQUID REFRIGERANT. Do not overfill the internal storage vessel because overfilling may cause explosion and serious personal injury or death. Do not recover or charge refrigerants into non-refillable containers; use only federally authorized refillable containers.

ALL HOSES MAY CONTAIN LIQUID REFRIGERANT UNDER PRESSURE. Contact with refrigerant may cause personal injury. Wear correct protective equipment, including safety goggles. Disconnect hoses with extreme caution.

HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRICITY INSIDE THE UNIT HAS A RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK. Exposure may cause personal injury. Refer to the instruction manual for correct procedure when disconnecting the power.

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, do not use the unit in the vicinity of spilled or open containers of gasoline or other flammable substances. An extension cord may overheat and cause fire. If an extension cord is needed, use the shortest possible cord with a minimum size of No. 14 AWG.

DO NOT BREATHE REFRIGERANT. Exposure may cause personal injury, especially to the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Use this equipment in locations with mechanical ventilation that provides at least four air changes per hour or locate the equipment at least 18 inches above the floor. To remove HFC-134a from the A/C system, use service equipment certified to meet the requirements of SAE J2210 (HFC-134a recycling equipment). If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate the work area before resuming service.

USE THE UNIT WITH ONLY R-134a REFRIGERANT. The unit is for recovering, recycling, and recharging only

R-134a

R-134a refrigerant! Do not attempt to adapt the unit for another refrigerant. Do not mix refrigerant types through a system or in the same container; mixing of refrigerants will cause severe damage to the unit and the vehicle air conditioning system.

DO NOT USE COMPRESSED AIR TO PRESSURE TEST OR LEAK TEST THE UNIT OR VEHICLE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. Some mixtures of air and R-134a refrigerant are combustible at elevated pressures.

These mixtures are potentially dangerous and may result in fire or explosion causing personal injury or property damage.

Additional health and safety information may be obtained from refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.

Table of Contents

Introduction .............................................................................................. 2

Glossary of Terms ................................................................................ 2

General Operating Guidelines .............................................................. 3

Component Location and Identification ................................................ 4

342000 Overview ...................................................................................... 6

342000 Function Keys .......................................................................... 8

Number Keys, Up/Down Arrows, Pressure Gauges ............................. 9

Set-Up Instructions ................................................................................ 10

Initial Set-Up Instructions .................................................................... 10

Power Up ............................................................................................ 12

Vehicles with Contaminated Systems................................................. 12

Testing Source Tanks ......................................................................... 12

Operating Instructions........................................................................... 14

Diagnosing System Operation Using Snapshot Mode........................ 14

Snapshot Mode Operation .................................................................. 14

Recovering Refrigerant ....................................................................... 16

Making Repairs ................................................................................... 17

Pulling a Vacuum ................................................................................ 17

Replenishing A/C System Oil.............................................................. 18

Charging the Vehicle .......................................................................... 19

Flushing the A/C System .................................................................... 21

Help Screens ...................................................................................... 23

Maintenance Instructions ...................................................................... 25

Changing the Filter-Drier .................................................................... 25

Electrical Protection ........................................................................... 27

Replacing the Source Tank ................................................................ 27

Oil Time Warning ............................................................................... 28

Oil Change Menu/Process ................................................................. 28

Replacing the Printer Paper ............................................................... 28

Replacing the ID Filter........................................................................ 29

General Maintenance ......................................................................... 29

Replacement Parts............................................................................. 30

Warranty Information.................................................. Inside back cover

342000 Refrigerant Service Solution

Introduction

This manual contains important safety procedures concerning the operation, use and maintenance of this product. Failure to follow the instructions contained in this manual may result in serious injury. If you are unable to understand any of the contents of this manual, please bring it to the attention of your supervisor. Do not operate this equipment unless you have read and understand the contents of this manual.

The 342000 is a complete air conditioning service center for R-134a. It recovers, recycles, evacuates, and recharges refrigerant quickly, accurately and automatically, with little attention needed from the technician. A microprocessor controls the unit’s functions and prompts on the display lead you through the operation. These prompts are written so they are easy to understand and follow.

The entire service procedure can be done with one hook-up to the vehicle. A built-in refrigerant identifier checks for contaminated refrigerant prior to recovery. Pressures are shown on the high and low side gauges, and other operating information is shown on the display.

Refrigerant is recovered into and charged out of an internal storage vessel (ISV). The 342000 unit automatically refills this vessel with refrigerant from an external source tank as needed in order to maintain a constant 12 –15 lbs. (5.45 – 6.82 kgs) of refrigerant available to be charged. Quick connections are all that’s needed to replace the source tank when it’s empty.

Other time-saving features include automatic air purge, single pass recycling, and automatic oil drain. The unit also automatically clears refrigerant after every job. A red light on the top of the unit flashes whenever a process is complete or when the unit needs attention from the user.

The 342000 is UL listed and meets SAE specifications for recycled refrigerant.

Glossary of Terms

A/C Air conditioner or air conditioning A/C System The vehicle air conditioning system Unit The refrigerant recovery/recycling/recharging unit (342000) Source Tank The refrigerant source tank ISV Internal Storage Vessel

Introduction

GENERAL OPERATING GUIDELINES

Use the following guidelines when operating the 342000:

1. The voltage at the unit must be ±10% of the unit’s rated voltage. Errors will be displayed on the screen. Extension cords must be a minimum of 14 AWG and kept as short as possible. Common causes for electrical problems include:

• Long extension cords

• Faulty, overloaded electrical circuits

• Drop lights

• Imcorrect ground or polarity

NOTE:

plays the following messages:

VOLTAGE LINE ERROR

CHECK POLARITY

VOLTAGE READOUT WILL BE DISABLED with an option to continue.

NOTE: If you choose the CONTINUE option, the over- and under-voltage protection built into the circuit board will be disabled. The unit may not operate correctly. To ensure correct operation, you must use a circuit with the correct polarity.

2. The display shows options and gives instructions for most service maintenance tasks. Read the display prompts and follow the directions given there.

3. To interrupt any function, press the PAUSE key, then press the CONTINUE key to restart the procedure.

4. The 342000 prompts you to check the system oil drain bottle on the back of the unit for recovered oil. Any system oil that is lost will automatically drain during recovery. You must measure and record the lost amount so that you know how much new oil to add during charging. Refer to the A/C system manufacturer’s service manuals for oil specifications. Dispose of used oil according to local, state, and federal regulations.

If your electrical circuits have reversed polarity, the screen dis-

5. In general, it is best to leave the 342000 main power ON throughout the workday. This allows plenty of time for the unit to purge air from the tank and refill the internal storage vessel. Turn the unit OFF at the end of the day.

IMPORTANT OPERATING NOTES

• Change the filter-drier when the display shows the CHANGE FILTER message. Follow the instructions for the changeover.

• At temperatures exceeding 120oF / 49oC, wait 10 minutes between recovery jobs.

342000 Refrigerant Service Solution

Introduction

COMPONENT LOCATION AND IDENTIFICATION

Low Side

Gauge

342000 CONTROL PANEL

High Side

Gauge

Display

Function

Keys

Refrigerant Identifier Filter

INST 0684

Printer

Arrow

Keys

Numeric Keys

Main Power

Switch

Display Contrast

Keys

Introduction

COMPONENT LOCATION AND IDENTIFICATION

342000 FRONT VIEW

“Cycle Complete”

Red Indicator

Control Panel

Light

INST 0685

Shelf for tools and accessories

Oil Injection

Bottle

Filter-Drier

Access

Polypropylene

Cabinet for

durability and

light weight

Locking Casters

Convenient

Built-in Handle

and Hose Storage

Oil Drain Bottle

Large Wheels

for mobility across

air lines, power

cords, grates

342000 SIDE VIEW

Convenient Handle

for moving unit

Vacuum Pump

Oil Level Sight Glass

and Oil Fill Port

Oil Drain

Bottle

Shelf for

Source Tank

INST 0686

342000 Refrigerant Service Solution

High Side and Low Side Hoses

with Field Service Couplers,

color coded

Power Cord

Source Tank

(disposable, inverted)

Tank Strap

to secure tank to unit

Source Tank

Hose

Introduction

342000 OVERVIEW

Before you begin any procedure, familiarize yourself with its functions, the components of the unit (see diagrams in this section) and its operation.

1. POWER UP—When the power is turned ON, the unit performs self-

2. MAIN MENU—Shows the amount of refrigerant available for charging,

3. SNAPSHOT MODE—Displays operating data about the vehicle’s

diagnostics. When tests are complete, the display shows SELECT OPERATION. Use the function keys (F-1 to F-5) to select the desired operating mode.

the current temperature, humidity, date, time, inlet valve status, and operational status. The information appears in the upper corners of the display. Use the function keys (F-1 to F-5) to select the mode or press SCROLL MENU for more choices.

A/C system, including refrigerant purity, system pressure, A/C outlet temperature; also A/C outlet air velocity with optional anemometer attachment.

4. RECOVER MODE—Removes refrigerant from the A/C system and

filters it during recovery for reuse.

5. VACUUM MODE—Evacuates air from the A/C system.

6. CHARGE MODE—Recharges the A/C system; charge amount can be

entered into pounds and hundredths of a pound, pounds and ounces, or kilograms.

7. HOSE RECOVER MODE—Removes all excess refrigerant from the

hoses.

8. FLUSH MODE—Clears oil from the A/C system by reversing the flow

of refrigerant, then filters out the contaminants.

9. SET-UP MODE—Allows you to configure the 342000 and run internal

diagnostics.

IMPORTANT: For your safety, observe all warnings and cautions printed in this manual.

Introduction

COMPONENT LOCATION AND IDENTIFICATION

342000

Temperature and Velocity Probes

(located on back panel)

INST0687

Circuit

Breakers

Blue

Temp

Probe

Red

Temp

Probe

Anemometer

A/C System

Close-Up of Oil Drain Connection

(located on side panel near tank)

Oil Drain Bottle

inside the bottle)

RS232 Outlet

simply snaps

into place

(Be sure the drain tube is

INST0688

342000 Refrigerant Service Solution

Introduction

FUNCTION KEYS

The function keys (F-1 to F-5) change depending on the service operation and the unit’s status. The display shows five labels along the bottom with arrows pointing to the function keys below. Each label shows what action a particular function key will activate. To make a selection, press the function key immediately below the label/arrow. This display is not a touch screen—you must press the key.

As an example, the last label in the illustration shows SCROLL MENU. To see what other options are available, press the key immediately below SCROLL MENU (F-5) to go to another menu. All five keys are not always active. Follow the labels on the display. There is always a selection for MAIN MENU.

Keypad and Function Keys

UP/DOWN RIGHT/LEFT Arrow Keys

24-Jun-1999 8:09 AM CHARGEABLE 7.30 lbs. Low: 7" Hg

MAIN MENU

TEMP. 70OF

HUMIDITY 58%

VOLTAGE : 115 VAC

HIGH: 13" Hg

SELECT OPERATION

Recover

Vacuum

Charge

Snapshot

F1 F2 F3 F4 F5

Scroll Menu

Display & Prompts

Function Choices

Function Keys

Main Menu shown with sample messages

Contrast Darker

Contrast Lighter

Introduction

NUMBER KEYS

Use these keys to change the evacuation time, vacuum level, or recharge weight if you want an amount different than the default one shown on the display. These keys are also used to enter other numeric values, such as your area’s elevation above sea level.

UP/DOWN AND LEFT/RIGHT ARROW KEYS

Pressing the UP/DOWN and RIGHT/LEFT keys moves the cursor on the screen in that direction (Up, Down, Right, or Left). In addition, during numeric programming, pressing the UP arrow increases the number. Pressing the DOWN arrow decreases the number.

PRESSURE GAUGES

Both the high and low side gauges are equipped with red "follower" needles to show the maximum and the minimum pressures reached during operation. The follower is carried with the pressure gauge to the highest or lowest operating pressure and stays there when the regular needle indicates other pressures.

Set

1. The follower on the low side gauge should be adjusted so it rests on the bottom side of the black needle when the A/C system is not in operation.

2. The follower on the high side gauge should be adjusted so it rests on the top side of the black needle when the A/C system is not in operation.

When set up this way, the follower will be carried to the highest pressure or lowest pressure registered by the individual gauge.

Low Side Pressure Indicating Needle (black)

(adjust so red needle rests below the black needle)

Low Side Follower Needle (red)

High Side Pressure Indicating Needle (black)

High Side Follower Needle (red)

(adjust so red needle rests above the black needle)

342000 Refrigerant Service Solution

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