Refrigerant System Evacuate

CAUTION: Special effort must be used to prevent moisture from entering the A/C system oil. Moisture in the oil is very difficult to remove and will cause a reliability problem with the compressor.

NOTE: If a 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 compressor be used. This will eliminate the possibility of contaminating the refrigerant system.


MOISTURE IN THE 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 air conditioner and damage the compressor. Moisture will boil at near room temperature when exposed to vacuum.

NOTE: When connecting the service equipment coupling to the line fitting, verify that the valve of the coupling is fully closed. This will reduce the amount of effort required to make the connection. If connection is still difficult to make refer to TSB #24-02-93.

EVACUATING SYSTEM
1. Connect a suitable charging station, refrigerant recovery machine, and a manifold gauge set with vacuum pump.
2. 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 -88 kPa (-26 in. Hg) vacuum or greater for 45 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.
3. Close all valves. Turn off and disconnect the vacuum pump.

The refrigerant system is prepared to be charged with refrigerant.