Refrigerant System Recovery: Notes
The R-134a refrigerant must be recovered from the A/C system prior to performing any repairs that require disconnection of an A/C refrigerant line.
When recovering the A/C refrigerant system, use an R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging station (1) that meets SAE standard J2788. Per SAE standard J2788, refrigerant recovery stations must recover 95% of the refrigerant system within 30 minutes at 21.1° C (70° F) and be able to measure the amount of refrigerant removed from the system to an accuracy of 28 grams (1 oz.). See the operating instructions supplied by the equipment manufacturer for proper care and use of this equipment.
A/C system should be tested prior to refrigerant recovery if the use of A/C system sealants are suspected. These sealants have the potential to clog refrigerant recovery equipment and cause vehicle A/C component damage. Various tool manufacturers make tool kits that detect A/C system sealants. See the operating instructions supplied by the equipment manufacturer for proper care and use of this equipment.
If sealants are detected in an A/C system, the system should be treated as contaminated and replacement of the entire A/C refrigerant system is recommended. A/C systems found to be contaminated with A/C system sealers, A/C stop-leak products or seal conditioners void the warranty for the A/C system.