Maintaining Chemical Stability

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

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

Follow the following general practices 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 dirt entering the system when disconnecting a hose.

All air contains moisture. Air that enters any part of the refrigeration system will carry moisture into the refrigeration system. The exposed surfaces will quickly collect the moisture.

Perform the following steps in order to prevent dirt or moisture from entering the hose connection:
- Cap both sides of the connection
- Plug both sides of the connection
- Tape both sides of the connection
^ Keep the tools clean and dry, including the manifold gauge set. Keep the replacement parts clean and dry.
^ Ensure that the container/transfer tube through which the oil flows is exceptionally clean and dry when adding PAG refrigerant oil.
^ Ensure the refrigerant oil is free of moisture.
^ Have everything needed ready prior to opening the air conditioning system. Do not leave the air conditioning system open any longer than necessary.
^ Properly evacuate the air conditioning system before recharging the air conditioning system anytime the air conditioning system is open.