System Flushing

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 (19860) and A/C condenser core (19712)). 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 (19703) and/or desiccant failure within the suction accumulator/drier (19C836) and gummy residue that may form when refrigerant oil is overheated during A/C compressor seizure.

NOTE: Prior to using the Rotunda A/C Flusher 014-00991 for the first time, review its operating instructions.

The flushing process is a two-step procedure that involves the use of an A/C flusher to:

• 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.
• 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: Only the Rotunda A/C Flushing Kit, item number 014-00990, which includes 014-00991 A/C Flusher, 014-00992 A/C Flusher Fitting Kit and Ford part number F4AZ-19579-A A/C System Flushing Solvent, 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.

1. Discharge the A/C system. Refer to System Discharging and Recovery in the Service Procedures portion of this section. Observe all safety precautions.

2. Disconnect refrigerant lines from the heat exchanger(s) to be flushed. Refer to Section 12-03A for information on the A/C condenser core and the A/C evaporator core.

3. Connect Rotunda A/C Flusher 014-00991 and Rotunda A/C Flusher Fitting Kit 014-00992 to the heat exchanger to be flushed. Do not flush through the A/C evaporator core orifice (19D990), mufflers or hoses. Internal plumbing and material make-up of these components make it impossible to properly remove debris and/or residual flushing solvent.

4. Using four liters (one gallon) of Ford A/C Flushing Solvent part number F4AZ-19579-A, 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.

5. Flush component for a minimum of 15 minutes.

6. 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.

7. NOTE: A/C system filtering as described in Section 12-03C is optional if system flushing is performed. However, filter kit use is recommended after flushing if A/C system contamination is extensive.

   Replace the suction accumulator/drier and A/C evaporator core orifice on any vehicle being serviced for A/C compressor or desiccant failure.

8. Replace refrigerant hoses if clogged with debris.

9. Reconnect the heat exchanger being serviced.

10. Add additional refrigerant oil as required. Refer to Refrigerant Oil Addition in the Service Procedures portion of this section.

11. Evacuate, leak test and charge A/C system. Refer to System Charging in the Service Procedures portion of this section. Observe all safety precautions.

12. Check system for proper operation.