check engine OPEL 1900 1973 Repair Manual

HEATER SYSTEM. OPEL 1900. MANTA9A- 11air is attained, as the water does not cool down in the
second part of the core.
A Water Outlet
B Water Inlet
The center lever actuates the two-stage blower mo-
tor.Lever positions:
Left to Center
- Motor Switched Off
Right of Center
- Lo Blower
Right
- Hi Blower
The lower lever opens and closes the air door which
channels the air flow to either the lower heater out-
lets or to the defroster outlets.
In the left lever position, the air inlet is closed. Up
to the center position, the air is directed
t,o the lower
heater outlets.
When moving the lever from center position towards
the right, the air flow to the lower
heatezr outlets is
reduced and increased to the defroster
csutlets.With the lever in its right position, the air is directed
to the defroster outlets only. For windshield defrost-
ing, all levers have to be moved to the right.
FUNCTION OF THE HEATER AND VENTILATION
SYSTEMThe engine hood is provided with slots in front of the
windshield. The air is directed through the slots into
the heater housing located in the engine compart-
ment, flows into the air distributor housing, and
from there to the lower heater outlets and,/or defros-
ter outlets, depending on the position of the control.
The two-stage blower motor is arranged in the heater
housing above the heater core and actuated by the
center control. The blower motor draws in the air
entering through the slots, blows the air through the
heater core into the air distributor housin:?, and from
there to the lower heater outlets and/or defroster
outlets, depending on the position of the lower con-
trol. See Figure 9A-32.
The heater valve regulates the flow of coolant
through the heater core, thereby varying
t:he temper-
ature of the air flow past the core.
The ventilation of vehicle interior is completed by a
draft-free air circulation pattern. Vent
slots are ar-
ranged below the back window which
are: connected
through channels to the rear quarter
iside panel.
From here, the inside air escapes into
the! open. TheFigure
9A-32 Air Flow
head wind (caused by the car traveling down the
road) promotes this process so that there is always
fresh air in vehicle interior.
On the Model 54 Station Wagon, there will be no air
outlets in the rear. For adequate flow-through type
ventilation, it will be necessary to open a rear win-
dow.Aside from the fresh air admission through the
heater system, two fresh air inlet nozzles are ar-
ranged in the center of the instrument panel. These
nozzles can be turned to direct the air flow in the
desired direction. In addition, rotary flaps allow the
regulation of the entering air or to shut off the air
completely.
These nozzles admit unheated fresh air only and
operate independent of the heater and defroster sys-
tem.
DIAGNOSIS
HEATER SYSTEM TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS
TROUBLETemperature of heated air at outlets too low.
CAUSE AND CORRECTIONCheck radiator cap for proper sealing action. Re-
place, if necessary.
Check for adequate coolant supply. If level is down,
correct cause of coolant loss and refill radiator.
Inspect hose for kinks. Relieve kink or replace hoses.
Check thermostat operation by measuring tempera-
ture of coolant at radiator. Temperature should be
within 5 degrees F. of thermostat rated value (189
degrees F.).

REFRIGERANT COMPONENTS ALL MODELS
99.37
in front of the radiator so that it receives a high
volume of air flow. Air passing over the condenser
absorbs the heat from the high pressure gas and
causes the refrigerant to condense into a high pres-
sure liquid.Receiver. DehydratorThe receiver-dehydrator is located in the engine
compartment. The purpose of the receiver dehydra-
tor is two fold: the unit insures a solid column of
liquid refrigerant to the expansion valve at all times,
and also absorbs any moisture in the system that
might be present. A bag of desiccant (moisture ab-
sorbing material) is provided to absorb moisture. A
sight glass (see Figure 9B-33) permits visual check-
ing of the refrigerant flow for bubbles or foam. The
continuous appearance of bubbles or foam above an
ambient temperature of 70 degrees F. usually indi-
cates an inadequate refrigerant charge. Bubbles or
foam appearing at ambient temperatures below 70
degrees F. do not necessarily indicate an inadequate
charge and may appear even when the system is
operating properly. A filter screen in the unit pre-
vents foreign material from entering the remainder
of the system.
Expansion ValveThe expansion valve is mounted on the evaporator
core inside the passenger compartment. The function
of the expansion valve is to automatically regulate
SCREEN
lLCl98.30
Figure 98-34 Expansion Valvethe flow of refrigerant into the evaporator. The ex-
pansion valve is the dividing point in the system
between the high and low pressure liquid refrigerant.
A temperature sensing bulb is connected by a capil-
lary tube to the expansion valve (see Figure
9B-34).The temperature sensing bulb (clamped to the outlet
pipe on the evaporator) measures the temperature of
the evaporator outlet pipe and transmits the temper-
ature variations to the expansion valve (see Figure
9B-34). The capillary tube and bulb are tilled with
carbon dioxide and sealed to one side of the expan-
sion valve diaphragm.
An increase in temperature will cause the carbon
dioxide in the bulb and capillary tube to expand,
overcoming the spring pressure and pushing the dia-
phragm against the operating pins (see Figure 9B-
34). This in turn will force the valve off its seat.
When the refrigerant low pressure gas flowing
through the outlet pipe of the evaporator becomes
more than 6 degrees higher or warmer than the tem-
perature at which it originally began to vaporize or
boil, the expansion valve will autmotatically allow
more refrigerant to enter evaporator. If the tempera-
ture of the low pressure gas decreases to less than 6
degrees above the temperature at which it originally
began to vaporize or boil, the expansion valve will
automatically reduce the flow of refrigerant. Thus,
an increase or decrease in the flow of refrigerant
through the evaporator will result in an increase or
decrease in the cooling by the evaporator. The tem-
perature, humidity and volume of the air passing
over the evaporator affects the rate of absorption of
heat by the evaporator. As the ambient temperature
bulb calls for more or less refrigerant will increase or
decrease. When the air is very warm, the heat trans-
fer from the air to the refrigerant is great and a
greater quantity of refrigerant is required to maintain
the temperature at the evaporator pipe at the prede-
termined value. Conversely, cool days will result in
less heat transfer and thereby require lesser quanti-
ties of refrigerant to maintain the predetermined
temperature of the evaporator outlet pipe.
EvaporatorThe function of the evaporator is to cool and
dehumidify the air flow in the passenger compart-
ment. The evaporator assembly consists of an alumi-
num core enclosed in a reinforced plastic housing.
Two (2) water drain ports are located in the bottom
of the housing. Two refrigerant lines are connected
to the side of the evaporator core: one at the bottom
and one at the top. The expansion valve is attached
to the lower (inlet) pipe, the outlet pipe is attached
to the upper pipe. The temperature sensing bulb of
the expansion valve is clamped to the outlet pipe of
the evaporator core. The high pressure liquid refrig-
erant, after it is metered through the expansion
valve, passes into the evaporator core where it is
allowed to expand under reduced pressure. As a re-
sult of the reduced pressure the refrigerant begins to

98.40 1973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
2. Interconnect manifold and gage set (J-5725-01),
gage charging lines (J-5418) and gage adapters
(J-5420) to air conditioning system as shown in Figure
9B-40.3. Place transmission in “Park” for automatics and
in neutral for manuals. Apply hand brake.
4. Turn blower switch to the “Hi” position.
5. Turn temperature switch to “Max” position.
6. Run engine at 2000 RPM for ten (10) minutes with
car doors and windows closed and the hood up. Place
a high volume industrial type fan in front of radiator
if head pressure should exceed 250 psi and also at
high ambients to bring the pressures to within the
limits specified in the Functional Charts in Division
V.In the case of the Opel 1900 and the Manta, a ther-
mometer should be placed in a position to read the
temperature of the air discharging from the right-
hand A/C outlet. In case of the GT, a thermometer
should be placed in a position to read the tempera-
ture of the air discharging from the left-rear A/C
outlet.
HEATER-AIR CONDITIONER REFRIGERANT
CIRCUIT TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS GUIDE
Insufficient Cooling (Check Air Flow)
Normal Air Flow (Inspect system for visual defects.
Run functional tests.)
Discharge Air
- Normal Temp Check for air leaks
through dash, car body, windows, or from heater or
ventilators.
Discharge Air
- High Temp Check sight glass for
foaming and compressor clutch for engagement.
No Compressor Clutch Engagement Check connec-
tions at clutch switch, harness connectors, and check
clutch switch.
No Foaming Compare evaporator pressure to that
on functional test table.
Foaming System is probably low on refrigerant.
Check for leaks, repair, evacuate, and charge. If
foaming still occurs, check for restriction in refriger-
ant lines between condenser and receiver dehydrator.
Evaporator Pressure Normal Compare head pres-
sure to pressure on functional test table.
Evaporator Pressure Low Ice may be forming on
evaporator. Low volume of air discharging at A/C
outlet after system has been running above idle con-dition
,for approximately 15-30 min.utes. Discharging
air gradually elevating in temperature. Check expan-
sion valve. If valve isn’t permitting flow of liquid,
this will be indicated by a warm pipe out of the
evaporator. This may be caused by: 1) Clogged or
Plugged inlet screen in the expansion valve; 2)
Broken capillary line; or 3) Discharged temperature
bulb. If the valve is okay, the pipe out of the evapora-
tor will be cold.
Evaporator Pressure High Check the expansion
valve to determine if themobulb is making good con-
tact and is properly insulated. Operate engine at 2000
RPM with maximum air conditioning setting. If
evaporator pressure remains high, feel suction line.
If line feels frosty or extremely
(cold with relative
high ambient conditions, then partially cover the
condenser to obtain head pressures from 265 psi to
280 psi maximum. If evaporator pressure rises above
30 psi, change the expansion valve.
Also, check if compressor may be the cause due to
some internal or external mechanical trouble which
prevents reduction of pressure. Check for external
troubles, slipping belt, bad clutch and/or pulley, or
improper clutch engagement, before investigating
the compressor internally.
Head Pressure High Check for the following: Con-
denser air flow low, air in system, excessive refriger-
ant in system, restriction in condenser.Head.PressureLowRestriction in flow of refrigerant
to evaporator, or expansion valve plugged or defec-
tive.
Low Air Flow (Check blower operation and
evaporator. Check operation of controls.)
Ice BIocking Evaporator Run functional test. If
evaporator pressure is low, ice may form on evapora-
tor and reduce air flow.
Evaporator Pressure Low Ice may be forming on
evaporator. Low volume of air discharging at A/C
outlet after system has been running above idle con-
dition for approximately 15-30 minutes. Discharging
air gradually elevating in temperature. Check expan-
sion valve. If valve isn’t permitting flow of liquid,
this will be indicated by a warm pipe out of the
evaporator. This may be caused by: 1) Clogged or
plugged inlet screen in the expansion valve; 2)
Broken capillary line, or 3) Discharged temperature
bulb. If the valve is okay, the pipe out of the evapora-
tor will be cold.BlowerNot OperatingCheck for the following: Fuse
blown, blower switch defective, wire broken or loose
connection, poor ground connection, or blower mo-
tor defective.

REFRIGERANT COMPONENTS ALL MODELS9s. 41
BIower Operating Normal Check for the following:Restriction or leakage in air ducts, A/C outlets not
opening.2. Do not carry cylinder in passenger compartment
of car.3. Do not subject cylinder to high temperatures.
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS4. Do not weld or steam clean on or near cylinder.
5. Do not fill cylinder completely.
GENERAL SERVICE INFORMATION AND SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS6. Do not discharge vapor into area where flame is
exposed or directly into engine air intake.
General InformationAll subassemblies are shipped sealed and dehy-
drated. They are to remain sealed until just prior to
making connections, and should be at room tempera-
ture before uncapping. This prevents condensation of
moisture from air that enters the system.
All precautions should be taken to prevent damage
to fittings or connections. Even minute damage to a
connection could cause it to leak. Any fittings with
grease or dirt on them should be wiped clean with a
cloth dipped in alcohol.
Do not clean fitting or hoses with solvents because
they are contaminants. If dirt, grease or moisture
gets inside the pipes or hoses and cannot be removed,the pipe or hose is to be replaced. Use a small amount
of clean refrigeration oil on all tube and hose con-
necting joints, and lubricate the
“0” ring gasket with
this oil before assembling the joint. The oil will help
in effectitig a leak-proofjoint and assist the
“0” ring
to slip into the proper location without being cut or
damaged. Always use new
“0” rings.
When tightening joints, use a second wrench to hold
the stationary part of the connection to prevent
twisting and to prevent hose kinking. Kinked hoses
are apt to transmit noise and vibration. Tighten all
connections in accordance with recommended
torques (see Division VI, Specifications).7. Do not expose eyes to liquid
- WEAR SAFETY
GOGGLES whenever discharging, charging or leak
testing system.
CHARGING AND DISCHARGING SYSTEMRemoval of any part in the refrigerant circuit will
require discharging of the entire system.
Discharging the System1. Remove caps from gauge fittings on the compres-
sor adapter fitting on the compressor.
2. With both valves on manifold gauge set (J-5725-
04) closed (clockwise), attach manifold to the com-
pressor adapter fitting on the compressor, using
J-5420 valve adapter at suction gauge fitting and
J-9459 valve adapter at discharge gauge fitting. See
Figure
9B-41.3. Fully open high pressure valve on manifold gauge
set to allow escape of refrigerant from system
through the manifold gauge set and out the center
fitting and hose. (Place end of hose in clean container
to collect oil loss due to rapid discharge of system).
4. When hissing ceases, indicating all refrigerant
has escaped, close high pressure valve on manifold
gauge set by turning valve clockwise.
Do not connect receiver-dehydrator assembly until
all other connections have been made. This is neces-
sary to itisure maximum moisture removal from sys-
tem.It is important that air conditioning hoses do not rest
on or contact body sheet metal except where neces-
sary. Because of the high frequency at which the
compressor operates, the passenger compartment is
susceptible to transfer of noise.
Evacuating the SystemWhen the refrigeration system is depressurized and
opened for service, some air will enter the lines, re-
gardless of how quickly openings are capped. In
or-der to remove this air and as much as possible of the
moisture it contains, the complete system must be
evacuated. Evacuating is merely the process of
removing all air from the system, thereby creating a
vacuum in the system.
Safety PiecautionsThe following safety precautions should always be
followed~,when servicing refrigerant charged compo-nents:Under no circumstances should alcohol be used in
the system in an attempt to remove moisture,
regard-less of the successful use of alcohol in other refrigera-
tion systems.
Preparations for Evacuating Complete System
1. Do not leave Refrigerant-12 cylinder uncapped.
1. Check the low pressure gauge for proper calibra-

9B-44 1973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
Do not turn refrigerant drum upside down, as this
would allow liquid refrigerant to enter compressor
which may cause damage.
4. If line at center gauge fitting has not been purged
of air, loosen line at center fitting on gauge set and
crack valve on refrigerant drum to blow air from
line. Retighten line at center fitting and record exact
weight of refrigerant tank in water on the scales.
5. Open valve on refrigerant drum and both valves
on gauge set to allow refrigerant to flow into system.
Continue charging until the scales show that 2
Ibs.Opel 1900
- Manta and 2 l/4 lbs. GT, of refrigerant
have been transferred from refrigerant drum to sys-
tem.If full charge cannot be obtained, close both valves
on gauge set, start engine, and set temperature con-
trol knob to full cold position with blower in Max Hi.
Open low pressure valve on gauge set slowly and
leave open until full charge is added.
WARNING: Observe high pressure gauge while charg-
ing with compressor running. Shut
offengine ifpres-
sure exceeds 250 psi. A large fan placed in front
ol
the car wi// help reduce excessively high head pres-6. Close both valves on gauge set (high pressure valve
will already be closed if charging was completed by
running compressor) and close valve on refrigerant
drum.
If the engine was used to complete the charge into
the system, close valve on refrigerant drum to permit
compressor to draw any refrigerant left in the line
from the drum to the center fitting of the gauge set,
then close the low pressure valve on the gauge set.
7. Operate engine at 2000 RPM with temperature
control knob at full cold, blower speed in Max Hi.
After ten minutes of operation, observe appearance
of refrigerant in receiver-dehydrator. If bubbles are
observed, open low pressure gauge valve and valve
on refrigerant drum to allow more refrigerant to en-
ter system. Close valve when receiver-dehydrator
clears
up.If an air inlet temperature is below 70 degrees F.
when this check is made, bubbles may appear, even
though the proper amount of refrigerant is in the
system. Air inlet temperature must be 70 degrees F.
or above to make an accurate check.
8. When refrigerant has been installed, continue to
operate system and test for proper operation as ou-
tlined under “Operational Test”.
9. When satisfied that air conditioning system is op-
erating properly, stop engine, remove gauge set and
replace protective caps on compressor fittings.10. Using leak detector, check complete system for
leaks.Disposable Can Method
After having
depress&ed, repaired (if necessary)
and evacuated the refrigerant system, the system
may be charged as follows using refrigerant in dis-
posable cans:
1. Obtain three (3) 1
lb. cans or one 12 lb. can of
refrigerant.
2. If using 1 lb. cans, mount two (2) cans in J-6272-
02 (Multi-opener) or attach J-6271 (single-can
opener valve) on one can. If using the 12
lb. disposa-
ble can, attach J-23390 (disposable can control valve)
on can.WARNING: Make sure outlet valve on opener is
closed (clockwise) before installing opener.A. If the J-6272-02 multi-opener is used, raise lock-
ing lever, position three (3) cans of refrigerant and
force locking lever down to secure cans and at same
time puncture top of can to make it ready for charg-
ing.
B. If the J-6271 valve is used, back off the valve from
the can top retainer, slip the valve onto the can and
turn the valve into retainer until tight. DO NOT
open outlet valve during this operation, as turning
the valve into the retainer punctures top of can to
make it ready for charging.
3. Connect center flexible line of gauge set to fitting
on a can opener valve. If the line at center gauge
fitting has not been purged of air, loosen line at
center fitting on gauge set and “crack” valve at can
opener (for a second or two) to force air from the
line. Retighten line at center fitting.
4. Open valve at refrigerant source and at low and
high pressure valves on manifold gauge set. Leave
valve open at refrigerant source until all refrigerant
(when using 1 lb. can) has ‘entered the refrigeration
system or system is fully charged. Close valve on can.
A. If the system is charged using
1 lb. cans and the
J- 627 1 valve, disconnect valve from can. Leave valve
closed to flexible line to the center fitting of the
manifold gauge set. Install valve on a new and full
disposable can of refrigerant.

REFRIGERANT COMPONENTS ALL MODELS9t3- 45
B. If system is charged using J-6272-02, close the
valve of opener after all cans are empty. Release the locking lever and discard the three (3) empty cans.
If this tool will be used to complete the charge with
additional cans to provide the required refrigerant
charge, leave the empty cans in position, locate one
full can and lock the lever into place. These empty
cans balance the assembly and prevent the loss of
refrigerant through the open “series” passage. Align
the pierced hole in the empty can with the punch in
the cover of the tool.
If the J-6271 valve for single cans is available, com-
plete charging as explained in 4a above.
5. Close high side valve on manifold gauge set,
WARNING: Prior to starting up engine, the high side
valve on the charging manifold must be closed due
to excessive pressure
bui/d-up which can result in
bursting of the container(s) causing serious injury. If
you are inexperienced in the use of this procedure, seek professional assistance.
6. Operate engine at 2000 RPM with temperature
control knob at full cold position and blower speed
on Max Hi. If air inlet temperature at the condenser
is below 70 degrees F. when this check is made,
bubbles may appear, even though the proper amount
of refrigerant is in the system. Air inlet temperature
must be 70 degrees F. or above to make an accurate
check.
7. When refrigerant has been installed, continue to
operate system and test for proper operation as ou-
tlined
under “Operational Test”.
8. When satisfied that the air conditioning system
is operating properly, stop engine, remove gauge set
and replace protective caps on suction and discharge
fittings.
from thegauge fitting to prevent damage-or injury to
personnel.
9. Using a leak detector, check complete system for
leaks.
Charging Station Method
INSTALLING J-8393-02
-
1. Be ceitain compressor hand shut-off valves to
gauge fittings are closed (counterclockwise).
2. Be certain all valves on charging station are
closed.
3. Connect high pressure gauge line to compressor
high pressure gauge fitting.
4. Turn high pressure hand shut-off valve one turn
clockwise, and high pressure control one turn coun-
terclockwise (open). Crack open low pressure con-
trol and allow refrigerant gas to hiss from low
pressure gauge line for three seconds, then connect
low pressure gauge line to low pressure gauge fitting
on compressor adapter fitting. (Place J-9459 adapter
on hose, then attach adapter to gauge fitting.)
FILLING CHARGING CYLINDER
1. Open Control valve on refrigerant container.
2. Open valve on bottom of charging cylinder, al-
lowing refrigerant to enter cylinder.
3. Bleed charging cylinder to valve (behind control
panel) only as required to allow refrigerant to enter
cylinder. When refrigerant reaches desired charge
level, close valve at bottom of charging cylinder and
be certain cylinder bleed valve is closed securely.
While filling the cylinder, it will be necessary to close
the bleed valve periodically to allow boiling to sub-
side so that refrigerant level in the charging cylinder
can be accurately read.
CHARGING THE SYSTEM USING J-8393-02
1. With charging station connected, as previously
described, remove low pressure gauge line at com-
pressor adapter fitting.
2. Crack open high and low pressure control valves
on station and allow refrigerant gas to purge from
system. Purge slowly enough so, that oil does not
escape from system along with refrigerant.
3. When refrigerant flow nearly stops, connect low
pressure gauge line to
compress& adapter fitting.
4. Turn on vacuum pump and open vacuum control
valve.
5. With system purged as
abovk, run pump until
26-28 inches of vacuum is obtained Continue to run
pump for 15 minutes after the system reaches 26-28
inches vacuum.
In all evacuating procedures, the specification of
26.
28 inches of mercury vacuum is used. These figures
are only attainable at or near sea level. For each 1000
feet above sea level where this operation is being
performed, the specifications should be lowered by 1
inch. For example, at 5000 feet elevation, only 21 to
23 inches vacuum can normally be obtained.
6. If 26-28 inches vacuum (corrected to sea level)
cannot be obtained, close vacuum: control valve and

98-46 1973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
shut off vacuum pump. Open refrigerant control
valve and allow some refrigerant to enter system.
Locate and repair all leaks.
7. After evacuating for 15 minutes, add l/2 lb. of
refrigerant to system. Purge this
l/2 lb. and reevacu-
ate for 15 minutes. This second evacuation is to be
certain that as much contamination is removed from
the system as possible.
8. Only after evacuating as above, system is ready
for charging. Note reading on sight glass of charging
cylinder. If it does not contain a sufficient amount
for a full charge, till to proper level.
9. Close low pressure valve on charging station.
Fully open station refrigerant control valve and al-
low all liquid refrigerant to enter system. When full
charge of refrigerant has entered system, turn off
refrigerant control valve and close both hand shut-
off valves.
10. If full charge of refrigerant will not enter system,
close high pressure control and refrigerant control
valves. Start engine and run at low idle with com-
pressor operating. Crack refrigerant control valve
and low pressure control on station. Watch low side
gauge and keep gauge below 50 psi by regulating
refrigerant control valve. Closing valve will lower
pressure. This is to prevent liquid refrigerant from
reaching the compressor while the compressor is op-
erating. When required charge has entered system,
close refrigerant control valve and close low pressure
control.
11. System is now charged and should be perform-
ance- tested before removing gauges.
Adding Refrigerant
The following procedure should be used in adding
small amounts of refrigerant that may have been lost
by leaks or while opening system for servicing the
compressor. Before adding refrigerent to replace that
lost by leaks, check for evidence of oil loss and add
oil if necessary.
This procedure will only apply if the air inlet temper-
ature is above 70 degrees F. at the condenser.
1. Remove caps from compressor gauge fittings.
Attach gauge set to gauge fittings, making sure
adapter (J- 5420) is between low pressure gauge hose
and suction gauge fitting, and J-9459 is between high
pressure gauge hose and discharge gauge fitting.
2. Start engine, turn air conditioning temperature
control knob to full cold position, blower switch to
Max Hi. Operate for ten
(IO) minutes at 2000 RPM
to stabilize system.
3. Observe the refrigerant through the sight glasscover of receiver-dehydrator with the system operat-
ing,
IO see if there are any bubbles evident.
a. If no bubbles are evident, then bleed system slowly
through the discharge valve until bubbles appear in
the receiver-dehydrator. Add 1 lb. of refrigerant as
explained under “Charging the
ISystem”.b. If bubbles are visible in the receiver-dehydrator
with the temperature control krlob in the full cold
position and the blower at MAX speed, it indicates
a partial or complete plug in a line, a shortage of
refrigerant, or both. Correct condition. Add refriger-
ant
u~ntil the sight glass clears, then add another 1 lb.
of refrigerant.
4. Attach flexible hose from center fitting of gauge
set loosely to refrigerant drum or on disposable can
valvxs. Open high and low pressure valves on the
gauge set slightly to purge pressure gauge lines of air.
Tighten fitting of refrigerant drum or can when satis-
fied ihat all air has been removed from gauge lines.
Close (clockwise) both hand shut-off valves or gauge
set.5. Partially charge system.
REFRIGERANT DRUM METHOD:
A. Place pail containing hot water that does not have
a temperature exceeding 125 degrees F. on scales,
place refrigerant drum in pa” containing water, note
weig,ht and only open low pressure valve on gauge
set.B. Start engine, turn temperature control knob to full
cold position and place blower switch in Max Hi.
Operate engine for 10 minutes at 2000 RPM to sta-
bilize system.
C. With compressor operating, slowly open valve on
refrigerant drum and allow refrigerant to flow into
system (through manifold gauge set) until liquid in-
dicator clears up and immediately shut off valve ai
gauge set or on refrigerant drum. Check weight of
refrigerant drum and pail of water. Then slowly open
valve on gauge set (or refrigerant drum) and add one
more lb. of refrigerant. Note total amount of refriger-
ant added.
DISPOSABLE CAN METHOD:
A. Make sure the outlet valve on the J-6271 valve is
fully clockwise and attach the J-6271 to a 1 lb. can
of refrigerant by backing off the valve from the top
of the retainer, slipping the valve onto the can and
turning the valve into the retainer until tight. DO
NOT accidentally open outlet valve during this oper-
ation, as turning the valve into the retainer punctures
the top of the can to make it ready for charging.
.

REFRIGERANT COMPONENTS ALL MODELS9a- 47
B. Connect center flexible line of gauge set to the
fitting on the valve.
C. Start engine, turn temperature control knob to full
cold position, set blower switch to Max Hi. Operate
engine for 10 minutes at 2000 RPM to stabilize sys-tem.D. With compressor operating, slowly open valve on
refrigerant can and allow refrigerant to flow into
system (through manifold gauge set) until liquid in-
dicator clears up and immediately shut off valve at
gauge set and on refrigerant can. Check weight of
can and valve assembly and record.
E. Add an additional 1 lb. of refrigerant by adding
refrigerant from the can just weighed until can is
empty. Attach another can and add refrigerant until
can and valve assembly weigh the same as recorded.
6. Close valves at refrigerant drum or
can,7. Test for leaks and make operational check of
system.
ADDING OIL TO THE SYSTEM (MAJOR
OVERHAUL)The oil in the refrigeration system does not remain
in the compressor during system operation, but cir-culates throughout the system. The compressor is
initially charged with 10 oz. of 525 viscosity oil.
After system has been in operation the oil content in
the compressor will vary depending on the engine
RPM and air conditioning load. At higher engine
RPM’s a lesser amount of oil will be retained in the
compressor reservoir. It is important that the total
system oil content does not vary from a total of10-l/2 oz. Excessive oil content will reduce cooling
capacity. Inadequate oil content may result in dam-
age to compressor moving parts.
The refrigeration system will not require adding of
oil unless there is an oil loss because of a ruptured
line, badly leaking compressor seal, replacement of
evaporator, compressor, receiver-dehydrator, or loss
due to a collision. Oil is generally added to the sys-
tem via the oil drain hole in the lower side of the
compressor for this condition. To add oil to the sys-
tem via the compressor, the compressor must be
removed. If no major loss of oil has occurred and a
component (condenser,receiver-dehydrator or
evaporator) is removed for servicing, the oil may be
added directly to the component. To add oil to a
component removed for servicing and when no ma-
jor loss has occurred, drain and measure oil in com-
ponent, then replace with a like amount. To add oil
to the system when a major loss of oil is evidenced,
or when the compressor is being serviced, remove
compressor, drain and measure oil, and replace oil
amount specified in the Oil Replacement Table.
OIL REP,‘LACEMENT TABLE
Condition
1. Major loss of oil and
a component (conden-
ser, receiver-dehydra-
tor, or evaporator)
has to be replaced.
Amount of Oil Drained
From Compressora. More than 4 oz.Amount of 525 Oil to Install
In Compressora. Amount drained from compressor,
plus amount for component
being replaced.
Evaporator
- Add 2 oz.
Condenser
- Add I oz.
Receiver-Dehydrator
- Add 1 oz.
b. Less than 4 oz.b. Install 6 oz., plus amount for
component being replaced as
shown above.
2. Compressor being
replaced with a
ser-vice replacement
compressor
- no major
oil loss.a. More than 1
l/2 oz.a. Same amount as drained from
compressor being replaced.
b. Less than 1
l/2 oz.b. Install 6 oz

96-54 1973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
valve. The filter screen at the inlet port may be re-
placed. Remove screen by threading a lo-32 NF
screw into old filter screen. With a washer and a nut
on the screw arranged to work as a puller screw, hold
the body of the screw and turn the nut. Insert the
new filter screen into the inlet port and lightly tap
screen only enough to seat.
1. Install expansion valve using new o-rings during
installation. Lubricate o-rings prior to installation
using No. 525 viscosity oil.
2. Install evaporator assembly and case attaching
screws. See Figure 9B-70.3. Install blower motor assembly into case and se-
cure with attaching screws. See Figure
9B-69.4. Install finger guard shields and fan housing case.
See Figure
9B-69.5. Install resistor assembly and electrical connector.
Install blower motor connector. See Figure
9B-69.6. Install assembly into car carefully guiding
evaporator pipes up through cowl opening. See Fig-
ure
9B-71.Figure 93-7 1 Inlet and Outlet Pipes and O-Rings
-Opel 1900 Manta
7. Install two (2) upper attaching evaporator at-
taching nuts. See Figures 9B-66 and
9B-67.8. Install two (2) attaching case mounting bracket
to instrument panel screws. See Figure
9B-67.9. Connect two (2) drain hoses underneath evapora-
tor.10. Install evaporator inlet and outlet pipes retainer
and rubber grommet. See Figure
9B-65.11. Connect vacuum cut-off switch and electrical
wiring, making sure the delay restrictor and checkvalve hoses are installed correctly. See Figures
9B-63and 64.
.gB-72 Delay Restrictor and Check Valve Hose.Assembly
12. Install refrigerant hoses and pipes using new
o-rings on line fittings and evacuate system. Refer to
EVACUATING SYSTEM.
13. While system is being evacuated, install in-line
fuse and left side of distributor duct. See Figure 9B-
61.14. Install glove box.
15. Install negative battery cable and charge system.
Refer to CHARGING SYSTEM.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF CONDENSER
ASSEMBLY -OPEL 1900. MANTA
Removal
1. Remove negative battery cable from battery.
2. Remove air cleaner.
3. Discharge system. Refer to DISCHARGING
SYSTEM.
4. While system is discharging, remove lower radia-
tor hose from radiator and drain coolant into a suita-
ble container.
5. Remove fan shroud.
6. On vehicles with automatic transmission, un-
screw oil lines from connectors on lower radiator
tank and plug lines. It is essential that no dirt enters
the oil lines. When unscrewing oil lines, hold connec-
tors on lower radiator tank with pliers to avoid leak-
ages. Ensure that no dirt enters oil cooler.
7. Remove upper radiator hose from radiator.
8. Remove lower attaching nut and slide radiator
upward and out of engine compartment.
9. Remove inlet and outlet hoses from condenser

98-56 1973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
oil cooler lines to lower radiator tank. It is essential
that no dirt enters the oil lines. When tightening oil
lines hold connectors on lower radiator tank with
pliers to avoid leakages. Ensure that no dirt enters oil
cooler. Torque to 11-15 Ibs. ft.
7. Install fan shroud.
8. Install upper radiator hose.
9. Install lower radiator hose and add collected coo-
lant.
All Opel
1900’s and Manta’s are provided with a
radiator initial fill of an anti-freeze solution contain-
ing corrosion inhibitor. The anti-freeze has either a
glycol or glycerin base and protects the engine
against freezing, down to minus 22 degrees F. (minus
30 degrees C.). Before the start of the cold season,
coolant must be checked with a hydrometer and if
necessary, brought to the necessary specific gravity
by adding anti-freeze. Anti-freeze added, must have
a glycol or glycerin base. As the specific gravities of
all anti-freeze solutions having a glycol or glycerin
base are practically the same, the hydrometer can be
used for all these types. Because of the tolerances of
the hydrometer, or slight differences in specific
gravity, variations of plus or minus 5 degrees can be
expected. Coolant must be checked at a temperature
of plus 68 degrees F. (plus 20 degrees C.).
IO. Install negative battery cable and air cleaner.
11. Charge system. Refer to CHARGING SYS-
TEM.
Figure 99.80 Location of Idler Pulley and Bracket
Assembly
- GTFigure 99.81 Idler Pulley and Bracket Assembly and
Support Bracket GT
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF
COMPRESSOR. GT
I. Removenegative battery cable from battery.
Figure 98-82 Compressor Adapter Fitting, Ground
Wire. and Front and Rear Mounting Bolts
- GT
Figure 99.83
Elecirical Connector and Ground Wire
GT