A/C System Flushing
Use Rotunda A/C Refrigerant System Flushing Kit 014-00990 or equivalent.
WARNING: THIS EQUIPMENT IS DESIGNED TO BE USED ONLY WITH THE FORD A/C SYSTEM FLUSHING SOLVENT F4AZ-19579-A. USE OF OTHER SOLVENTS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND THE FLUSHER.
DO NOT LET THE FLUSHING SOLVENT F4AZ-19579-A COME IN CONTACT WITH YOUR EYES OR SKIN. IF EYE CONTAMINATION OCCURS, FLUSH EYES WITH WATER FOR 15 TO 20 SECONDS. REMOVE CONTAMINATED CLOTHING, AND WASH AFFECTED SKIN WITH SOAP AND WATER. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.
Vehicles that have an inoperative A/C compressor due to internal causes should have the refrigerant system cleaned by flushing or filtering. This removes any debris or contaminants that may be present, preventing damage to the replacement A/C compressor.
System flushing is the preferred method of cleaning. However, if flushing equipment is not available, system filtering may be performed as an alternative.
System flushing should be performed prior to the installation of the replacement A/C compressor. Flush only the A/C evaporator core and A/C condenser core. Suction accumulator/drier, A/C evaporator core orifice, hoses and mufflers cannot be flushed. Hoses can be reused unless they contain debris.
The flushing procedure is a two-step process which involves:
1. Circulating the flushing solvent through the A/C evaporator core or A/C condenser core, filtering particulate material from the returning solvent and returning the filtered solvent into the reservoir for continued circulation.
2. Removing the flushing solvent from the A/C evaporator core or A/C condenser core being cleaned. In this step of the procedure, pressurized air (620-860 kPa [90-125 psi]) is used to push and evaporate any remaining flushing solvent.
The Rotunda A/C Refrigerant System Flusher 014-00991 is a closed loop device which contains the following principle components:
^ An enclosed reservoir for the flushing solvent. The reservoir is equipped with both fill and drain plugs.
^ A pneumatic pump which is used to circulate the flushing solvent.
^ A particulate filter which removes debris from the returning flushing solvent.
^ Flush/purge valves which switch the flushing device from circulation mode to the purge mode of operation.
^ Reservoir mounted venting device which filters/traps flushing solvent vapors, minimizing the release of any flushing solvent vapors to the atmosphere.
^ Fittings which allow the A/C flusher to be connected to the A/C evaporator core and A/C condenser core.
^ Pressurized air processing system which attaches to a shop air supply, making the air suitable for use in the purging operation.
^ The air processing system contains the following components:
^ connection to a pressurized air supply 620-860 kPa (90-125 psi shop air)
^ condenser unit which allows moisture to be removed from the pressurized air supply
^ orifice to meter air through the condenser
^ a coalescent-type outlet moisture trap
^ a purge air supply valve capable of being fixed in the full flow mode of operation
CAUTION: Use extreme care and observe all safety and service precautions related to the use of refrigerants. Failure to do so could contribute to environmental pollution.
1. Before removing any refrigerant system components, recover the system refrigerant.
2. Disconnect the A/C refrigerant lines from the A/C evaporator core or A/C condenser core.
3. Remove A/C evaporator core orifice and suction accumulator/drier from A/C evaporator core.
4. Clean all dirt and debris from the fittings on the A/C evaporator core or A/C condenser core to be flushed.
5. Select the proper fittings, clean and lubricate connections and securely attach fittings to the A/C evaporator core or A/C condenser core. O-rings must be used with these fittings for proper leak-free connections.
6. NOTE: All flushing/purging will be performed in the direction opposite the normal flow of refrigerant in an operating A/C system.
a. When flushing the A/C condenser core, connect the flusher outlet hose to the liquid side fitting. This fitting can be identified as being normally connected by hose to the A/C evaporator core. Connect the return hose to the other fitting.
b. When flushing the A/C evaporator core, connect the flusher outlet hose to the suction fitting. This fitting can be identified as being normally connected by hose to the A/C compressor. Connect the return hose to the other fitting.
CAUTION: The gallon of solvent and the filter used in this flusher are intended for use on ONE vehicle only. They may be used to flush both A/C evaporator core and A/C condenser core on an individual vehicle, but under no circumstances should they be used on more than one vehicle. Residual contamination may contaminate other vehicles, causing possible damage to A/C system components.
7. Place the flusher on the garage floor and service flusher with 3.8 liters (one gallon) of Ford A/C System Flushing Solvent F4AZ-19579-A and a new Motorcraft filter FL-1A.
8. Connect the static ground strap to vehicle engine ground.
9. Verify the purge air supply valve is released from its locked-on position. Place valve No. 1 in PURGE position. Place valve No. 2 in FLUSH position. Attach the shop air supply to the flush quick coupler.
10. SLOWLY turn valve No. 1 to FLUSH position.
Observe for flush solvent flow through the outlet hose.
a. If the pump stalls during operation, remove air supply immediately. Pump stalling may occur as a result of large particulate debris.
b. To dislodge debris which impedes pump operation, connect air supply to purge quick coupler and gradually depress the purge air supply valve to force debris and flush solvent back into the reservoir.
c. Reconnect air supply to flush quick coupler and observe for flow.
d. Let the flusher pump run for a minimum of 15 minutes to flush all debris and dissolve any gummy oil residues which may be present in the component being flushed.
11. After 15 minutes of continuous operation, return valve No. 1 to PURGE position.
12. Disconnect shop air hose from flush quick coupler.
13. Attach the shop air hose to purge quick coupler. Gradually engage the purge air supply valve to full flow for approximately one minute to remove the majority of the flushing agent from the component being flushed.
14. Stop all purge air flow by releasing the purge air supply valve lever
15. Place valve No. 2 in the PURGE position.
16. Gradually engage the purge air supply valve and lock in FULL FLOW position.
CAUTION: Failure to continue air purge to the entire 30 minutes as specified may result in residual amounts of flush solvent contaminating the A/C system. Residual flush solvent in a functioning A/C system may lead to A/C system failure.
17. Allow the system air purge to continue for a minimum of 30 minutes.
18. During the 30 minute air purge, periodically observe the outlet moisture trap on the A/C flusher. Drain any water buildup using the petcock-type valve located on the bottom of the moisture trap.
19. After completion of the 30 minute air purge, release the purge air supply valve to stop all air flow.
20. Disconnect the shop air supply from the A/C flusher.
21. Disconnect the A/C flusher hoses from the flushed A/C evaporator core or A/C condenser core.
22. Disconnect the static ground strap. Move the A/C flusher away from the vehicle.
23. Disconnect the A/C flusher fittings from the A/C evaporator core or A/C condenser core.
24. Repeat steps 1-23 to flush the remaining A/C evaporator core or A/C condenser core.
25. Drain the flushing solvent from the A/C flusher reservoir and replace the particulate filter with a new Motorcraft filter (FL-1A). If the filter is difficult to remove, use Oil Filter Wrench D79L-6731-B or equivalent to loosen it.
26. Dispose of the drained flushing solvent and filter according to federal, state and local regulations.
CAUTION: Service each replacement A/C component with refrigerant oil while making sure the total amount of oil added to the system equals the oil capacity specification for the vehicle.
27. Install replacement A/C compressor, suction accumulator/drier and A/C evaporator core orifice.
28. Evacuate and charge the system.
29. Check operation of the system in all control function selector positions.