A/C System Flushing

A/C Flusher:

Special Tools

WARNING: USE EXTREME CARE AND OBSERVE ALL SAFETY AND SERVICE PRECAUTIONS RELATED TO THE USE OF REFRIGERANTS.

WARNING: DUE TO REFRIGERANT HAZARDS, ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES AND NON-PENETRABLE GLOVES WHEN WORKING ON OR FLUSHING A/C SYSTEMS.

CAUTION: The A/C refrigerant analyzer 198-00001 or equivalent must be used before the recovery of any vehicle's A/C refrigerant. Failure to do so puts shop's bulk refrigerant at risk of contamination. If the vehicle's A/C refrigerant is contaminated, refer the customer to the service facility that performed the last A/C service. If the customer wishes to pay the additional cost, use the A/C recovery equipment that is designated for recovering contaminated A/C refrigerant. All contaminated A/C refrigerant must he disposed of as hazardous waste. For all equipment, follow the equipment manufacturer's procedures and instructions.

CAUTION: Suction accumulator/drier, muffler, hoses, thermal expansion valve, and fixed orifice tube should be removed when flushing the A/C system. Internal plumbing of these devices makes it impossible to properly remove any residual flushing agent. Except for the hoses, these components are typically discarded after A/C system contamination. Hoses can normally be reused unless they are clogged with debris. The 3.78 liters (1 gal) of Ford A/C Flushing Solvent F4AZ-19579-A and FL 1-A filter used in the A/C Flusher 014-00991 are intended for use on one vehicle only. They may be used to flush both the A/C condenser core and the A/C evaporator core on an individual vehicle, but under no circumstances should they be used on more than one vehicle.

1. Ford Motor Company has approved a procedure to provide technicians with a non-CFC method of flushing contaminated A/C system heat exchangers (A/C evaporator core and A/C condenser core). This procedure allows the specified components to be cleaned and flushed while installed in their normal in-vehicle location. The types of contamination flushed include particle matter that results from A/C compressor and/or desiccant failure within the suction accumulator/drier and gummy residue that may form when refrigerant oil is overheated during A/C compressor seizure. The flushing process is a two-step procedure that involves the use of an A/C flusher to:
a. Circulate the flushing solvent through the heat exchanger in the reverse direction of normal refrigerant flow (back-flushing). Particulate matter picked up during flushing is filtered from the returning solvent before the solvent is returned to the reservoir for continued circulation.
b. Remove the flushing solvent from the heat exchanger. In this step of the procedure, pressurized air 621-862 kPa (90-125 psi) is used to push and/or evaporate any remaining flush solvent from the heat exchanger.

NOTE: Prior to using the A/C Flusher 01400991 for the first time, review its operating instructions.

A/C Flusher Components:

2. For the A/C flusher components, check the A/C Flusher Components chart.

NOTE: Only A/C Flushing Kit 014-00991, which includes a fitting kit and A/C System Flushing Solvent Ford part number F4AZ-19579-A, is approved for use on Ford vehicles. No other flushing device or solvent is approved for flushing heat exchangers. Use of any other flusher or solvent may cause damage to the A/C system and the flushing unit.

3. Discharge the A/C system. Discharging and Recovery

CAUTION: Observe all safety precautions.

4. Disconnect the refrigerant lines from the heat exchanger(s) to be flushed.
5. Connect A/C Flusher 014-00991, using the appropriate fitting, to the heat exchanger to be flushed. Do not flush through the A/C evaporator core orifice, mufflers, or hoses. Internal plumbing and material make-up of these components make it impossible to properly remove debris and/or residual flushing solvent.
6. Use four liters (one gallon) of Ford A/C Flushing Solvent part number F4AZ-19579-A to flush the heat exchanger for a minimum of 15 minutes. The flush solvent may be used for one or both heat exchangers in the A/C system. However, the flush solvent is intended for one vehicle only. The filter used on the flushing unit is also intended for use on one vehicle only.
7. Flush the component for a minimum of 15 minutes.
8. Apply 621-862 kPa (90-125 psi) pressurized air to the component for a minimum of 30 minutes. The 30-minute purge time is required to force and/or evaporate all residual flush solvent from the A/C system component. Failure to successfully remove all residual solvent within the component can result in system damage when reconnected and operated. Dispose of used flush solvent and filter in accordance with local, state, and federal ordinances.
9. Replace the suction accumulator/drier and A/C evaporator core orifice on any vehicle being serviced for A/C compressor or desiccant failure.

NOTE: A/C system filtering is optional if system flushing is performed. However, filter kit use is recommended after flushing if A/C system contamination is extensive.

10. Replace the refrigerant hoses if clogged with debris.
11. Reconnect the heat exchanger being serviced.
12. Add additional refrigerant oil as required.
13. Evacuate, leak test, and charge the A/C system. Observe all safety precautions.
14. Check the system for proper operation.