DIY A/C Flush Gun

mthomas58 · 03-20-2008, 04:56 PM

On my current A/C project, I attempted to flush the rear deck condenser using a pressurized garden sprayer. The problem with this was I did not have a good seal on the connection to the condenser and the sprayer did not generate enough pressure to force the liquid (mineral spirits) through the condenser. I was able to blow small quantities of fluid through using the shop compressor but don't feel like I got a good thorough flush.

So, I decided to build my own flush gun using various PVC and brass fittings from HD's plumbing dept. As I was sorting through various fittings and parts I was approached by one of the "orange aproned professionals" and I described to him what I was building. He asked "are you an engineer?" I quickly replied "Oh no, this is what I do to waste my time and money!"

Introducing the T1000 A/C flush gun! This is the kind of crap I lay awake at night dreaming up - sick isn't it? I'm gonna give her a try this weekend

Elombard · 03-20-2008, 05:22 PM

Sweet....I saw at the local autozone that they sell a flush kit. It has the adapters to screw on and flush the whole system. Not sure if it would work on a 911 with the long lines? Have you seen these?

mthomas58 · 03-20-2008, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elombard

Sweet....I saw at the local autozone that they sell a flush kit. It has the adapters to screw on and flush the whole system. Not sure if it would work on a 911 with the long lines? Have you seen these?

I looked briefly at those kits and felt like my flush gun would do a better job. Fortunately, all I'm flushing is the rear deck condenser. All hoses are new and per Kuehl mineral spirits is OK to use as flushing agent in a condenser but is not advised for hoses as they will absorb some of the fluid creating the potential for future problems.

mthomas58 · 07-07-2009, 09:21 AM

The T1000 is being placed into a loan program! First customer is local Pelican tomphot who is doing an upgrade project. Less than steller demand at one request in 18-mos but demand nonetheless.

tomphot · 07-07-2009, 12:03 PM

Thanks for the loan - I still can't understand how you justify a $200 deposit though

mthomas58 · 07-07-2009, 01:16 PM

Refundable core charge

bob deluke · bob deluke's Garage

Mark,

Why are you "flushing" out the condenser? Are there any contaminates in the condenser? If you "flush" any a/c system, the system refrigerant is the flushing medium. Back in the day, we cleaned coils and complete a/c systems with R-11, best cleaner out there. Of course, its a halogenated hydrocarbon and is no longer available as a refrigerant. Just curious as to whats in the coil and why you're flushing. If anything, you would normally have refrigerant oil sitting in the return bends of the coil.

mthomas58 · 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob deluke

Mark,

Why are you "flushing" out the condenser? Are there any contaminates in the condenser? If you "flush" any a/c system, the system refrigerant is the flushing medium. Back in the day, we cleaned coils and complete a/c systems with R-11, best cleaner out there. Of course, its a halogenated hydrocarbon and is no longer available as a refrigerant. Just curious as to whats in the coil and why you're flushing. If anything, you would normally have refrigerant oil sitting in the return bends of the coil.

The purpose of flushing the condenser is to remove crud, contaminants and debris and clear any blockage from years of build up. Any contaminants will degrade performance. Additionally, if converting from R-12 to 134a, system flushing is a must to remove any residual oil as R-12 and 134a oils are not compatible.