A/C System Evacuation
A/C System Evacuation
CAUTION
- Air conditioning refrigerant or lubricant vapor can irritate your eyes, nose, or throat.
- Be careful when connecting service equipment.
- Do not breathe refrigerant or vapor.
NOTE:
- If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate the work area before resuming service.
- Additional health and safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
- Do not allow moisture to contaminate the A/C system oil. Moisture in the oil is difficult to remove, and it can damage the A/C compressor.
1. When an A/C System has been opened to the atmosphere, such as during installation or repair, it must be evacuated using an R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging station. If the system has been open for several days, replace the receiver/dryer, then evacuate the system for several hours before charging it.
2. Connect an R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging station (A) to the high-pressure service port (B) and the low-pressure service port (C), as shown, following the equipment manufacturer's instructions. Recover the refrigerant, if any, from the A/C system A/C Refrigerant Recovery.
3. Evacuate the system. The vacuum pump should run for a minimum of 45 minutes to eliminate all moisture from the system. When the suction gauge reads -93.3 kPa (-700 mmHg, -27.6 inHg) for at least 45 minutes, close all valves, and turn off the vacuum pump.
4. If the suction gauge does not reach approximately -93.3 kPa (-700 mmHg, -27.6 inHg) in 15 minutes, there is probably a leak in the system. Partially charge the system, and check for leaks A/C Refrigerant Leak Check.