My compressor failed so I am replacing it with a new one. I have all the
necessary tools - vacuum pump, manifold gauges, flush kit, compressed air.
I have read the Haynes Airconditioning manual, but I still have a few
questions.
The manual mentions that the whole system can be flushed at once by blowing
the solvent through the low-side hose and collecting it at the high-side
hose. I don't understand how this will remove the contaminants. Won't the
contaminants and the solvents remain trapped at the low points in the
system? I do not see how the entire system could be flushed without
flushing all the parts and hoses separately.
I am unclear about the oil. My new R134 bottle says the oil is included.
Does that mean I won't have to mix any oil to the refrigirent. What about
the compressor? Does it need separate oil? I don't see any oil reservoirs
on the compressor where I can add oil.
Advice is appreciated.
> My compressor failed so I am replacing it with a new one. I have all the
> necessary tools - vacuum pump, manifold gauges, flush kit, compressed air.
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> system? I do not see how the entire system could be flushed without
> flushing all the parts and hoses separately.
It can't. To do it right you have to take everything apart, and throw away
the
dryer or accumulator (depending on which one you have) and throw away
the orifice tube or expansion valve, depending on what you have, and replace
them.
replace ALL o-rings with new ones, and make sure they are the o rings
that won't disintegrate in the presence of PAG oil. (get them from an AC
shop)
If this was an R12 system, it won't have barrier hose. You can use the
existing hose if your a cheapskate (I was) but it will leak at a very low
level (ie: you will have to refill the system probably once a year) This
trick only works because the existing hose already has a little bit
of oil driven deep into the rubber and that helps to seal the hose - brand
new non-barrier hose will leak like crazy if you use it in a R134a
system.
Also if this was an R12 system it will not be as cool. Where you will
really notice this is when airflow through the condensor unit is low,
such as at idle. You can replace the condensor with an aftermarket one
that is more efficient, like a parallel flow unit, which will restore
cooling.
Fush each tube including the flex lines with at least a quart of mineral
spirits
and run at least a minute of compressed air through to dry out the mineral
spirits.
There is a flush gun that makes this process much easier, that you can buy.
Make absolutely sure that the compressed air your running through
this is dry, not oiled. (many people run oilers on their compressed
air lines to keep the air tools lubed) Also make sure it's got a water
trap.
> I am unclear about the oil. My new R134 bottle says the oil is included.
Return the refrigerant to the store. The pre-mixed stuff is rediculous.
Since this is a new system and your R134a you want to use PAG oil.
Ester oil is for retrofits where they are not replacing the compressor or
taking anything apart, and crossing their fingers and hoping the works don't
blow over the mountain.
There are 3 different PAG oils If your system came from the factory with
R134 in it, there will be a sticker somewhere specifing which grade of PAG
to use. If yours is previously a R12 system, then it probably doesen't
matter
much which PAG oil you use.
> Does that mean I won't have to mix any oil to the refrigirent. What about
> the compressor? Does it need separate oil? I don't see any oil reservoirs
> on the compressor where I can add oil.
When you do this, once you have the system completely bone dry, and all
the hoses back together, before you put the compressor in, pour a little oil
into it's ports and turn the compressor to distribute the oil inside, so the
startup isn't dry. Once the compressor is fitted, if you have a system like
a
GM system where it's got an expansion valve, before you put the valve in
you can use a funnel and pour the oil down in there. (since the pipe
points up) the oil mostly hangs out in the accumulator or dryer, so
you can also pour it in there.
Pull a vacuum on the system for at least 2-3 hours. Overnight if you
can, is even better. This will remove residual water as well as boil the
water out of the PAG oil (which will suck it up wherever it can get it)
Ted
asarangan@myrealbox.com - 11 Jul 2005 13:39 GMT
Those are very valuable pieces of information that even the Haynes
manual did not mention. Thank you very much. I will be attempting this
work in the next few days, and will post the outcome.