how to get rid HFBA contamination from lc/ms

[danicrd]

Hi at all, in our lab we have Thermo TSQ ultra Instrument is used for numerous method. Some of them use HFBA for ion pairing (amine in ESI+).
Now we have serious problem with negative ion mode: background of 213,259,427,169 m/z is 10e7 and sensitivity suffer.
I'm sure it's coming from hfba sticked somewhere in system. Anyone has a good cleaning method to overcome this problem?
I've already done some maint at my system like source cleaning, capillary change, etc.
Any help will be very appreciated.
Thank you

[MaryCarson]

Do you have the option of replacing the whole LC?

[danicrd]

Only for test or definitely? In first case i can attach another pump, or another hardware without problem...we have some unused equipment..from jurassic park

[MaryCarson]

I've heard HFBA hangs up in the degasser of the LC--so cleaning the MS isn't enough.