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Getting ready to replace heater core, question about AC Freon

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Hi all,

 

I'm getting ready to replace my heater core based on Mopar's article on the site.  It looks really straight forward other than this step:

 

Discharge the freon from the Air Conditioning System

 

I understand I'm going to have to recharge the AC system after replacing my heater core.  What is the process of discharging the freon prior to removal?

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Legally or otherwise?? :lol3:  Legally you need to use a recovery machine to extract the refrigerant and store it in a tank. If you were able to do that then you could put the refrigerant back into the system AFTER you pull a good vacuum on the system. It is also recommended that you replace the filter/dryer anytime you open the system.

Edited by MnTom

  • Author

Obviously otherwise, I'm doing this is in my driveway lol.  Not too worried about recharging my AC until this summer.  

  • Author

Once you pop the line, leave the area for half an hour

 

One of the lines going in to the firewall?  Is there going to be a lot of pressure when I do so?

  • Owner

Warning Icon WARNING!
There is roughly 90-100 PSI in the system if you release a line it will exploded with freon and oil.

 

I typically just use a manifold gauge set and vacuum pump and draw a vacuum on the system slowly.

 

Opps... Looks like I'm missing a bit of artwork from the old site yet.

  • Author

So you wouldn't recommend I take a stick, jam it in the fill hole and drain it that way?

  • Owner

So you wouldn't recommend I take a stick, jam it in the fill hole and drain it that way?

 

It would do the job but the problem is as you vent it wildly like that now you got to drain the oil from the system and remeasure it. Because you have no idea how much PAG oil has now been blown out of the system. So if you have manifold gauge set and a vacuum pump you can slowly and controlled vent the freon without venting much oil from the system. Too little oil will damage the compressor. Too much oil will put excessive strain on the compressor.

  • Author

Well I got the freon removed from the system.  I can not for the life of me get the AC lines off that run to the AC Evaporator core.  I went and bought the plastic clamps that slide over the line but I still can not get them apart.  Any ideas?

  • Owner

Well I got the freon removed from the system.  I can not for the life of me get the AC lines off that run to the AC Evaporator core.  I went and bought the plastic clamps that slide over the line but I still can not get them apart.  Any ideas?

 

Yes. Slide the white collar up as tight as possible and then lightly twist the line back and forth. The rubber o-ring will tend to stick in place and need a bit of twisting action to get them started sometimes.

Spray brake clean where the spring tool goes and tap on the fitting. You will know when the tool goes in. Like moparman said you will need to twist and also replace those o-rings

  • Author
Well I just split my HVAC box to clean my AC Evaporator.  When I went to put it back together I noticed this piece had fallen out from somewhere.  I've tried every little spot on this hvac box but have not been able to find where it goes.  Does anyone have any ideas?
 
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  • Author

Nevermind I'm an idiot.  Got it.

Nevermind I'm an idiot.  Got it.

You aren't supposed to say that. You should have said "I figured it out"!

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    I am partial to this :doh: or my other favorite  :doh:  :doh:  :doh:  :doh: .

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    • Author

    It goes on the directional door for vents after the blend door.

     

    Thanks again for the guide Mopar1973Man!  Everything works great.  Really appreciate your write ups, they're always spot on.

    Obviously otherwise, I'm doing this is in my driveway lol.  Not too worried about recharging my AC until this summer.  

    I would recomend recharging as soon as you can,the longer the system has air in it the more likely you are to have problems later on in the trucks life if you are planning to keep it

    • Owner

    I would at least pull a vacuum on the system to rid the system of any moisture. The system should be capable of holding a vacuum for a very long time. This will prevent any moisture in causing rusting of parts or other issues later.

    Moisture in the system will combine with the oil to help form acids. Like Mike said, pull a vacuum, BUT put atleast one can of R-134A in it to keep some pressure in the system. Otherwise where there is a slight leak it will suck in air and moisture and you will be back to where you are now.

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