can i flush the freon residue from an old heat exchanger?

[graeaglecrawler]

what kind of solvent should i use. it is a 1/2 " copper unit from a 1991 heat exchanger that was on my water heater. it will be used to preheat my the water going to my water heater with the wood stove. it will not be in contact with the stove pipe or fire box,

No need to post multiple, identical posts. Duplicates get removed.

[veewee77]

There won't be any freon residue. That stuff will completely evaporate when exposed to atmospheric pressure. The residue is likely refrigerant oil used in the system. Any solvent that will cut the residue will be fine, just make sure you have something to cut the solvent.

Doug

[graeaglecrawler]

what do i use to cut the solvent, it will be xylol or toluene. thanks, john

[jonas302]

hot water and dish soap should take the oil off nicely

[Capt Slog]

Toluene or xylol should also evaporate quite easily if you can flush out with air.  If you can't air flush, hooking it to a vacuum pump a couple of times might do it.

[JW]

When I want to clean refridgerent oil from old system parts, I use automotive brake parts cleaner, or electromotive cleaner in the spray can. I then blow the parts out/dry with compressed air. Wear safety glasses. This works real good for me.

JW

[richsuka]

dry nitogen is the right clem to use , you need a vac pump and a recovery tank. Nitogen likes mosture and the vacuum will remove any oil or water in the line.

the freon is most like r12 or r22.

rich