Refrigerants And Other Chemicals; Compressor Removal; System Flushing, Purging, And Pressure Testing For Leaks - Tecumseh AH5540E Service Handbook

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SERVICE HANDBOOK

Refrigerants and Other Chemicals

Contact with refrigerant, mixtures of refrigerant and oil, or other chemicals can cause a variety
of injuries including burns and frostbite. For example, if refrigerant contacts skin or eyes, it can
cause severe frostbite. Also, in the event of a compressor motor failure, some refrigerant and oil
mixtures can be acidic and can cause chemical burns.
To avoid injury, wear appropriate protective eye wear, gloves, and clothing when servicing an air
conditioning or refrigeration system. Refer to your refrigerant supplier for more information.
If refrigerant or mixtures of refrigerant and oil come in contact with skin or eyes, flush the exposed
area with water and get medical attention immediately.

Compressor Removal

Failure to properly remove the compressor can result in serious injury or death from electrocution,
fire, or sudden release of refrigerant and oil.
Follow these precautions when removing a compressor from a system:
• Disconnect ALL electrical power. Disconnect all electrical power supplies to the system
making sure that all power legs are open. (NOTE: the system may have more than
one power supply.)
• Be sure refrigerant is recovered before removing compressor. Attempting to remove
the compressor before removing all refrigerant from the system can cause a sudden
release of refrigerant and oil. Among other things, this can:
»cause a variety of injuries including burns and frostbite.
»cause a fire if a torch is used to disconnect tubing.
»expose the service person to toxic gas.
• To avoid serious injury or death, be sure to remove and recover all
refrigerant before removing the compressor.
• Use a tubing cutter, not a torch. Use a tubing cutter to remove the compressor. A torch
can cause even trace amounts of refrigerant to decompose and release toxic fumes.
In addition, using a torch to remove the compressor can cause a fire. If you ignore this
recommendation and use a torch, be prepared to extinguish a fire.

System Flushing, Purging, and Pressure Testing for Leaks

Failure to properly purge or pressure test a system for leaks can result in serious injury or death
from explosion, fire, or contact with acid-saturated refrigerant or oil mists.
Follow these precautions when purging or pressure testing a system for leaks:
• Tecumseh discourages the use of flushing products and recommends the use of
suction line filter-drier and proper oil changes. If the use of a flushing agent is absolutely
necessary, follow the flushing agent manufacturer's instructions.
• To purge a system, use only dry nitrogen.
• When pressure testing for leaks, use only regulated dry nitrogen or dry nitrogen plus
trace amounts of the serial label refrigerant.
• When purging or pressure testing any refrigeration or air conditioning system for leaks,
never use air, oxygen or acetylene.
»Oxygen can explode on contact with oil.
»Acetylene can decompose and explode when exposed to pressure greater than
approximately 15 psig.
»Combining an oxidizing gas such as oxygen or air, with an HCFC or HFC refrigerant
under pressure can result in a fire or explosion.