Removing A/C... Quick question about freon/gases..
 

Im removing the A/C compressor and was wondering if letting out the freon/gases is a DIY or absolutely a job that requires that special "machine"..

Thanks.

Can you? Sure. Should you? Depends I guess on what your local regulations require, and your own views on proper handling of refrigerants.

In any case, our 993s have R134a in the system and not R12 (DuPont trade named "Freon".) So it's much less nasty. Even so, hasn't the EU banned the stuff on new cars now?

I'm clueless about this stuff...
Its just one of my winter projects to remove AC so wondered if i can remove refrigerants myself or wait to take it to dealer..

Suggest you take it to any local AC shop and get them to draw it off into their re-cycle tank. If you plan on selling or ever re-using the system, keep in mind that the receiver-drier should not be left open to the atmosphere and that all lines should be capped.

Thanks for the heads up NC trackrat!!
What did you cap the lines with probably something i can get at local hardware store?

I'm guessing you're doing a complete removal? If so, you'll be putting another receiver/drier on if/when the components are reinstalled. As for capping lines, you'll be evacuating the system in full before refrigerant is reintroduced into the system. So the vacuum draw will pull any moisture out at that time.

Have fun pulling the evaporator!

I normally use the threaded, colored plastic plugs that come on new lines. It's just to keep debris, spiders, etc. out of the lines. You can just use duct tape if nothing else is available to you.

Hey guys thanks for the info again it is very helpfull.

Well im just removing the compressor from the engine and the lines for now...i was debating if i should/can remove the fan in front left bumper..but i will not remove the evaporator for obvious reasons :)
Ok i think i dont know my components, what is the receiver/drier?

The refrigerant used is not toxic, and can be vented to atmosphare with no issues. To be 100% safe, bleed down the pressure by opening the vents on the AC compressor with the garage door open. When the system is depressurized, you can start to disassemble all the hoses and piping. It's a PITA to get everything out without cutting any of the piping, but it goes with some time and patience...

Don't vent the gas to the atmosphere. Any AC shop will evacuate the gas for you, and in some case, may do it for free.

The receiver/drier is in the driver side wheel well...the other side of the wheel of the condenser. You can remove it and the condenser/fan, and cap off the lines. While you're in there...remove the windshield washer bottle too and save weight.

I guess there are a few parts to remove....

are you serious?

Please ignore Fly911's advice and have your refrigerant "sucked out" using an appropriate recovery system.

here is a bit of info regarding proper refrigerant recovery.

http://www.aa1car.com/library/2003/ts30324.htm


Craig

absolutely not true.

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: Colorless, volatile liquid with ethereal and faint sweetish odor. Non-flammable material. Overexposure may cause dizziness and loss of concentration. At higher levels, CNS depression and cardiac arrhythmia may result from exposure. Vapors displace air and can cause asphyxiation in confined spaces. At higher temperatures, (>250°C), decomposition products may include Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) and carbonyl halides.

SKIN: Irritation would result from a defatting action on tissue. Liquid contact could cause frostbite.
EYES: Liquid contact can cause severe irritation and frostbite. Mist may irritate.
INHALATION: R-134A is low in acute toxicity in animals. When oxygen levels in air are reduced to 12-14% by displacement, symptoms of asphyxiation, loss of coordination, increased pulse rate and deeper respiration will occur. At high levels, cardiac arrhythmia may occur.

And in a lot of places it is illegal to open an AC system into the atmosphere, and many require a AC license to even work on a AC unit.

See what happens when you open an AC system into the atmosphere: You get redarded.

Love the reference to @ temps greater than 250 degrees Celsius. thats > 482 degrees F to all us US folk. I'm pretty sure breathing in 480+ degree air isnt good for you even if it doesn't contain R134 lol. It's not even that hot in Arizona... I do believe it is illegal to vent it to the atmosphere just about everywhere.

Nick