Quote:
Originally Posted by NiHaoMike
I'm using ES22a refrigerant (mostly R290) and crankcase heat is an especially good idea since hydrocarbons dissolve in the oil very well. Great for oil return, not so good for lubrication on startup.
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I believe that the relevant bearings in the compressor are already immersed in lubricant at startup.
As I recall, your unit will be installed in Texas, and also indoors, right?
I think you might be trying to fix a non-existent problem with regards to the crank case heater machinations. The real reason for them is to reduce the viscosity of the oil in the crank case sump so that starting current doesn't blow the breaker that you have dedicated to your heat pump. (The breaker should be sized to be considerably less than your compressor's LRA, and comfortably larger than your 'running amps'.)
But there might be other people who are working in climates where crank case heaters actually matter. Posting some photos of your efforts (even photos of diagrams) could be very helpful for them.
BTW, if you don't happen to already own a digital camera, you can easily find serviceable ones in thrift stores like Goodwill. Five mega-pixel models seem to be going for $10 or even less... such a deal, and such a help in communicating.
I can't speak for anyone else, but I'd really like to see what you're doing.
-AC