Instruction 0019-9210
13
The Informant Refrigerant Leak Detector
Operation
Sensor Flooding Indication
When the sensor becomes
fl
ooded with a high concentration of refrigerant,
observe that the gas-level LED’s quickly light full scale and then all turn
off, leaving both the audible tick rate and probe tip blink rate at elevated
levels. When this condition occurs, move the detector to an area of fresh
air until all indicators return to their idle state.
SAE Leak Detection Tips
The following was derived from SAE Surface Vehicle Standard J1628,
Technician Procedure for Using Electronic Refrigerant Leak Detectors for
Service of Mobile Air-Conditioning Systems:
• The electronic leak detector shall be operated in accordance with the
equipment manufacturer’s operating instructions.
• Leak test with the engine not in operation.
• The air conditioning system shall be charged with suf
fi
cient refrigerant
to have a gauge pressure of at least 340 kPa (49 psi) when not in opera-
tion. At temperatures below 15 °C (59 °F), leaks may not be measurable,
since this pressure may not be reached.
• Take care not to contaminate the detector probe tip if the part being
tested is contaminated. If the part is particularly dirty, it should be
wiped off with a dry shop towel or blown off with shop air. No cleaners
or solvents shall be used, since many electronic detectors are sensitive to
their ingredients.
• Visually trace the entire refrigerant system, and look for signs of air-
conditioning lubricant leakage, damage, and corrosion on all lines, hos-
es, and components. Each questionable area shall be carefully checked
with the detector probe, as well as all
fi
ttings, hose-to-line couplings,
refrigerant controls, service ports with caps in place, brazed or welded
areas, and areas around attachment points and hold-downs on lines and
components.
• Always follow the refrigerant system around in a continuous path so
that no areas of potential leaks are missed. If a leak is found, always
continue to test the remainder of the system.
