iljeepguy:

When you're right, you're right!

The oxygen in CO2 would tend to allow mildew and mold growth also, but I believe it would be at a slower rate (Any bacterialogists out there?.).

We don't use the blanketing type of evacuation anymore because of the Montreal Protocol regarding refrigerant recovery and the accompanying "FIRST TIME FINE OF $25,000.00 USD" if caught. They give the person that turns you in a bounty of 15% so compliance tends to be absolute.

Nitrogen is what we use to seal systems for storage after they have been evacuated of refrigerant properly. Because of nitrogens high pressure and expensive regulators and tanks, it is not something I would want a novice to play with, but as you said, it would be the best solution.

Bountyhunter <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />