contaminant particles. They must be flushed with a liquid. Some refrigerants are better suited for this purpose than others.

R-11 and R-113 are suited for use with special flushing equipment. Both have rather high vaporization points - 74.7F for R-11 and 117.6F for R-l 13. Both refrigerants also have low closed container pressures. This reduces the danger of an accidental system discharge to a ruptured hose or fitting. R-113 will do the best job and is recommended as a flushing refrigerant. Both R-11 and R-113 require a propellant or a pump type of flushing equipment due to their low closed container pressures. R-11 is available in pressurized containers. Although not recommended for regular use, it may become necessary to use R-11 if special flushing equipment is not available. It is more toxic than other refrigerants, and it should be handled with extra care. Currently new refrigerants are being developed to replace R-11 and R-113 because these refrigerants will be phased out by the year 2000.

CAUTION

Use extreme care and adhere to all safety precautions related to the use of refrigerants when flushing a system.

System Cleaning and Flushing

When it is necessary to flush a refrigerant system, the suction accumulator/drier must be removed and replaced, as it is impossible to clean. Remove the fixed orifice tube. If a new tube is available, replace the contaminated one; otherwise, wash it carefully in flushing refrigerant or mineral spirits and blow it dry. If it does not show signs of damage or deterioration, it may be reused. Install new O rings.

Any moisture in the evaporator will be removed during leak testing and system evacuation following the cleaning job. Perform each step of the cleaning procedure carefully as outlined below.

1. Check the hose connections at the flushing cylinder outlet and flushing nozzle to ensure they are secure.

2. Ensure the flushing cylinder is filled with approximately 1 pint of R-113 and that the valve assembly on top of the cylinder is tightened securely.

3. Connect a can of R-12 or R-134a to the Schrader valve at the top of the charging cylinder. A refrigerant hose and a special, safety type of refrigerant dispensing valve are required for connecting the small can to the cylinder. Ensure all connections are secure.

4. Connect a gauge manifold and a discharge system. Disconnect the gauge manifold.

5. Remove and discard the suction accumulator/ drier. Install a new accumulator/drier and connect it to the evaporator. Do not connect it to the suction line from the compressor. Ensure a protective cap is in place on the suction line connection.

6. Replace the fixed orifice tube. Install a protective cap on the evaporator inlet tube as soon as the new orifice tube is in place. The liquid line will be connected later.

7. Remove the compressor from the vehicle for cleaning and servicing or replacement, whichever is required. If the compressor is cleaned and serviced, add the specified amount of refrigerant oil before installing it on the mounting brackets in the vehicle. Install the shipping caps on the compressor connections. Install a new compressor on the mounting brackets in the vehicle.

8. Back flush the condenser and the liquid line as follows:

a. Remove two O rings from the condenser inlet tube spring lock coupling.

b. Remove the discharge hose from the condenser and clamp a piece of (1/2-inch ID) heater hose to the condenser inlet line. Ensure the hose is long enough to insert the free end into a suitable waste container to catch the flushing refrigerant.

c. Move the flushing equipment into position and open the valve on the can of R-12 or R-134a (fully counterclockwise).

d. Back flush the condenser and the liquid line by introducing flushing refrigerant into the supported end of the liquid line with the flushing nozzle. Hold the nozzle firmly against the open end of the liquid line.

e. After the liquid line and condenser have been flushed, lay the charging cylinder on its side so R-12 or R-134a will not force more of the flushing refrigerant into the liquid line. Press the nozzle firmly to the liquid line and admit the R-12 or R-134a to force all of the flushing refrigerant from the liquid line and condenser.

f. Remove the 1/2-inch hose and clamp from the condenser inlet connection.