check oil ASTON MARTIN DB7 1997 Workshop Manual

//—-^
^^^^5~^
' -^ ^ Introduction
Safety Precautions
Safety Precautions (continued)
Electrical Equipment

1.
Ensure that electrical equipment is in safe working order before use.

2.
Inspect power leads of all mains electrical equipment for damage and security, and check that it is properly

earthed.

3. Ensure that electrical equipment is protected by a fuse of the correct current rating.

4.
Disconnect the battery before commencing repair operations to the electrical system, fuel system and engine
or when working beneath the vehicle.
Exhaust Fumes
Engines should not be run in confined spaces, exhaust fumes contain harmful and toxic substances including carbon
monoxide which can prove fatal if inhaled. Engines must only be run where there is fume extraction equipment in
operation or where there is adequate ventilation.
Fire Precautions

1.
Ensure that a suitable form of fire extinguisher is conveniently located near the work area.

2.
Keep oils, solvents and combustible materials away from naked flames and other sources of ignition.
3. Ensure that NO SMOKING signs are posted around areas where combustible materials and vapour may be
present and ensure that the warnings are strictly observed.

4.
Ensure that dry sand is available to soak up any spillage of fuel or other flammable solutions.
5. Fume extraction equipment must be available and in full working order to remove combustible and toxic
vapours.
6. All personnel should be aware of the fire drill procedures and precautions.
Jacking and Lifting

1.
The recommended procedures for lifting, jacking and towing are included latefin this seetion-and must be
strictly observed to ensure personal safety.

2.
Always use a vehicle hoist, ramp or pit for working beneath the car in preferencetd^&^cking
3. Never rely on a jack to support a car independently, use axle stands or blocks carefully pJaQed at the jacking
points to provide rigid support.

4.
When working beneath a vehicle, chock the wheels as well as applying the handbrake.
5. Ensure that the vehicle is standing on firm level ground before jacking or lifting.
5. Check any lifting equipment used has adequate capacity for the load being lifted and is ih"fdll working order.
Tools and Equipment

1.
Do not leave tools, equipment, spilt oil, etc. around or on the work area.

2.
Ensure that tools and equipment used are in good condition; do not use damaged or defective tools or
equipment.
3. Do not apply heat in an attempt to free stiff nuts or fittings; as well as causing damage to protective coatings,
there is a risk of damage to electronic equipment and brake lines from stray heat.

4.
Use the recommended service tool where instructed to do so.
April 1997 v

in:!M3^^?
Air Conditioning
Contents
Contents
General Description 8-5
Specifications 8-5
Climate Control System 8-6
System Description 8-7
Special Servicing Tools and Equipment 8-7
Working Practices 8-8
General 8-8
Handling Refrigerant 8-8
Handling Lubricating Oil 8-8
System Maintenance 8-8
Temperature Distribution System 8-9
Fan Speed Control (Mode Switch) 8-10
Face Level Temperature Differential 8-10
Temperature Rotary Control 8-10
Refrigeration Cycle 8-11
System Protection 8-12
General System Procedures 8-12
Leak Test 8-12
Charge Recovery (System Depressurisation) 8-12
Evacuating the System 8-13
Adding Compressor Lubricating Oil 8-13
Adding Refrigerant 8-14
Functional Check 8-15
System Trouble Shooting 8-1 7
Electronic Control Module (ECM) 8-19
In Car Controls 8-21
Temperature Demand Switch 8-21
Face Level Differential Controller 8-21
Air Conditioning Function Switch 8-22
Fan Speed Control Switch (Mode Switch) 8-23
Temperature Sensors 8-23
Evaporator Sensor 8-24
Motorised In-Car Aspirated Sensor 8-24
Water Temperature Switch 8-25
Blower Motors 8-25
Potentiometers 8-26
Servo Motors 8-27
Vacuum System 8-28
Pressure-Temperature Graphs 8-29
May 1996 8-1

Air Conditioning
Contents '=2?
System Fault Diagnosis
Fault Finding
Blower Motor Test
Open Water Temperature Switch Needs
Short Water Temperature Switch Leads
Refrigeration
Compressors
Compressor Clutch Control
Trinary Switch
Condenser
Receiver-Drier
Evaporator
Expansion Valve
Sanden Compressor SD7H15
Manifold Gauge Set
System Checking with the Manifold Gauge Set
Evacuating the Manifold Gauge Set
Connecting the Manifold Gauge Set
Stabilising the System
Purging the Test Hoses
Leak Test
Manifold Gauge Set Check Procedures
Refrigerant Slightly Low.
Refrigerant Excessively Low.
Air In The System.
Compressor Malfunction
Moisture in the System
A Large Amount of Air in the System.
Expansion Valve Malfunction.
Expansion Valve Malfunction
Restriction in the High Pressure Side.
Torque Levels for the Hose Connections
8-30
8-33
8-33
8-33
8-34
8-35
8-35
8-35
8-35
8-36
8-36
8-36
8-37
8-39
8-39
8-39
8-39
8-40
8-40
8-41
8-41
8-42
8-42
8-43
8-44
8-45
8-45
8-46
8-46
8-47
Air Conditioning Procedures
Depressurising
Recovering Refrigerant
Evacuating and Recycling the Refrigerant
Recharging the System
Compressor Oil Check
8-47
8-47
8-48
8-49
8-49
8-2 May 1996

Em^^^?
Air Conditioning
General Description
General Description
Specifications
Refrigerant
Designation
Refrigerant R134A

(HFCUAA)

Compressor
Type
&
model
SD-7H15
Charge weight
1050g±50g
Configuration
7 cylinder
Compressor Lubricants
Designation
Polyalkylene glycol
(PAG)

Standard
for
Recovery, Recharge
and
Recycle Equipment,
System Capacity
120-150
ml

Manufacturer and Type
ICI Klea
or
equivalent

Manufacturer

Sanden
155 cm^
per
revolution
Manufacturer and Type
Sanden SP
20

Feature

Recovery rate
Cleaning capability
Oil separator
Vacuum pump
Filter

Charge

Hoses
Charge pressure
Compressor Belt Tension
Type
Vee belt
Burroughs method
Clavis method
Requirement

0.014-0.062
mVmin.
(1.36 kg in 20
minutes)
15
ppm
moisture; 4000
ppm oil; 330 ppm
non-condensable gases
in air

With hermetic compressor and automatic
oil
return
2 stage
0.07
-0.127 mVmin.
Replaceable with moisture indicator
Selectable charge weight and automatic delivery
Dedicated Refrigerant R134A port connections.
Heating element
to
increase pressure
Condition and range
All figures apply
to a
cold belt.
New belt
578 to 623 N

If tension
is
below
356 N,
reset
at 512 to 534 N

New belt
147 to 153 Hz

If tension
is
below
110 Hz,
reset
at 132 to 138 Hz

Note:
The
tension
is
measured
midway between the
compressor
and crankshaft pulleys. For a new
belt,
rotate engine three
revolutions minimum and then re-check the tension.

May 1996
8-5

Air Conditioning
Working Practices O" 15-^?
Working Practices
General
Be aware of, and comply
with,
all health and safety
requirements.
Before beginning any repair or service procedure,
disconnect the vehicle battery ground connection
and protect the vehicle from dirt or damage.
Work in a well ventilated, clean and tidy area.
Recovery and chargeequipment must comply
with,

or exceed the standard detailed in the General
Description.
Handling Refrigerant
Wear eye protection at all times.
Use gloves, keep skin that may come into contact
with refrigerant covered. If the refrigerant comes
into contactwith youreyesorskin wash the affected
area immediatelyw'ith cool water and seek medical
advice, do not attempt to treat yourself.
Avoid inhaling refrigerant vapour, it wil
your respiratory system.
irritate
Never use high pressure compressed air to flush out
a system. Under certain circumstances a
combination of HFC 134A and compressed air in
the presenceofa source ofcombustion (for instance,
welding or brazing equipment), results in an
explosion that releases toxic compounds into the
atmosphere.
The refrigerant and CFC 12 must never come into
contact with each other
as
they form an inseparable
mixture that can only be disposed of by incineration.
Do not vent refrigerant directly into the atmosphere,
always use approved recovery equipment.
Refrigerant is costly but it can be recycled. Clean
the refrigerant, using the recovery equipment and
reuse it.
Carry out LeakTestsonly with an electronic analyser
dedicated to Refrigerant El 34A.
Do not attemptto guess the amount of refrigerant in
a system, always recover it and recharge with the
correct charge weight. Do not depress the charge or
discharge port valves to check for the presence of
refrigerant.
Handling Lubricating Oil
Avoid breathinglubricantmist,itwillcauseirritation
to your respiratory system.
Always decant fresh oil from a sealed container. Do
not leave oil exposed to the atmosphere for any
reason other than to fill or empty a system; PAG oil
is hygroscopic (it absorbs water) and iscontaminated
rapidly by atmospheric moisture.
Following the recovery cycle do not reuse the oil
when it has been separated from the refrigerant;
dispose of the oil safely.
System Maintenance
Do not leave the system open to the atmosphere. If
a unit or part of the system is left open for more than
five minutes, it is advisable to renew the receiver-
dryer. There is not a safe period in which work is to
be carried out. Always plug pipes and units
immediately after disconnection and only remove
plugs when re-connecting.
If replacement parts are supplied without transit
plugs and seals do not use the parts. Return them to
your supplier.
Diagnostic equipment for pressure, mass and
volumeshouidbecalibrated regularly and certified
by a third party organisation.
Use extreme care when handling and securing
aluminium fittings, always use a backing spanner
and take special care when handlingtheevaporator.
Use only the correct or recommended tools for the
job and apply the manufacturer's torque
specifications.
Keep the working area, all components and tools

clean.

8-8 May 1996

Air Conditioning //~-->> ^/zz:^^ • ^ ^
General Svstem Procedures ' —"^ ^ '^ General System Procedures
From the condenser the liquid passes into the Receiver-Drier which has three functions:
• Storage vessel for varying system refrigerant demands.
• Filter to remove system contaminants.
• Moisture removal via the desiccant.
With the passage through the receiver-drier completed the, still high pressure liquid refrigerant, enters the Expansion
Valve where it is metered through a controlled orifice which has the effect of reducing the pressure and temperature.
The refrigerant, now in a cold atomised state, flows into the Evaporator and cools the air which is passing through
the matrix.
As heat is absorbed by the refrigerant it once again changes state, into a vapour, and returns to the compressor for
the cycle to be repeated (Fig. 5).
There is an automatic safety valve incorporated in the compressor which operates should the system pressure be
in excess of
41
bar. The valve re-seats when the pressure drops below 35 bar.
Note: The division of HIGH and LOW side is simply the
system pressure
differential created by the
compressor
discharge

(pressure),
suction
(inlet)
ports and
the
relative inlet and outlet
ports
of the
expansion
valve.
This
differential is critical to
system

fault
diagnosis
and efficiency checks.
System Protection
The trinary pressure switch, located in the liquid line, cuts electrical power to the compressor clutch if the system
pressure is outside of the range of 2 Bar
(1
st Function) to 27 Bar (2nd Function). The third function is to switch on
the cooling fans when pressure exceeds 20 bar.
General System Procedures
Leak Test
Faults associated with low refrigerant charge weight and low pressure may be caused by leakage. Leaks traced to
mechanical connections may be caused by torque relaxation or joint face contamination. Evidence of oil around
such areas is an indicator of leakage. When checking for non visible leaks use only a dedicated Refrigerant El 34A
electronic analyser and apply the probe all round the joint connection. Should a leak be traced to a joint, check that
the fixing is secured to the correct tightening torque before any other action is taken.
Do not forget to check the compressor shaft seal and evaporator.
Note: Never
use
a dedicated
CFC 12
or
naiced
flame type
analyser.

Charge Recovery (System Depressurisation)
The process of refrigerant recovery depends on the basic characteristics of your chosen recovery-recycle-recharge
equipment, therefore, follow the manufacturers instructions carefully. Remember that compressor oil may be drawn
out of the system by this process, take note of the quantity recovered so that it may be replaced.
CAUTION: Observe all relevant safety requirements.
• Do not vent refrigerant directly to atmosphere and always use approved recovery-recycle-recharge
equipment.
• Wear suitable eye and skin protection.
• Do not mix the refrigerant with CFC 12.
• Take note of the amount of recovered refrigerant, it indica
tes the
state of the
system
and
thus the
magnitude
of any problem.
8-12 May 1996

Air Conditioning
Refrigeration /s:s^°27
Refrigeration
Safety Precautions
The air conditioning system is designed to use only
Refrigerant E134A (dichlorodifluoromethane). Extreme
care must betaken NOT to use
a
methylchloride refrigerant.
The chemical reaction between methylchloride and the
aluminium parts ofthe compressor results in the formation
ofproductswhich burn spontaneously on exposure toair,
or decompose with violence in the presence of moisture.
The suitable refrigerant is supplied under the following
names.
El 34A KLEA or equivalent
Warning: Take care when handling refrigerant. Serious
damage will occur if it is allowed to come into
contact with the eyes. Always wear with goggles
and gloves when working with refrigerant
First Aid
If refrigerant should come into contact with the
eyes or
skin,
splash the eyes or affected area with
cold water for several minutes. DO NOT RUB. As
soon as possible thereafter, obtain treatment from a
Doctor or an eye specialist.
Good Practice

1.
Protective sealing plugs must be fitted to all
disconnected pipes and units.

2.
Theprotectivesealingpiugsmustremain inposition
on ail replacement components and pipes until
immediately before assembly.
3. Any part arriving for assembly without sealing
plugs in position must be returned to the supplier as
defective.

4.
It is essential that a second backing spanner is
always used when tightening or loosening all joints.
This minimises distortion or strain on components
or connecting hoses.
5. Components must not be lifted by connecting

pipes,
hoses or capillary tubes.
6. Care must be taken not to damage fins on the
condenser or evaporator matrices. Any damage
must be rectified by the use of fin combs.
7. Before assembly oftube and hosejoints, use
a
small
amount of clean new refrigerant oil on the sealing
seat.
8. Refrigerant oil for any purpose must be kept very
clean and capped at all times. This prevents the oil
absorbing moisture.
9. Before assembly the condition of joints and flares
must be examined. Dirt and even minor damage
will cause leaks at the high pressure points
encountered in the system.

10.
Dirty end fitting can only be cleaned using a cloth
wetted with alcohol.

11.
Afterremovingsealingplugsand immediatelybefore
assembly, visually check the bore of pipes and
components. Where any dirt or moisture is

discovered,
the part must be rejected.
12. Ail components must be allowed to reach room
temperature before sealing plugs are removed.
This prevents condensation should the component
be cold initially.

13.
Before finally tightening hose connections ensure
that the hose lies in the correct position, is not
kinked or twisted and will not be trapped by
subsequent operations, e.g., refitting or closing
bonnet.

14.
Check that hoses are correctly fitted in clips or
straps.

15.
The compressor must be stored horizontally with
the sump down. It must not be rotated before fitting
and charging. Do not remove the shipping plate
until immediately before assembly. Always use
new "O" ring seals in those joints that incorporate

them.
"O" ring seals should be coated with
compressor oil before fitting.

16.
Components or hoses removed must be sealed
immediately after removal.
1 7. Afterthe system has been opened the receiver-drier
must be renewed.

18.
Before
testing,
run the engine until normal running
temperature is reached. This ensures that sufficient
vacuum is available for test. For cooling tests the
engine must be running for the compressor clutch
to operate.
8-34 May 1996

Air Conditioning
System Checking with the Manifold Gauge Set D'^?
Purging the Test Hoses

1.
With the manifold test set attached to the system.

2.
Purge the high pressure test hose by cracking open
the high pressure side hand valve on the manifold
gauge set for 3 to 5 seconds. This allows the system
refrigerant to purge the air from the test hose and
discharge through the manifold centre test hose.
Immediately cl ose the high pressure side hand

valve.

3. Purge the low pressure test hose in the same manner
by cracking open the low pressure side hand valve
manifold gauge
set
for 3 to 5 seconds, then close the
hand valve.
Stabilising the System
The manifold gauge set is now attached to the
system and the test hoses purged of air. With both
hand valves closed, the system must be operated
for a few minutes to stabilise all pressures and
temperatures throughout the system in order to
obtain accurate test gauge readings.
Proceed as follows:

1.
Place all test hoses, gauge set and other equipment
away from all engine moving parts. Also keep the
hoses from touching the hot engine manifold.

2.
Start the engine and adjust engine speed to fast idle
3. Turn on the air conditioning and set for maximum
cooling with blower fans on high speed

4.
Open the car doors and/or windows (to quickly
eliminate car interior heat).
5. Operate the system under these conditions for 5 to
10 minutes to stabilise the system ready for testing.
6. Check the system for full refrigerant by noting the
sightglass indications. Some refrigerant loss occurs
over a period of time.
Note: The air conditioning
system
must contain a full
refrigerant
charge
before an accurate
system
check can
be
made.
An insufficient
charge
is indicated by
a stream

of
bubbles
or
foam.
If
the
refrigerant charge is low, the

system
must
be
fullydischarged into
a
refrigerant recovery
station and recharged with the correct weight of refrigerant
82.30.08. Do not top up a
system
with refrigerant.
Leak Test
A high proportion of ail air conditioning work
consists of locating and repairing leaks.
Many leaks are located at connections and are
caused by vibration. They may only require the re-
tightening of a connection or clamp.
Occasionally a hose rubs on a structural part of the
vehicle and creates a leak, or a hose deteriorates
which will require a replacement.
The specified maximum leakage rate at each fitting
is 0.5 kg of R 134a in 40 years and a leak detector
capable of operating to this accuracy must be

provided.
To check place the leak detector probe at
the lowest pointofeach joint, pausefortwo seconds.
Do not wave the probe about as refrigerant is
heavier than air and flows to the lowest point. If a
leak is greater than 0-5 kg in forty years is detected
identify the leak point for rectification.
Check that the leaking fitting has been tightened to
the correct torque. If the torque is low, rectify and
repeat leak test. If the torque is satisfactory,
depressurise the system, dismantle the leaking
connection and check the quality of the fitting.
If the fitting is satisfactory, clean and reassemble
after applying a thin film of refrigerant to the seat of
aflarefitting, ora newoiled "O" ring to an "O" ring

fitting.

Tighten to the correct torque.
Charge the system with 200 g of El 34A and leak test
the rectified system. If the system is satisfactory,
depressurise, evacuate and recharge the system.
If the system is unsatisfactory, i.e. leakage greater
than 0.5 kg in forty years, depressurise and replace
the leaking assembly.
8-40 May 1996

=2?
Air Conditioning
System Checking with the Manifold Gauge Set
Pressure Temperature Relationship.
Note:
Pressures
shown are under exact conditions
(see
test
conditions) and
are
not
necessary
true for every
car

checked.
Ambient Temperature is given as the air
surrounding the
condenser
and
is
taken 5 cm in front of
the
condenser.

Test Conditions.
Use a large fan to substitute for normal ram air through the
condenser. Engine adjusted to fast idle speed.
All conditions equivalent to 30 m.p.h. or 48 km/h.
Ambient
Evaporator
Temp °C
16
18
21
24
27
29
32
35
38
41
43
46
49
High
Pressure
Gauge
Reading
Ibf/in2
95-115
105-125
115-125
130-150

1
50-170
165-185
175-195
185-205
210-230
230-250
250-270
265-285
280-310
Low
Pressure
Gauge
Reading
Ibf/in2
10
12
4
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
Ten
-16
-14
-12
-10
-8
-6
-5
-4
-3
-1
0
2
5
9
11
14
17
19
21
Normal operating ambient temperature range is:
-24 to 43°C.
Normal operating evaporator temperature range
is:-12toO°C.
Under normal running conditions system pressure
should be, as follows:
Lowside:1.05to2.10kgf/cm21.034to2.06bar15
to 30 ibf/in2
High side: 13.00 to 14.40 kgf/cm2 12.75 to 14.34
bar185to205lbf/in2
Manifold Gauge Set Check Procedures
Refrigerant Slightly Low.
Complaint.
Little or no cooling.

1.

2.

3.

4.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
6.
7.
BLUE LOW SIDE
KED
HIGH SIDE
Condition.
The low side gauge reading is too low.
The high side gauge reading is too low.
A stream of bubbles evident in the sight glass.
The discharge air from the evaporator only
slightly
cool.

Diagnosis.
The system low on refrigerant due to slight leak.
Correction.
Test the system for leaks.
Depressurise the system.
Repair the leaks, and if necessary renew hoses or

units.

Check the compressor oil level. The system may
have lost oil due to leakage.
Evacuate the system using a vacuum pump.
Recharge the system with new refrigerant.
Operate the system and check the performance.
May 1996 8-41

Air Conditioning
System Checking with the Manifold Gauge Set [n::S3^^?
Refrigerant Excessively Low.
Complaint.
Cooling is not adequate.
Air In The System.
Complaint.
Cooling is not adequate.
BLU£ LOW SIDE SlUE LOW SIDE MD HIGH SIDE
5.
6.
7.

Condition.

1.
The low side gauge is reading very low.

2.
The high side gauge reading very low.
3. No bubbles or liquid evident in the sight glass.

4.
The discharge air from the evaporator is warm.
Diagnosis.
System refrigerant excessively low. Serious leak

indicated.

Correction.

1.
Test the system for leaks.
Note: Partially recharge the
system
before testing the

system
for
leaks
to
ensure that leak detection is
obtained.
Depressurise the system.
Repair the leaks, and if necessary renew hoses or

units.

Check the compressor oil level. The system may
have lost oil due to leakage.
Evacuate the system using a vacuum pump.
Recharge the system with new refrigerant.
performance.

2.

3.

5.
6.
7.
8-42
Condition.
The low side gauge reading
is
constant and does not

drop.
The pressure should drop until the compressor
cycles (thermostat control)
The high side gauge reading is slightly high (or
slightly lower especially if a large fan is used to
substitute ram air).
The sight glass is free of bubbles or only shows an
occasional bubble.
Thedischarge air from theevaporator
is
only slightly

cool.

Diagnosis.
Non condensables present in the system. Air or
moisturepresent instead of afullrefrigerantcharge.
Correction.
Test the system for leaks. Test the compressor seal
area very carefully.
Depressurise the system. Repair the leaks, and if
necessary renew hoses or units.
Renew the drier bottle, probably water saturated .
Check the compressor oil level.
Evacuate the system using a vacuum pump.
Recharge the system with new refrigerant.
Operate the system and check the performance.
May 1996