System Charging Setup

Ford Motor Company recommends using a Rotunda R-134a A/C Service Center 176-00001 or equivalent to perform evacuation and charging of the refrigerant system. Follow the manufacturer's operating guidelines for the unit in use.

If Rotunda R-134a A/C Service Center 176-00001 or equivalent is not available, system charging may be accomplished with Rotunda R-134a Vacuum Pump (1.5 CFM) 176-R0126 or equivalent, charging cylinder, Rotunda R-134a Low-Side Quick Disconnect 176-R0036 or equivalent, Rotunda R-134a High-Side Quick Disconnect 176-R0037 or equivalent and a Rotunda R-134a Manifold Gauge Set 176-R032A. The use of small cans of refrigerant is NOT recommended.

If the charging cylinder method is used, the center port of the manifold gauge set should have two refrigerant hoses with integral shut-off valves built into the manifold gauge set. The Rotunda Manifold Gauge Set 176-R032A is equipped in this manner. If the gauge set is the type that does not have individual shut-off valves and two hoses at the center port, a tee fitting and two hoses should be installed at the center port. In addition, the hoses attached to the center port should have shut-off valves at the other end of the hoses to prevent air from entering the hoses when not connected to the vacuum pump and charging cylinder.