Air Condition Flush

[toboris_w]

I am trying to get my 190E AC back in action. What is the best chemical to use when flushing Air condition lines and a condenser? I have heard brake cleaner and rubbing alcohol will do the job.

Thanks

TW

[Kestas]

Brake cleaner, lacquer thinner, alcohol..... really any solvent that will carry away the contaminants and old lubricant, and leave no residue.

For economy, most use mineral spirits for the bulk of the flush, then finish with one of the abovementioned solvents, since mineral spirits leave a residue.

[Mr Goodwrench]

The best chemical for flushing any auto a/c system is a/c flush which can be purchased at your local auto parts retailer.....although it can be a little pricey. The second best solution is to use denatured alcohol which can be found almost anywhere--wal-mart,local drug store,etc..-a couple of quarts should do the job nicely.be sure to back-flush the system(reverse flow from normal refrigirant path)and make sure to use your compressed air and shop blow gun to force all of the flush and contaminants out of the system before reassembly.the flush should come out clear when clean.--oh yeah--don those safety glasses! hope that helps..

[Meza]

There is a flush kit you can buy for about $30 (Do a search online for A/C flush kit). You will need an air compressor. It's nothing but a bottle with a T-fiting. One end has an adapter to your air hose (quick disconnect)and the other end has a hose with small rubber tipped nozzle/blower. You fill the can with the cleaner cleaner. Do not use alcohol in the can. If you do, you pretty much have a bomb unless you use an inert gas like Nitrogen. Use either A/C flush solution (about $50) or mineral spirits (about $4) from anystore (Wal-mart has it). One way to make sure all cleaner/flushing material is out of the line or condensor..etc, is to close one end of the line with your thump and intoduce air pressure on the other end. Then, let go your thumb to release pressure. that will push your flush material and dirt out. Repeat it several time until the air coming out feels dry.
Good Luck,

[toboris_w]

I really do appreciate the guidance. I am going to start disassembling the AC system this week.

Thanks A Lot,

TBW