48 Auto Heating & Air Conditioning
Snap Ring Pliers
Special size and shape snap ring pliers are some-
times needed to remove compressor pressure switches,
pulleys, and shaft seals. Some of these pliers are shown
in Figure 3-18. In many cases, standard or universal snap
ring pliers can also be used.
Compressor Service Tools
Compressor clutches and shaft seals cannot be
removed with conventional tools. Several tools are needed
to remove these and other compressor parts. They include
special pliers to remove internal snap rings and holders to
replace the seals and O-rings. See Figure 3-19.
If a replacement for an older compressor is not avail-
able, the original compressor may need to be overhauled
instead of replaced. To overhaul a compressor, special
internal service tools are needed.
Compressor Clutch Service Tools
Compressor clutch service often requires special tools
to hold the clutch in place while other tools are used.
These holding tools are sometimes called spanners. Other
tools are used to remove pulleys or clutch hubs from the
compressor. Additional tools may be needed to press new
clutch pulleys or clutch hubs onto the compressor or clutch
hub, as shown in Figure 3-20.
Pressure Test Equipment
To save unnecessary work, it is best to pressure test
complex parts such as compressors after repairs are com-
plete, but before the compressor is reinstalled. Special
pressure test fi ttings allow the technician to pressurize the
compressor on the bench. To prevent environmental dam-
age, the compressor should be pressurized with nitrogen
or another inert gas. Figure 3-21A shows a typical pressure
tester using nitrogen. Nitrogen is supplied in large tanks
such as the one in the left of the photo. This tester can also
be used to test hoses. Hose testing adapters are shown in
Figure 3-21B.
Hose Tools
In some cases, a refrigeration hose has to be manufac-
tured. Sometimes the exact replacement hose is no longer
available. In other cases, making a hose is much cheaper
than obtaining an exact replacement. Making hoses requires
the use of hose cutters and crimping tools.
Cutters
The refrigeration hoses should be cut accurately and
cleanly to make a good seal and to prevent hose debris
from entering the refrigeration system. Hose cutters are
necessary to make a clean, straight cut. Typical hose cutters
are shown in Figure 3-22.
Figure 3-19. Compressor shaft seal tools include special
snap ring pliers as well as O-ring and seal tools. A—Seal
remover and protector. B—O-ring installer. C—Compressor
leak adapter.
A
B
C
Figure 3-18. Snap ring pliers are needed to remove snap rings
from inaccessible locations.