SB1856

SERVICE BULLETIN
SB1856
ADDRESSEES
: Owners and operators
ABC Customer Care and Parts Source
VEHICLE MODEL
: All coaches
MANUAL CHAPTER
: 8.14 Climate control – Refrigerant circuit
BULLETIN TYPE
: Service information
DATE
: March 24th, 2022
SUBJECT
: Maintenance operations related to refrigerant
compressor oil
CONDITIONS
: This service bulletin does not entitle to any reimbursement.
INTRODUCTION
Van Hool has been informed about field problems with the refrigerant compressor. This service
information bulletin is a reminder/update about refrigerant compressor oil maintenance. To ensure
a reliable system, it is important to perform the maintenance on a regular base as mentioned further on.
Figure 1: Oil level sight glass on Carrier O5G
refrigerant compressor.
Figure 2: Oil level sight glass on
Eberspächer/Bitzer refrigerant compressor.
TO CHECK REFRIGERANT COMPRESSOR OIL LEVEL AND CONDITION
Periodicity: at least every 6 months. This interval is valid for systems that have been running
normally and have not experienced any failures. Systems with failures need additional attention
and more frequent checks until it is confirmed there is no concerns. It is also recommended to
change the oil every 3 years.
Step
1
Action
With the belt tensioning system at operating pressure: check whether the
compressor mounting plate is located near the horizontal position. If not, release the
air pressure from the tensioning system and reposition the compressor with respect
to its mounting plate. Put the tensioning system again under pressure and recheck
the position of the mounting plate. Repeat until okay.
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Start the engine.
Put the climate control in the "GAS CH" state. Follow the instructions mentioned
under "Passenger compartment control system: to troubleshoot using dashboard
display" in chapter 08.02 of the maintenance manual.
Switch off "GAS CH" after 20 minutes.
Shut off the engine.
Check the oil level within 30 seconds.
7
The oil level must be between the center and the top of the sight glass.
Check the condition of the oil as explained under “STEP 7 IN DETAIL”.
STEP 7 IN DETAIL: To check refrigerant compressor oil condition
Refrigerant oil gradually darkens as it picks up moisture and particles. Dirty oil can clog expansion
valves and depriving the compressor of the lubrication it needs.
Check the color of the refrigerant compressor oil. Change the oil if it has a dark color (refer to
figure below). Refer to the maintenance manual for information on how to change the oil.
1
2
3
Figure 3: Refrigerant oil color overview
1. New oil
2. Approximately after 1 year of operation
3. Bad oil. Oil change is necessary!
HELP DESK:
If there are any questions regarding this subject, please call ABC Customer Care & Parts Source
toll-free for guidance on 1-877-427-7278.
DISCLAIMER:
The procedures contained herein are not exclusive. Van Hool cannot possibly know, evaluate, or
advise the transportation industry of all conceivable ways in which a procedure may be undertaken
or of the possible consequences of each such procedure. Other procedures may be as good, or
better, depending upon the particular circumstances involved. Each carrier who uses the
procedures herein must first satisfy himself thoroughly that neither the safety of his employees or
agents, nor the safety or usefulness of any products, will be jeopardized by any procedure
selected.
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INFORMATION HANDLING:
Important additions and modifications regarding technical information not yet included in the
manual will be communicated through Service Bulletins.
VAN HOOL CUSTOMER PORTAL:
Consult the customer portal regularly for the latest service documentation. In addition to the
maintenance manual, you will also find the operating manual and the spare parts catalogue of your
vehicle on the customer portal. The customer portal is accessible through www.vanhool.be, but
only with a code (password) from Van Hool. If you do not have a password yet, request it by using
the link on the Van Hool website.
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