Hi:
Which refridgerant, R12 or R134a, has a tendency to create some sort of acid when it comes in contact with moisture?
Reason I ask is that my R-134a A/C system has a leak in it and I'm sure moisture has entered the system. The type of oil used is Ester and the leak occurred about a year ago. (I know, I know, but I've been busy).
What do you guys think? Thanks.
-------------------------
'98 328i
R-12 is the one that can react with moisture to form strong acids. The chlorine atom in the R-12 is less tightly bound to the refrigerant than the fluorines. R-134a does not have any chlorine, so does not react with moisture.
On the other hand, some R-134a systems use POE "oil" . POE is not a true "oil" that is non-polar. POE is hygroscopic. It sucks moisture out of the air. The wet POE doesn't lubricate well. The water in the POE corrodes AC parts.
If the system is at 0 psig. Pressurize it with Nitrogen, find and fix the leak. Replace the Receiver Dryer or Accumulator add back some "oil" and recharge.
I have a question that might fit in this thread: what to do about oil left inside the manifold hoses? It's going to absorb water and carry it into the system next time the gauges are used. This can be minimized if the gauge set is kept will all fitting tightened and valves shut, but that wouldn't be good for the seals, right? I know this is more of a concern, if any, for DIYers, who use their gauges infrequently.
So should I disconnect ALL of the components and flush out the old oil? I hope not!
I found the leak, which is a crack on one of the condensor's tubes. I imagine any kind of moisture that got in through the crack would be minimal, and since the condensor will be replaced, will I be ok using the oil that's in the system?
Is Ester oil the same as POE?
Thanks guys.
-------------------------
'98 328i
There was a guy that used to say PAG would eat your whole vehicle apart in 3 years. Even if the system was never opened thus the shorter warranty offered by the manufactures . As with much of the "information" provided these days you need to use more then one or two sources. Heck the other day on another forum I read about how great sealers were for the poor and broke!Poster stated these products were great for someone trying to get their system working and anyone saying differently needed to use the products. Well how many times have we read posts about sealers causing huge system issues after being used? Well after reading those posts and real data on the products. I say the only one that benefited from the use of a sealer was the sales representatives bank account, which is fine. But might not hurt to inform readers that their is some dangers when using such a product. instead of making it sound like its a life saver without hazards!
-------------------------
Test Specimen,
I have a very rare ALL-Electric S10-EV that was produced in 1998 by General Motors. I'm having some A/C and Heat Pump problems with it, and I'd love to hear a little of your expertise on auto a/c before I finish up the work I'm doing. I'm very impressed with your deep knowledge. If you're still on this forum, can you send me an email to nielsen--at--spamcop--dot--net? I'd be extremely grateful.
Thanks,
Niel
We've updated our forums!
Click here to visit the new forum
Copyright © 2016 Arizona Mobile Air Inc.