In this article, MAHLE discusses this important topic

If you have a vehicle with a compressor failure on stage, then you must be careful, because just replacing the defective compressor is usually not enough, warns MAHLE.
MAHLE says only those who flush the refrigerant circuit can save themselves annoying consequential damage, so it advises that you grab your A/C service unit and flush the dirt out.

Why is flushing required?
Flushing the air conditioning system is one of the most important process steps during repair work or when an air conditioning compressor is damaged.
Flushing removes contamination and harmful substances (such as metal abrasion and chips) from the air conditioning circuit. This is necessary to carry out repairs properly and avoid expensive follow-up work; however, air conditioning compressors, filter-driers (accumulators), and expansion or throttle valves cannot be flushed. Depending on the design (parallel flow), the air conditioning condenser must not be flushed either.
Flushing can rid the system of the following possible contaminations:
• Carbonized oil particles, for example, if oil is exposed to high operating temperatures
• Elastomer/rubber particles, for example, due to aggressive acids
• Moisture, for example., due to leakage, improper vacuum, poor-quality additives
• Metal swarf, for example, due to a seized air conditioning compressor or wear on parts
• Aggressive acids, for example, due to the chemical reaction of moisture, coolant, and oil
• Various particles, for example., due to sludge or a poor-quality contrast agent or oil blend

How is flushing performed?
MAHLE Aftermarket says its team and also most vehicle manufacturers recommend the following:
• Flushing with refrigerant and service unit
• Using an air conditioning service unit – such as a MAHLE (ACX) product – and an additional flushing device with filters and adapters to flush the system components against the direction of the refrigerant flow (accessories available separately)
MAHLE says that by using the MAHLE A/C service unit and an additional flushing device with filters and adapters, the system components are flushed against the direction of flow of the refrigerant (both available separately). It says advantages include:
• No costs for a separate flushing medium, as the existing refrigerant is used as the flushing medium
• No disposal costs for the flushing medium
• Removes loose dirt particles and oil
• Method is approved by different vehicle manufacturers

For more information, email mapl.sales@mahle.com or visit www.mahle-aftermarket.com