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Recovery and Recycling of Refrigerants

When servicing an A/C system, the refrigerant that is in the system must be drawn from the system into a storage container. Before this is done, assure yourself that the system is not contaminated. Find out the vehicle's service history, if possible. If the vehicle has been to several shops to cure a mysterious A/C problem, be extremely wary. Inspect the service fittings for signs of tampering. Makeshift or damaged fittings could indicate tampering and possible contamination. If your shop has a Refrigerant Identifier, such as the one sold by Snap-On, connect the Refrigerant Identifier to the system. If it identifies a flammable gas, or a mixture of refrigerants, or a refrigerant other than what the system was designed for, you may want to refuse to service the system. If the Refrigerant Identifier shows excessive air, the air can be removed from the refrigerant by using a recycling machine with a non-condensable purge.

The recovery equipment must have shutoff valves within 12" of the hoses' service ends. With valves closed, connect the hoses to the vehicle's A/C service fittings. Recover the refrigerant, continuing until the vehicle's system shows a vacuum instead of pressure. Turn off the recovery/recycling unit for at least five minutes. If the system still has pressure, repeat the recovery process to remove any remaining refrigerant. Continue until the A/C system holds a stable vacuum for two minutes. Then close the service equipment valves and disconnect the hoses. Measure the recovered oil and replace it with the same amount and type.