Refrigerant Oil: Service Precautions

The life and and efficient operation of the air conditioning system depends upon the chemical stability of the refrigerant system. Refrigerant-134a and Polyalkaline Glycol (PAG) refrigerant oil's stability changes when the following materials contaminate the refrigeration system:
^ Dirt
^ Air
^ Moisture

The foreign materials will cause the following to occur:
^ Affect the pressure-temperature relationship
^ Reduce efficiency
^ Cause internal corrosion
^ Abnormal wear of moving parts

The following general practices should be followed in order to ensure chemical stability in the system:
^ Wipe away any dirt or oil at or near the connection in order to eliminate the possibility of dint entering the system when disconnecting a hose.
Perform the following at both sides of the connection in order to prevent dirt or moisture entering the hose connection
^ Cap both sides of the connection
^ Plug both sides of the connection
^ Tape both sides of the connection
^ Keep the manifold gauge set clean and dry. Keep the replacement pants clean and dry.
^ Ensure that the container/transfer tube through which the oil flows is exceptionally clean and dry.
^ Ensure the refrigerant oil is free of moisture.
^ Have everything needed ready when opening the air conditioning system. Do NOT leave the air conditioning system open any longer than necessary.
^ Properly evacuate the open air conditioning system before recharging the air conditioning system.