HI guys,

I need to remove the A/C radiator from my beemer but I know the refridgerant is harmful at best.

What is the safest way to disconnect the system and drain the gas? Oh and it's not going to be re-used so a few bust hoses wont hurt.

Thanks,

Sam.

Local garage should be able to degas for you

doh, a little late for that. I've already removed half the contents of the engine bay!

Make sure you're in a well ventillated atmosphere and just go right ahead and cut the hoses. Obviously avoid breathing copious amounts or getting the liquid on your skin as you will get a cold burn.

Have a read HERE or HERE for information depending on which liquid your system uses.

Davie

Having read the two links I'm just gobsmacked that both refrigerants in common use have been used as propellants in asthma inhalers. There must be a better way!
Sorry to go off topic but I guess it means you don't have to worry about inhaling a little of the refrigerant.

[Edited on 26/3/08 by Dusty]

Hell you'ld be suprised what asthma pump propellants used to be used.

It's only about 5 years ago that we changed to CFC free INHs... until then everyone was chugging away on ozone-killers

They use nitrous oxide to propel squirty cream.

Its againt the law to release the gasses into the air i think so dont talk too much about it on the forum. oh yeh, if you decide to cut the pipe then stand well back as there will be shed load of gas and oil. Ie not good for the eyes!! Trust me as i had one blow in my face at work and its not nice!

There will probably be a charging point with a schrader tyre type valve fitted, if so you could adapt a tyre inflater to fit it and release it in a controlled manner.As stated above wear rubber gloves and goggles when dealing with it as it can be dangerous in contact with skin or eyes due to low temperatures.
Paul.

hey aerosam where bouts are you in wales? i know of 2 machines that will do it.
depends on your location though

rob

quote:

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Originally posted by COREdevelopments
hey aerosam where bouts are you in wales? i know of 2 machines that will do it.
depends on your location though

rob

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it is definatly illegal to release it to atmosphere.
Also it's not great to breath, but if it goes anywere near a source of ignition it gets much much worse, some types can break down to hydrofloric acid

[Edited on 27/3/08 by RickRick]

You can by a a hose adaptor to fit the valve to release the gas in controlled manner -- highly ilegal of course.

CFC used to be reckoned to be breathable in small ammounts -- although they displace air. Istr the more modern more ozone friendly ones might be more hazardous.



Funny thing nobody worries too much about the ozone layer any more all obsessed with the man made global warming myth .----- mmmm

Its nasty to breathe in, a mate caught the lower pipe on an espace on day and it filled the car thru the windows, just remember coughing rather alot, feeling sick and light headed. I remember there was rather a lot of it!

(We were using the espace to drive and and down stairs, over fixed bollards and many other stupid things tho!)

if the system is an old one and filled with freon 12 then you have major problems, if it leaks and you are smoking in the vicinity it has the ability to change into hydrochloric acid and phosgene (used to be calles blister agent, when the armies of the world made chemical weapons) when inhaled through a cigarette.
So I would say not advisable to do it.

Bob