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Xringer · 10-12-11, 08:27 PM

In the manual, there should be a little section telling you to do a little pressure test, using R410a..

Here's how to do it the XRinger way.

With a quick shut off (90deg) line valve on the service connection:
Looks like this and fits on your service port, or is on the hose connected to your plain Mini-split service port adapter.

1. Vac the heck out of the line set and indoor unit.

2. Once you are happy with the way your pump is holding the vac down under 200 microns for at least 20 minutes (or an hour).. Get ready to stop the pump. But not yet..

3. Insert the hex key (came with your system) into the large line valve (put the key all the way in to the bottom).

4. With your right hand on the hex key, Put your left hand on the 90deg shut off valve.

5. Listen to the sound of the pump, as you turn the Hex key CCW.

6. When the sound of the pump changes, close the 90deg shut off with your left hand.

7. After 2 seconds (with the hex key 1/4 turn open), turn the Hex CW and quickly shut off the R410a release.

(If there is a leak, the loss of R410A will be very small).

8. Quickly turn off the pump..

9. Grab your liquid soap sprayer (or paint bush) and coat the flare fittings with a soap film. Look for bubbles.
Do the same with the indoor unit's flares.

10. If you see bubbles, carefully tighten up on the flare nut.

If it the bubbles don't stop. There is a problem with the flare, something
on the copper mating face like a crack or split etc.
Some R410A will be lost. Just let it go and fix the problem. Restart the process.

~~~~

Now is the time to do some hiss tests. Get down to where you can listen
to the R410A flow in from the large valve and open it for 20 seconds.
Any hissing sound will stop in a few seconds.
After you close it, let the system sit for 4 hours and repeat.
If there is an unseen leak, R410A in the loop will have leaked out
and the next time you open the hex key valve, there will be a hissing sound.

(And if the indoor and outdoor temperature are not the same, the pressure unequal,
there might be a very small hiss, even without any leak).

Everything cool? Open both valves (to their stops) and replace their covers (add snot on the mating surfaces).
Use your gloves and quickly remove the adapter from the service port.
(Make sure you don't accidentally open the 90deg valve).

~~~

Never loosen the flares without doing the Pump-Down operation first.
It's easy to do and you won't spill a drop of R410A..

But, if you do get a leak in the line set, shut off both hex key valves and let
the line-set leak out. You can't stop it. But you can minimize it by acting quickly.
You do not want to pump-down when there is a leak in the line set.
That would likely suck air into the leak hole and into your system. (Killing all your R410A).
Since a pump-down will leave a light vacuum in your line set..

But, if you are really worried about global warming, then go ahead
and do the pump down (saving the planet?), repair the leak
and call your AC man to come recover and replace your R410A charge.

Cheers,
Rich

10-12-11, 08:27 PM	#443
Xringer Lex Parsimoniae Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Woburn, MA Posts: 4,918 Thanks: 114 Thanked 250 Times in 230 Posts	In the manual, there should be a little section telling you to do a little pressure test, using R410a.. Here's how to do it the XRinger way. With a quick shut off (90deg) line valve on the service connection: Looks like this and fits on your service port, or is on the hose connected to your plain Mini-split service port adapter. 1. Vac the heck out of the line set and indoor unit. 2. Once you are happy with the way your pump is holding the vac down under 200 microns for at least 20 minutes (or an hour).. Get ready to stop the pump. But not yet.. 3. Insert the hex key (came with your system) into the large line valve (put the key all the way in to the bottom). 4. With your right hand on the hex key, Put your left hand on the 90deg shut off valve. 5. Listen to the sound of the pump, as you turn the Hex key CCW. 6. When the sound of the pump changes, close the 90deg shut off with your left hand. 7. After 2 seconds (with the hex key 1/4 turn open), turn the Hex CW and quickly shut off the R410a release. (If there is a leak, the loss of R410A will be very small). 8. Quickly turn off the pump.. 9. Grab your liquid soap sprayer (or paint bush) and coat the flare fittings with a soap film. Look for bubbles. Do the same with the indoor unit's flares. 10. If you see bubbles, carefully tighten up on the flare nut. If it the bubbles don't stop. There is a problem with the flare, something on the copper mating face like a crack or split etc. Some R410A will be lost. Just let it go and fix the problem. Restart the process. ~~~~ Now is the time to do some hiss tests. Get down to where you can listen to the R410A flow in from the large valve and open it for 20 seconds. Any hissing sound will stop in a few seconds. After you close it, let the system sit for 4 hours and repeat. If there is an unseen leak, R410A in the loop will have leaked out and the next time you open the hex key valve, there will be a hissing sound. (And if the indoor and outdoor temperature are not the same, the pressure unequal, there might be a very small hiss, even without any leak). Everything cool? Open both valves (to their stops) and replace their covers (add snot on the mating surfaces). Use your gloves and quickly remove the adapter from the service port. (Make sure you don't accidentally open the 90deg valve). ~~~ Never loosen the flares without doing the Pump-Down operation first. It's easy to do and you won't spill a drop of R410A.. But, if you do get a leak in the line set, shut off both hex key valves and let the line-set leak out. You can't stop it. But you can minimize it by acting quickly. You do not want to pump-down when there is a leak in the line set. That would likely suck air into the leak hole and into your system. (Killing all your R410A). Since a pump-down will leave a light vacuum in your line set.. But, if you are really worried about global warming, then go ahead and do the pump down (saving the planet?), repair the leak and call your AC man to come recover and replace your R410A charge. Cheers, Rich Last edited by Xringer; 10-12-11 at 08:37 PM..