24 AFTERMARKET APRIL 2024 TECHNICAL www.aftermarketonline.net MAHLE Aftermarket UK has issued advice on how to circumvent the risk of mistakes when dealing with air conditioning compressor safety valves. Alan Povey, Quality, Warranty and Technical Manager at MAHLE Aftermarket UK, observed: “Occasionally, when adjusting the oil quantity in a new air conditioning compressor, the safety valve is mistaken for the drain plug. If an air conditioning compressor is replaced, it’s almost always necessary to adjust the oil quantity in the compressor, advises MAHLE. Most compressors have a drain plug for this purpose.” He continued: “First, this must be removed to completely drain the oil from the compressor. The required quantity of oil for the entire air conditioning system is then determined and refilled via the drain plug opening. “In the worst case, the safety valve/pressure-relief valve can be confused with the drain plug, for example, if it is located under a connector plug or cable and is therefore not immediately visible. However, oil cannot be drained or refilled this way, even if the valve is removed. “Since the valve is always located in the high-pressure section of the compressor, it isn’t connected to the working chamber in which the oil is located. If there is a malfunction or blockage in the air conditioning circuit, the safety valve will open at a defined pressure to protect the system from damage caused by overpressure. Many safety valves have a paint or film seal, but there are also versions without this sort of seal. If the seal is missing or residues of oil or contrast agent can be seen on the safety valve, it can be assumed that the valve has opened due to a defect. That’s why the valve should always be inspected as part of a system check.” Alan added: “It is also important to remember when replacing the compressor, the oil quantity must always be adjusted to prevent consequential damage caused by overfilling or underfilling. Seals on opened connections should always be replaced and wetted with clean compressor oil before assembly to prevent damage.” MAHLE issues technical update bulletins. For more information, visit: www.mahleaftermarket.com/eu/en/services/technic al-messenger/ All the latest technical news and updates relevant to you TECHNICAL UPDATE Welcome to Aftermarket’s technical update section. Here you can find the latest on upcoming technical developments and updates on new methods, as well as equipment. If you have information you wish to share, please get in touch with the editor via email: alex@aftermarket.co.uk Ecobat Battery has launched its 2024 product catalogue, and according to Commercial Director Paul Payne, it is the company’s most comprehensive yet: “Helping our wide range of customers to increase their battery sales opportunities has always been our mantra, and even the briefest of glances at this new catalogue is enough to demonstrate that those opportunities are expanding, with lithium based solutions from EcoFlow and PylonTech, for leisure, off-grid living and energy storage, and Rolls and US Battery for industrial applications, as just a few examples. “Factor in the growing number of charging options, whether for commercial operations or from harvesting solar energy, and it’s obvious where the future is leading, and as it has done for so many years, Ecobat Battery is here to help its customers on that journey.” For more information, visit: www.ecobatbattery.com Ecobat Battery launches 2024 catalogue MAHLE fitment advice on air conditioning compressor safety valves
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