Ritchie YELLOW JACKET 39810 User manual

1
Automatic Refrigerant Recovery/Recycling/Recharge Systems
Models: 39810/39811 (for use with R-12)
Models: 39820/39821/39822/39823 (for use with R-134a)
For Automotive Applications
YELLOW JACKET
®

2
Refrigerants: Model 39810/39811: R-12
Model 39820/39821/39822/39823: R-134a
Compressor: 1/2 HP Hermetic
Power Source: 120V AC 60Hz
Amperage: RLA: 9.3
FLA: 11.0
LRA: 30.0
Size: 810/811/820/821/822/823/Units
Height: 53 in
Width: 22 in
Depth: 27 in
Inhalation of high concentration of refrigerant vapors
is harmful and may cause heart irregularities,
unconsciousness, or death. Deliberate inhalation of
refrigerants is extremely dangerous. Death can occur
without warning. Vapors reduce oxygen available for
breathing and are heavier than air. Decomposition
products are hazardous. Liquid contact can cause
frostbite. All refrigerant containers, equipment, and
hoses are under pressure.
Avoid breathing A/C refrigerant and lubricant vapor or mist.
Exposure may irritate eyes, nose and throat. To remove
refrigerant from the A/C system, use service equipment
certified to meet the requirements J1996 or SAE J2210.
Additional health and safety information may be obtained
from refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
800 Series Refrigerant Management Systems
Section Page Section Page
Specifications 2 Oil Injection 6
Safety Instructions 3 Charging 6
Component Diagram 4 Oil Maintenance 6
Control Panel Overview 4 Maintenance 7
Set Up Instructions 5 Air Purge Operation 7
Recovery / Recycle 5 Troubleshooting 7
Vacuum 5 Warranty Information 8
Table of Contents
Specifications
Do not pressure test or leak test service equipment and/or
vehicle air conditioning systems with compressed air. Some
mixtures of air and oil have been shown to be combustible at
elevated pressures. These mixtures, if ignited, may cause
injury or property damage. Additional health and safety
information may be obtained from refrigerant manufacturers.
Before operating this unit, please read this manual
thoroughly. You must understand the procedures outlined in
this manual. Failure to follow these procedures could void all
warranties.
Before handling refrigerants, read the material safety data
sheet (MSDS) from the refrigerant manufacturer.
For operation only by certified personnel.

3
Know your equipment. Read and understand the
operation manual and labels affixed to the unit. Learn
the application and limitations as well as the specific
potential hazards of your equipment.
ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES
Ground all equipment. This unit is equipped with an
approved three prong grounding-type plug. The green
ground wire should never be connected to a live terminal.
Use the Proper Extension Cords. Use the following
guide for choosing the proper extension cord:
Wire Maximum Length
18 Ga. 10 feet
16 Ga. 25 feet
14 Ga. 50 feet
12 Ga. 100 feet
Avoid Dangerous Environments. Do not use this unit in
damp locations or expose it to rain. This equipment should
be used in a location with mechanical ventilation that
provides at least four air changes per hour. This equipment
should not be used near open containers of flammable
liquids.
Disconnect Unit from Power Supply Before Servicing.
An electrical shock hazard is present when the unit is
disassembled or the cowling is removed.
Repair Damaged Parts. Do not operate the unit with a
defective part. Repair unit to proper operating conditions.
Use Recommended Accessories. Follow the instructions
that accompany all accessories. Improper use of
accessories may damage equipment or create a hazard.
Use Caution When Connecting or Disconnecting.
Improper usage may result in refrigerant burns (frostbite).
If a major refrigerant leak occurs, proceed immediately to a
well ventilated area. The hoses included with this unit are
supplied with valves that, when closed, prevent refrigerant
vapors from venting when disconnecting from the vehicle.
Use the Model 800 Series with the Specified
Refrigerants Only. See “Specifications” on page 2 for a
list of compatible refrigerants.
Operate the Unit Within the Design Environment. The
Model 800 series was designed to operate in a temperature
range from 40°F to 120°F. Do not operate the unit in a wet
location.
WARNING! Refrigerant, in liquid and vapor form, is a
potentially hazardous material. Please consult the
manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for
additional information and adhere to the safety guidelines in
the next column:
• Avoid breathing high concentrations of vapors.
• Use with sufficient ventilation to keep operator
exposure below recommended limits, especially in
enclosed and low-lying areas.
• Avoid contact of liquid refrigerant with the eyes and
prolonged skin exposure.
• Wear goggles and protective gloves.
• Do not attempt to operate this unit above 125°F
ambient temperature.
• Do not allow refrigerants to contact open flame.
Refrigerant decomposition in a flame results in
phosgene gas. Breathing phosgene gas can be fatal.
FIRST AID: If high concentrations of refrigerant are
inhaled, immediately remove the victim to fresh air. Call a
physician or emergency medical technician. Keep calm. If
not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is
difficult, give oxygen. Do not give epinephrine or similar
drugs.
• EYE: In case of liquid contact, immediately flush eyes
with plenty of water. Call a physician.
• SKIN: Flush with water. Treat for frostbite, if
necessary, by gently warming the affected area.
CAUTION! All refrigerant hoses, recovery tanks,
refrigerant lines, the Model 800, and other vessels
containing refrigerants should be handled as if under high
pressure.
General Safety Instructions

4
Component Location and Description
1. Tank Liquid Hose – 3’ red hose that connects from
the tank liquid connection on the unit to the liquid
connection on the recovery tank.
2. Tank Vapor Hose – 3’ blue hose that connects from
the tank vapor connection on the unit to the vapor
connection on the recovery tank.
3. Moisture Indicator – Indicates the level of moisture in
the system and when filter maintenance is needed.
4. Storage Tank – Stores recycled refrigerant.
5. Scale – Used to measure the amount of refrigerant
being recovered and charged.
6. 80% Tank Overfill Sensor Cord - Shuts off unit if tank
reaches 80% of capacity
7. Auto Low Side Hose – 8’ blue hose that connects to
the automobile’s low side.
8. Auto High Side Hose – 10’ red hose that connects to
the automobile’s high side.
9. Vacuum Pump (optional) – Used to dehydrate the A/C
System.
10. Oil Drain Bottle – Collects and measures contaminated
oil removed from the automobile’s A/C system.
11. Oil Inject Bottle – Contains new oil
12. Control Panel
– Contains the scale display and
switches that control each of the unit’s functions (see
page 6).
13. High Pressure Gauge – Shows the high side pressure
of the automobile’s A/C system.
14. Low Pressure Gauge – Shows the low side pressure of
the automobile’s A/C system.
15. Tank Refill Adapter (not shown) – Connects to the
virgin cylinder to refill storage tank (P/N 19153).
11
12
1314
10
7
8
1
2
5
6
4
9
6
7
8
9
10
11
5
3
1
2
4
3
1. Main Power Switch - Turns unit on and off.
2. Air Purge Gauge - Shows tank pressure.
3. Air Purge Switch - Used to purge non-condensable
gasses from tank.
4. Selector Switch - Used to change functions.
5. Status LED’s - Shows recover/recycle status.
6. Oil Drain/Oil Inject Switch - Used to drain and inject oil.
7. Scale LCD Display - Shows weight of refrigerant being
recovered or charged.
8. Scale Control Touch Pad - Used to control scale
functions (tare, charging and scale power).
9. Vacuum Timer - Used to set vacuum time.
10. High Pressure/Tank Full LED - LED illuminates when
tank is full or if the unit exceeds the high pressure limit
switch.
11. Pressure Temperature Chart - Used with the magnetic
thermometer to determine if non-condensable are
present in tank.
Control Panel Features
Control Panel
Rear View
Front View

5
Set Up Instructions
To ensure quick, successful integration of the equipment
into your shop, please follow these set-up procedures
before the first use of the unit.
1. Check the oil drain bottle to ensure it is empty.
2. Check and open the valves on the storage tank. If
the valve will not turn counter-clockwise and seems
to be completely open, verify it is actually open by
turning the valve clockwise one quarter turn.
3. Turn on the “Main Power Switch” at the upper left
hand corner of the control panel.
4. Turn scale on.
5. Press the “Tare “ key on the touch pad.
6. Connect tank of virgin refrigerant to the (blue) low side
hose using the provided tank refill adapter. Remember
to open the tank valve on the virgin tank. Turn the virgin
tank upside down for the refill procedure.
7. Place selector switch in the “Recovery/Recycle”
position.
8. Fill the storage tank on the unit with at least 10 lb. of
refrigerant. This will insure a fast and proper charge.
9. Disconnect the tank of virgin refrigerant and press the
“Tare “ key on the touch pad.
10. Fill vacuum pump with oil to the proper level (Models
39810/39820/39822/39823 only).
The RECOVER / RECYCLE function should be used to
fully recover all refrigerant from an air conditioning
system. For instance, if the system needs to be opened
to atmosphere to replace a part, all refrigerant must be
removed before opening the system.
Recover / Recycle Operational Steps
1. Connect the high and low side auto service hoses to
the respective high and low side service ports on the
automobile A/C system. Open the service hose valves.
NOTE: If desired, the gauges can now be used to aid
investigation of an A/C system problem. Ensure the
automobile A/C system is turned off prior to running
the unit.
2. Verify the automobile air conditioning system is off.
3. Turn on “Main Power Switch.”
4. Turn scale on—press the “TARE” key on the touch pad.
5. Place selector switch to the RECOVER / RECYCLE
position.
During the recovery operation, refrigerant is removed from
both the high and low side of the automobile air condition-
ing system. The LCD will display the amount of refrigerant
being recovered.
6. When the unit achieves the proper vacuum level the
RECOVERY COMPLETE LED will illuminate.
7. Monitor the unit for five minutes after the RECOVERY
COMPLETE LED illuminates to insure that all of the
refrigerant has been removed.
8. If the pressure rises above 0 psi, repeat steps 5-8.
Note: The vacuum cycle will not run if the system pressure
is above 0 psi.
9. Press the OIL DRAIN switch for 10 seconds to drain oil
recovered during the RECOVER / RECYCLE process.
10. Observe the amount of oil removed from the auto A/C
system.
11. After service has been performed make sure to inject
the proper amount and type of oil back into the system
(see oil injection procedure).
Recover / Recycle
Vacuum
The vacuum function is designed to remove moisture from
the automobile A/C system by pulling a deep vacuum.
This mode is most often used after completing a repair
which required opening the A/C system to the atmosphere.
Moisture in an A/C system can cause erratic operation and
must be removed before recharging the system with
refrigerant.
Vacuum Operation:
Connect the high and low side auto service hoses to
the respective high and low side service ports on the
automobile A/C system. Open the service hose valves.
NOTE: If desired, the gauges can now be used to aid
investigation of an A/C system problem. Ensure the
automobile A/C system is turned off prior to running
the unit.
3. Verify the automobile air conditioning system is off.
4. Turn on “Main Power Switch.”
5. Place the selector switch in the VACUUM position.
6. Rotate the VACUUM TIMER to desired vacuum time.
7. When the VACUUM cycle is complete the timer knob
will rotate to the off position.
8. Inject oil at this time (see oil injection procedure).
NOTE: Always evacuate the A/C system for at least 15
minutes to insure that you remove as much moisture and
contamination as possible.

6
This unit is equipped with a vacuum assisted oil injector.
The automobile A/C system must be in a vacuum to inject
oil into the A/C system. It is important to inject the proper
amount and type of oil into the automobile’s A/C system.
Refer to the OEM specifications for oil type and amount.
When replenishing the oil in the automobile’s A/C system
be sure to only inject the amount of oil that was removed
from the system during the recover/recycle process.
Oil Injection Steps:
1. Ensure that the automobile A/C system is in a vacuum.
2. Connect Low side (blue) hose to automobile.
3. Pour a few ounces more than the proper amount and
type of oil into the oil injection bottle.
4. Connect oil injection bottle to the oil injection assembly.
5. Press and hold the oil injection button
6. Release the button when the proper amount of oil has
been injected.
Charging
The “Charge Only” function is designed to add a precise
amount of refrigerant to the automobile’s A/C system .
You should always make sure that you have at least 8 lb
of refrigerant in the storage tank. Here is how to check the
amount of refrigerant you have in the storage tank:
1. Turn on the “Main Power Switch”.
2. Turn the scale on.
3. Remove the tank from the scale.
4. Press the TARE key on the scale touch pad.
5. Place the tank on the scale.
6. The scale LCD should show the gross weight of the
tank and the refrigerant.
Subtract 26 lbs. (tank weight) from the gross weight this
will give you the amount of refrigerant in the tank.
Charging Process
1. Connect the high and low side auto service hoses to
the respective high and low side service ports on the
automobile A/C system. Open the service hose valves.
NOTE: If desired, the gauges of the unit can now be
used to aid investigation of an A/C system problem.
Ensure the automobile A/C system is turned off prior to
running the unit.
2. Ensure that the automobile A/C system is in a vacuum.
3. Press the CHARGE key on the scale touch pad.
4. Enter the charge amount using the UP and DOWN
arrows on the scale touch pad.
4. Press the CHARGE key to set the charge amount and
to begin the charging process.
NOTE: Once the charge process begins you can press the
CHARGE key again to begin a HOLD function. Pressing
the CHARGE key again will restart the charging process
again.
In the event that the automobile’s A/C system does not
accept the full charge it may be necessary to start the
automobile and use the A/C compressor to pull in the
remainder of the charge. Once the desired charge amount
is met the flow of refrigerant will stop automatically.
Oil Injection
Oil Maintenance
The oil should be checked for contamination and proper oil
level at least every three months. The proper oil charge is
7.6 ounces or 225 cc’s of Arctic 22 Castrol SW 22 POE oil.
Instructions for Oil Maintenance
Oil Level Check
1. Place unit on a level surface and run a recovery cycle
with the unit.
2. Unplug unit.
3. Remove the front cover of unit.
4. Remove oil port cap on compressor.
Note: High pressure may be present, remove cap slowly.
5. Oil should drip out of oil drain port.
6. If oil runs out of port rapidly, allow to drain.
7. Replace oil port cap and cover.
8. Dispose of oil properly.
Oil Replacement Procedure
1. Follow steps 1 thru 4 in the oil level check.
2. Tilt unit at 45° angle towards oil drain port until all oil
has been drained.
3. Refill with proper amount and type of oil listed in the oil
check section.
4. Replace oil port cap and cover.
5. Dispose of oil properly.
Note: Failure to
follow the oil
maintenance
instructions can
cause the
compressor to
overfill with oil and
severely damage
the compressor.
Oil
Drain
Port

7
Maintenance
Following the recommended maintenance schedule will
insure proper operation and many years of trouble free
operation.
Filter Drier – The filter drier should be replaced after ten
hours of use or after 100 pounds of refrigerant processed.
Follow these simple steps to replace the filter drier:
1. Recover the refrigerant from the system.
2. Remove the front cover.
3. Slowly remove and replace the “O”-ring and filter drier .
4. Check for leaks around the filter drier.
5. Replace the front cover.
Air Purge Operation
The air purge feature allows you to purge off non-
condensable gasses from the storage tank. This is done
with a push of a button making it very easy to use. Follow
these simple instructions to perform the air purge operation:
1. Using the magnetic thermometer determine the tank
temperature.
2. Match temperature reading with the pressure
temperature chart provided on the front of the machine.
3. Observe the air purge indicator gauge.
4. If the reading on the on the air purge indicator is higher
than the number on the pressure temperature chart
press and release the air purge switch until the pressure
reading matches the pressure temperature chart.
Note: The best time to perform the air purge operation is at
the beginning of the day. This will allow the tank to return to
room temperature and give you the most accurate readings.
Example– (R-134a) The tank temperature is 75°F and the air
purge indicator is reading 140 psi. You should purge the
storage tank until the air purge indicator reads 79 psi.
NOTE: When reading the pressure temperature chart always
round the number up to prevent releasing any refrigerant into
the atmosphere.
Problem Possible Cause Possible Solution
Unit will not start Electrical outlet not energized Check outlet for power
Circuit breaker tripped Reset circuit breaker if extension cord
is present make sure it is the proper
gauge
Main power switch not on Turn on main power switch
Unit will not recover
refrigerant
Valves not open on automobile Open valves on automobile
Vapor port on storage tank not open Open vapor port on storage tank
Compressor not operating Call technical service
Unit will not charge
refrigerant
Valve on connection to automobile not
open
Open valve to automobile
Liquid valve on storage tank not open Open liquid valve on storage tank
Pressures equalized in automobile Start automobile
Storage tank empty Refill storage tank
Valve closed on storage tank Open valve on storage tank
Leak Check all hose and fitting connections
Vacuum pump power switch is turned
off
Turn on power switch to vacuum
pump
* If unit has optional
vacuum pump
Isolation valve closed on vacuum
pump
Open isolation valve on vacuum pump * If unit has optional
vacuum pump
Contaminated oil in compressor or
vacuum pump
Change oil
Unit will not achieve a
vacuum
For any other issues call for technical support at 1-800-769-8370 or 952-943-1333.
Troubleshooting

8
Recovery Division
6701 W. 110th Street
Bloomington, MN 55438 USA
Phone: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Web Site: www.yellowjacket.com
Printed in U.S.A 02/06 FK P/N 380456
1. LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY PARTS AND LABOR
Each YELLOW JACKET Model is warranted by YELLOW JACKET to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for
fifteen months from the date of manufacture or twelve months from the date of purchase. If found defective upon inspection
by YELLOW JACKET , the unit will be repaired or replaced by YELLOW JACKET and/or a replacement part may be
shipped free of charge. YELLOW JACKET will return your equipment prepaid freight, provided it is delivered prepaid to
YELLOW JACKET.
2. GENERAL WARRANTY CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS
This warranty does not cover hoses, fittings and attachments or any field labor for inspection, removal, transportation, and
any other labor costs due to a unit defect. Replacement or repair under this warranty shall not extend beyond the warranty
time limits stated in Sections I and II. This warranty is extended to protect the user from equipment defects only and
YELLOW JACKET assumes no liability under the terms of this warranty for part failures due to misapplication, improper
operation, improper maintenance, equipment abuse, excessive contamination levels in refrigeration circuit, improper
voltage, or acts of God. YELLOW JACKET neither assumes nor authorizes any person to assume for it any obligation or
warranty other than those stated herein, any suggestion to the contrary notwithstanding. This warranty covers the
continental U.S. Outside the continental U.S., other limitations to shipping and handling may apply.
4. LIMITATIONS OF WARRANTY
It is expressly understood that this warranty is made in lieu of any other representations, conditions, and warranties,
expressed or implied, including but not limited to those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose whether
arising from statue, common law, custom or otherwise, and that the procedure set forth in this limited warranty shall be the
exclusive remedy available to any person notwithstanding the preceding sentence.
5. CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
YELLOW JACKET shall not in any event be liable for incidental or consequential damages arising out of the ownership, use
or operation of this equipment, whether a claim for such damages is based upon warranty, contract, tort or otherwise.
Some states do not allow exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion
may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
KEEP THIS WARRANTY FOR YOUR RECORDS
CERTIFICATE OF LIMITED WARRANTY