Refrigerant System Evacuate
If an A/C compressor designed to use R-134a refrigerant is left open to the atmosphere for an extended period of time, it is recommended that the refrigerant oil be drained and replaced with new oil, or a new A/C compressor be used. This will eliminate the possibility of contaminating the refrigerant system.
If the refrigerant system has been open to the atmosphere, it must be evacuated before the system can be filled. Moisture and air mixed with the refrigerant will raise the compressor head pressure above acceptable operating levels. This will reduce the performance of the A/C system and damage the A/C compressor. Moisture will boil at near room temperature when exposed to vacuum. Use the following procedure to evacuate the refrigerant system:
- Recover the refrigerant system. See Heating and Air Conditioning/Plumbing - Standard Procedure .
- Connect a suitable charging station, refrigerant recovery machine or a manifold gauge set with vacuum pump and refrigerant recovery equipment. See Heating and Air Conditioning/Plumbing - Standard Procedure .
- Open the suction and discharge valves and start the vacuum pump. The vacuum pump should run a minimum of 45 minutes prior to charge to eliminate all moisture in system. When the suction gauge reads to the lowest degree of vacuum possible (approximately -88 kPa (- 26 in. Hg) or greater) for 30 minutes, close all valves and turn off vacuum pump. If the system fails to reach specified vacuum, the refrigerant system likely has a leak that must be corrected. If the refrigerant system maintains specified vacuum for at least 30 minutes, start the vacuum pump, open the suction and discharge valves. Then allow the system to evacuate an additional 10 minutes.
- Close all valves. Turn off and disconnect the vacuum pump.
- Charge the refrigerant system. See Heating and Air Conditioning/Plumbing - Standard Procedure .