Mineral Spirits as A/C Flush? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Hit Man X · #1 09-30-2006, 08:12 AM

Can I use the MS for flushing? A/C flush is about $14/qt here while MS ae about $1.15/qt (by gallon)...

Will I need to come back with real flush then lots of compressed air to finish up properly?

gmercoleza · #2 09-30-2006, 08:22 AM

I have used mineral spirits and can tell you it will not work as well as real flush. There must be something in the flush chemical that breaks surface tension or acts as a detergent, because I have followed up with flush AFTER using mineral spirits and gotten lots of debris. Just my $.02 - go with the real thing.

whunter · #3 09-30-2006, 08:49 AM

No, and no...

The R-12 system is not made to tolerate this contamination...

Mineral spirits leaves behind contamination that will degrade performance, and can wreck the system..

Have a great day.

Hit Man X · #4 09-30-2006, 09:22 AM

Crap, do I need to replace my condensor then?

I ran some MS through it... and plan to run a few quarts of actual flush through it later today.

gmercoleza · #5 09-30-2006, 09:59 AM

I recall now (it has been a year since I did any flushing work) that mineral spirits leaves a residue, if I'm not mistaken. For instance, you are not to tack wipe body work with mineral spirits before painting, as the residue will cause interference.

I would not be comfortable reinstalling a condenser that has been flushed with MS. That residue is just going to circulate through the whole system.

whunter · #6 09-30-2006, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

Crap, do I need to replace my condenser then?

I ran some MS through it... and plan to run a few quarts of actual flush through it later today.

Here is a thread you need to read.

to flush or not to flush?
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/120649-flush-not-flush-c.html#post863356

The condenser can still be cleaned by flushing with Acetone.

jbaj007 · #7 09-30-2006, 07:45 PM

Go here: http://acsource.net/acforum/viewforum.php?f=1&sid=56f46515d37de19a161bfb3d13630d08

or here: http://www.autoacforum.com/categories.cfm?catid=2

and type in the search; you'll find many of the "old pros" use/used mineral spirits followed by a more volatile flush. On big systems I know HVAC techs who use it, followed by a dedicated, but more expensive, HVAC flush.

Here's a good one: http://store.lenzdist.com/product.php?xProd=299 and one of the most cost effective, I've found.

Larry Delor · #8 09-30-2006, 09:35 PM

I've have had someone tell me to use a couple of cans of brake cleaner. What do you think about that?

whunter · #9 09-30-2006, 10:08 PM

What is so difficult about condenser/evaporator flushing with Acetone.

This is how all of the OE do it:
#1. Because it will sanitize the system.
#2. Contamination is broken down by Acetone.
#3. Acetone is CHEAP and available at any location in the world.
#4. The procedure is simple enough for third world technicians to carry out.

Mineral spirits is NOT for use in automotive air conditioning systems...

Note:
Acetone will NOT run through the compressor or reciever/dryer without major damage.

Hit Man X · #10 10-01-2006, 12:46 AM

Now we have conflicting info - A/C Flushing and Exp Valve?

whunter · #11 10-01-2006, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

Now we have conflicting info - A/C Flushing and Exp Valve?

Mineral spirits

This is doubling your cost to no effect.

Quote:

An economical way to THOROUGHLY flush is to flush EXTENSIVELY with mineral spirits, remove all traces of them and then the final stage is flushed with the more expensive a/c flush.

You are contaminating the system with mineral spirits, then removing the contamination in a second flushing.

With Acetone it requires ONE flush = less time = less effort = lower cost.

If Acetone or mineral oil enters your receiver/dryer or compressor, those units must be replaced.

I know a fellow in Texas who flushes condensers and evaporators (in vehicle) with live steam (325 F), that does not make it the correct or smart way to service the system.

My best advice:
Follow the factory procedures.

Hit Man X · #12 10-01-2006, 10:01 AM

So I can use Acetone for the condensor and evap core? No problems with contaminating the system?

gmercoleza · #13 10-01-2006, 01:52 PM

Just out of curiosity, what's wrong with using A/C flush? Are you just limited in your access to it?

Hit Man X · #14 10-01-2006, 10:41 PM

$14 a quart, that's nearly three times the cost of syn motor oil and it takes two-three quarts ALONE for my condensor.

Wasteful on the cash end.

whunter · #15 10-03-2006, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

So I can use Acetone for the condenser and evaporator core? No problems with contaminating the system?

Correct.
This is one of the cheaper chemicals used in automotive (HV-A/C) prototype to clean out A/C condensers and evaporators for compressor testing.

Acetone is dangerous, TOXIC, HIGHLY FLAMMABLE, observe all safety precautions, your life depends on it.

Safety goggles are a MUST with this stuff.