Black death paranoia - advice sought

[JavaG66]

Hi folks
I found 3 or 4 black flecks about the size of a grain of salt, and a slightly bigger piece of white fuzz on the screen of the orifice. Should I be taking a chance not flushing? I don't have a flush rig, or I wouldn't be asking this. The system was last opened about 3 years ago. It has the original large(suction?) hose, compressor, & condenser on the '86, all else was replaced last time.

Thanks!

 

[sblake01]

I wouldn't take the chance. If you've opened the system, not only would I flush it but I'd also change the the accumulator and the orifice tube. Once the system has been open to atmosphere, it beings to absorb moisture. If you don't clean it out that moisture will mix with the refrigerant and oil and form contaminants the will eventually eat up seals/o rings, etc. and cause catastrophic failure.

 

[JavaG66]

Thanks for the opinion; I had already planned on replacing those items, and maybe the suction hose- its a bit oily at the crimps. I was just wondering if, based on that small amount of trash at the orifice, am I wasting my time putting it all back together.

 

[adsm08]

That little bit probably doesn't indicate anything is wrong. If you are that worried about contamination go ahead and flush, but just opening the system for basic service that didn't involve a compressor or drier failure doesn't require flushing.

Also, if you do flush it make sure to vacuum for at least an hour, 90 min is better, with the engine running to get all the solvent boiled out.

 

[sblake01]

Do what you feel comfortable with but anytime I open a system, I at least replace the receiver-drier/accumulator even if I don't see any signs of contamination because it begins to absorb moisture from the air as soon as it's open to the atmosphere.