[jeff5may]

Start out by solidly anchoring your distro box to something strong. Begin by connecting your lineset to the distro box, leaving all caps on the branch connections on the box. Make sure the caps are all tight and won't leak. Pressurize and check lineset for leaks. Repair leaks as needed. Relieve pressure, connect one indoor unit branch to the distro box, leaving extra caps on the box. Pressurize and check first branch for leaks. Relieve pressure, repair as needed, connect second indoor unit. Repeat for remaining indoor units.

Once all the indoor units are connected, let the whole system sit under pressure for an hour or two. Within the first couple of minutes of pressurizing, the circuit will equalize to a certain pressure. Unless the environment changes, the pressure will remain constant if you don't have any leaks. If the pressure drops more than a few PSI, start hunting for leaks with the soapy water. If not, you are ready to pull vacuum.

At this point, I cannot stress enough the need for adequate tools and instruments. Since you are doing the job on your own, you MUST acquire a decent vacuum pump and micron gauge. Also, assembling a collection of specialty tools (tubing benders, gas torch, flare wrenches, pipe cutters, wire cutters, multimeter, etc.) before you start the install will quickly pay themselves back in finish quality and time not spent. All this has been covered in previous threads in the forum.

When in doubt, buy the ridgid or bosch or milwaukee tool over the lenox or harbor freight tool. If you decide not to keep your collection, the lifetime tool will fetch a much higher resale price than the disposable clone. It also helps keep the American industrial machine on its feet.

Since you are running an R410a system, pulling multiple deep vacuums is vital for the longevity of the outdoor unit. Before you let the charge out of your outdoor unit, be certain your installed system is able to hold a deep vacuum and is not contaminated with anything.