Tracer-Stick
®
Capsules Instructions
U.S. Patent No. 5,167,140
NOTE: Effective fluorescent leak detection requires that there be enough refrigerant in the A/C system to operate the compressor and circulate the
Fluoro-Lite®dye throughout the unit. However, refrigerant should only be added to a known leaking system for the express purpose of leak detection
and repairs should be made promptly.
Fluoro-Lite/P®(for R-134a/PAG systems) and Fluoro-Lite/E®(Universal for R-12 and R-134a systems) dyes meet or exceed SAE standard
J2297 for the stability and compatibility of fluorescent dyes for refrigerant leak detection in R-134a/PAG air conditioning systems.
CAUTION
Since the use of a fluorescent leak detection dye requires the addition of a chemical substance into the A/C system which may or may not be
compatible with the system, such dyes should not be used unless they are either expressly endorsed by the A/C system and/or vehicle
manufacturer or meet the requirements of SAE J2297.
Tracer-Stick capsules are designed to be safe if used properly. They are intended for use only by qualified service personnel knowledgeable in both
the equipment and the system being serviced. Protective spectacles or goggles should always be worn while working on any A/C system.
UV-absorbing protective eyewear, such as TP-9940 spectacles, is recommended for maximum protection from ultraviolet radiation.
Choose the correct Tracer-Stick control valves for the application.
For ¼" flare service hoses, use two TP-3851 control valves and the TP-3852 quick coupler or a similar quick disconnecting device.
For ½" Acme service hoses, use two TP-3861 control valves.
For 3/8" flare service hoses, use two TP-3871 control valves.
FOR HIGH-SIDE CHARGING, SEE 2a, 3a, 4, 5a, 6a, 7 AND 8.
Connect one closed control valve to the end of the low-side charging hose (see Diagram A), which usually attaches to
the refrigerant manifold. NOTE: Control valves should be finger tightened firmly but gently. Do not force.
If a ¼" flare service hose is being used, attach the other end of this hose to the TP-3852 quick coupler or a similar quick
disconnecting device.
Connect the quick coupler to the low-side service port (see diagram B). When using Tracer-Stick capsules with R-134a
recovery machines, we recommend using a Tracerline
®
TP-3887 or TP-3837 universal connect set (see Diagram C).
Connect one closed control valve to the end of the high-side charging hose. NOTE: Control valves should be finger
tightened firmly but gently. Do not force.
When using Tracer-Stick capsules with R-134a recovery machines, we recommend using a Tracerline
®
TP-9887 or
TP-9837 universal connect set (see Diagram C).
Connect the second closed control valve to one end of the additional charging hose, then connect the other end of
this same hose to the low-side port on the manifold. Although it is not required, the appropriate whip hose (see
Diagram A) is recommended to make this connection.
ALTERNATIVE METHOD: If the system is equipped with a high-side service port, the Tracer-Stick can be used with-
out adding refrigerant to the system by connecting this hose to the high-side service port rather than to the mani-
fold (see Diagram B).
Connect the second closed control valve to one end of an additional charging hose, then connect the other end of
this same hose to the refrigerant charging apparatus.
Evacuate each hose or open each of the control valves and purge the hoses of all air. Once the hoses have been evacuated or purged, close
the control valves tightly.
Holding the capsule with the arrow pointing up, remove the black cap from the top of the Tracer-Stick and connect this
end to the hose that goes to the low-side service port. See Diagram B.
Turn the capsule upside down so the second cap is up and the arrow is pointing down. Remove the cap from the Tracer-
Stick and connect this end to the hose that goes to the low-side valve manifold.
Holding the capsule with the arrow pointing up, remove the black cap from the top of the Tracer-Stick and connect this
end to the high-side charging hose.
Turn the capsule upside down so the second cap is up and the arrow is pointing down. Remove the cap from the Tracer-
Stick and connect this end to the hose that goes to the refrigerant charging apparatus.
While the A/C system is running, open the control valves and the manifold valve to allow refrigerant to flow through the
Tracer-Stick and into the system. Liquid refrigerant works best, but be sure to add the liquid slowly to avoid the possibility
of system damage. After the Tracer-Stick clears, close the valve nearest to the refrigerant source and allow the connecting hoses to reach the low-side pressure.
Follow the procedure recommended by the manufacturer of the refrigerant charging apparatus to add the refrigerant
required to flush the dye into the A/C system.
1
2
2a
3
3a
4
5
5a
6
6a
Disconnect the Tracer-Stick capsule and hose assembly. Discard the Tracer-Stick and retain the control valves for future use.
As an alternative, you can leave the Tracer-Stick hose assembly in place and substitute male-to-male union or hose extension coupler for the
empty Tracer-Stick. This will allow the Tracer-Stick hose assembly to be left in place for future applications.
Run the A/C system for 5-10 minutes to allow the Fluoro-Lite dye to circulate. Inspect the system with a Tracerline®ultraviolet or blue light
lamp. Leaks will glow a bright yellow-green (or green in the case of R-134a/PAG systems). Large leaks will be seen immediately. To discover
smaller leaks, schedule a return visit 24-48 hours later, after the customer has operated the A/C system as much as possible.
WARNING: Ultraviolet light is hazardous if eyes and skin are exposed over time. Ultraviolet light exposure should be minimized by wearing
UV-blocking eyewear and always directing the light source away from one's body and protecting bare skin.
After the repair is completed, it is important to clean off all fluorescent dye residue, otherwise the remaining dye could be
mistaken for a leak indication. To clean, use Tracer Products' water-based GLO-AWAY™ dye cleaner or a general-purpose shop cleaner.
Follow the directions for the cleaner used.
After cleaning, check all areas again with the UV lamp to make sure that no dye residue remains. Run the system a second time and
reinspect with the UV lamp. If there is no glow, all the leaks have been found and repaired.
7
8
Diagram A
A-1 Control valve
A-2 TP-3852 quick coupler is recommended (for
use with ¼" flare Schrader fittings only)
A-3 Note: for TP-3860 and TP-3870 Tracer-Sticks,
standard R-134a couplers are sufficient
A-4 Whip hoses are recommended
TP-9941 for ¼" flare fittings
TP-9942 for ½" Acme fittings
A
Diagram B Typical Hookup
B-1 Discharge side B-8 Tracer-Stick capsule
B-2 High-side service port B-9 Control valves
B-3 See Step 3 (Alternative) B-10 Quick coupler
B-4 Refrigerant B-11 Low-side service port
B-5 System analyzer B-12 Whip hose
B-6 Suction (low side) B-13 Recovery unit
B-7 Compressor
B
Diagram C Universal Connect Set
C-1 Tracer-Stick capsule (not supplied with set)
C-2 Control valve
C-3 Service valve fitting
C-4 Connects to quick coupler on manifold or recovery unit
C-5 Hose, 18 inches (46 cm)
C-6 Connects to service port
C-7 Quick coupler
C-8 FOR LOW-SIDE CHARGING
Use TP-3887 for TP-3860 and TP-3870 Tracer-Stick capsules
Use TP-3837 for TP-3865, TP-3866, TP-3867, TP-3875, TP-3876 and
TP-3877 Tracer-Stick capsules
FOR HIGH-SIDE CHARGING
Use TP-9887 for TP-3860 and TP-3870 Tracer-Stick capsules
Use TP-9837 for TP-3865, TP-3866, TP-3867, TP-3875, TP-3876
and TP-3877 Tracer-Stick capsules
C
6/05 AM05016
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
www.tracerline.com
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