Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

CharliePrime on Tue September 13, 2011 10:48 AM

Year: 2000
Make: Honda
Model: CR-V, 1st Generation
Engine Size: 2000cc
Refrigerant Type: R134a
Ambient Temp: 104today

Which of these cheap solvents would work best for flushing my lines and evaporator?

Laquer Thinner $8 per quart

Naptha $13 per quart

Mineral Spirits $14 per quart

Acetone $17 per quart

Xylol $20 per quart

Methyl Ethyl Ketone $22 per quart

By "works best" I mean, breaks up contaminants and evaporates out 100%.

Any opinions appreciated!

robs on Tue September 13, 2011 6:02 PM

If you do the math, most of those are more expensive than buying a gallon or half gallon of the Hecat Safe Flush. So none of the above is my answer.

Edited: Tue September 13, 2011 at 6:04 PM by robs

HECAT on Thu September 15, 2011 8:31 AM

You will need to evaluate the compatibility with refrigerant oils so you know it will disolve the oils and oil residues. Example: Mineral spirits is ineffective on PAG & POE oils.

You will need to evaluate the compatibility with the common metal and elastomer materials. Example: Is the MEK going to damage seals or hoses; or is the chosen solvent corrosive to certain metals?

Since the most common flushing methods involve the use of air to drive the solvent cleaning process; the boiling point (BP) of the chosen solvent must be high enough to remain liquid for flushing, yet low enough to dry out with a good blow. Example: Trying to blow a highly evaporative HFC based solvent with the BP below about 150 degree F is futile, as it just gasses imediately.

All solvents leave residue. You will need to know how much residue remains and what these residues will do in the reassembled system. Example: Oils turning to goo, oil dillution, acids, corrosion, etc.

Then you should evaluate the health and flammabilty risks. Example: Not good when the wife finds you out cold in the garage, or they find your charred remains in the ashes (I'm serious).

Of your list, I can only recommend the mineral spirits for mineral oil removal only.

IMOH, There is no poor mans answer, other than to roll the windows down. The A/C system is an expensive comfort option, and spending the money, time, and effort to repair it properly is the only way to go.

Sorry for any spelling errors, the spell checker does not seem to be working.

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FLUSHING TECHNICAL PAPER vs2.pdf 

Edited: Thu September 15, 2011 at 8:33 AM by HECAT

TRB on Thu September 15, 2011 11:07 AM

They are wroking on the Spell check again Karl.

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