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Old 01-13-10, 05:13 PM   #131
Xringer
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Well, it looks like I've got plenty of time to clean up my line-set.

My replacement outdoor unit was all signed off to ship today, but they shipped out a big (40 units) order yesterday and ran dry..
So it looks like I'm going to burning oil for another 3 or 4 weeks. While the ship slowly moves across the sea..
I checked my dealer, they are also waiting for a new shipment. I guess the 24,000 BTU is a very popular model..

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Old 01-25-10, 11:31 PM   #132
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Default Help with my install

Sorry my post got deleted. I will try recreating what I had written.

Please do not consider this as any attempt to hijack this thread.

I need some guidance on how to evacuate and do the pressure test on our 3 unit LG 24K unit. Here are some pics





Also whats the endcap in the second picture ?

Your documentation has inspired us to start our own DIY mini-split.

Last edited by Chaaru; 01-26-10 at 12:25 AM.. Reason: Post got deleted
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Old 01-26-10, 12:17 AM   #133
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I'm not sure, because the Sanyo 3 room unit uses 6 valves, that look like the 2 valves used on my lineset.

Your outdoor unit must have a pair of 3-way splitters that are fed from the Gas & Liquid valves. It's like a pair of 3-way manifolds under the sheet metal.

Those endcaps things are there to keep air, dirt & etc out of the manifolds.

The two valves are operated by removing the large brass caps and using an Allen wrench to release the R-410A into the manifolds (and the attached indoor units).

So, my guess is to install, you would wire all the electrical lines and then:

1. Hook up all the line-sets and pressure test them (if you have the nitrogen)

2. Vacuum the system down under 20 microns..
(Using the service port under the small cap on the Gas valve. It looks like a tire fill pin-valve).

3. Insert the allen wrench into the gas valve, open it for 5 seconds,
close it, and check for leaks.

4. No leaks? Then open both valves with the allen wrench, all the way.

Edit:
Okay! It's back! Welcome aboard. It looks like you are going to have some fun.
I don't know the specs of your system, but if your line sets are long, you may
have to add some R-410A to the system.. Not an easy DIY job.. May need a pro.
Start your thread and post some URLs pointing to the manuals, so we can all read
up and see if we can help you with your LG ASHP project..

Last edited by Xringer; 01-26-10 at 12:40 AM..
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Old 01-26-10, 12:29 AM   #134
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Sorry, I accidentally deleted my post while editing (getting used to my mac )

I did recreate most of what I had asked. Thanks for your answers. I will plan on documenting my install as well.
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Old 03-06-10, 02:40 PM   #135
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I just wanted to say thank you for doing such a great job documenting your heat pump install. Have there been any updates on getting a replacement unit? Are you happy with the kWh meter you purchased?

Kenny
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Old 03-06-10, 03:42 PM   #136
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I have been told the new units are in country, and it takes a some time for US customs.
It's been about 15 days, since I was told "two to three weeks more"..
So, I'll likely hear something this coming week. (Or, I'll be calling Sanyo).

The kWh meter has been stored away, until the new unit is installed.
It's very valuable tool for trouble shooting the AC.
The MAX wattage alarm is really what alerted me to the problem.
I would not want to hook up the new unit, without power monitoring. I'm spoiled..
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Old 03-20-10, 07:00 PM   #137
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Got some good news. My replacement outdoor unit should be shipped next week!

It was 70 today, so I flushed the line-set with nitrogen to see if there was any lube in the copper.
If there is any in there, I didn't see it.

The wires are all disconnected, so all I have to do is take off the line set, to be ready for the new unit.

I put on the vacuum pump and ran it down to 300 microns. An hour later, ran it down again.
Took a minute, since the first vacuum held ok. I'll use fresh pump oil when the new unit comes.
This time, I can skip the pressure testing.

The wires are all disconnected, so all I have to do is take off the line set, to be ready for the new unit.

Once installed, I'll run the vacuum down for a few hours while I locate
my licensed AC pro, to release the R-410A.. Hopefully, it will be a warm day.
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Old 03-21-10, 04:42 PM   #138
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Default Warranty Issues

I have checked around and can't get an HVAC company to "only commission" a unit. They only want the whole job---at 2.5-3x the unit cost. hahahahaha

Example: Your unit installed here=$4700=no way in haydezzz

Question(s): Did the tech have a company backing, or is just a tech with EPA docs ok?
Did you buy from King_____s, and did they have any issues?

What happened to you is EXACTLY what is holding me up, ie nothing to do with the install/commis. Heck, I'm wanting to hack the thing someday, but it's their spooky "new" compressor/pcboard/etc. that I don't trust. I would hate to eat a $2000 bill over a bad part.

For now I just want to install as built. I want to see how/if it works for my app. If it proves itself,and needs it, I'll move to hacking/or a GS/Solar/?? assist method to improve its performance.

Interesting read: geoheat.oit.edu/pdf/tp72.pdf

Thanks in advance---I'm gettin hot to trot on this job
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Old 03-21-10, 07:24 PM   #139
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That geoheat.oit.edu paper is about 15 years old and GSHP installs are a lot more expensive these days..

The tech that I hired was working as a temp in the HVAC dept. at a local college facility.
He said when times are good, he runs his own AC repair company.

I got my unit from these guys.. 24KHS72
No problems, but it takes a long time for units to get here from China..
When I ordered mine, I knew it was out-of-stock.
Their tech guy is always available to answer questions.
He has done a lot of mini-split installs and knows his stuff.

I didn't have any problem at all with Sanyo tech support, getting their paperwork going for the replacement unit.
The parts warranty was still good, it's just the labor they don't cover.

I think the defect was a very tiny pinhole in the copper tube where they
brazed on a short piece of tube to hold a heat sensor. (clip-on)
Not even a connection, just something to transfer the heat to the sensor.

I think it's likely that it was a little low on R410A when it was shipped, but since it ran so well, the problem wasn't noticeable.
But after 45(?) days, it just got to the bottom and the compressor cut-off kicked in..

From what I can tell by looking at the workmanship inside the outdoor unit,
the units are well designed and look like they should last for decades..

I'm hoping to get a perfect specimen this time.. I plan to run the heck out it this summer..

Cheers,
Rich
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Old 03-21-10, 11:51 PM   #140
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Default What was the most interesting aspect...?

Quote:
Originally Posted by AirSepTech View Post
For now I just want to install as built. I want to see how/if it works for my app. If it proves itself,and needs it, I'll move to hacking/or a GS/Solar/?? assist method to improve its performance.

Interesting read: geoheat.oit.edu/pdf/tp72.pdf
AirSepTech,

I share your interest in hacking one of the 'inverter technology' units, but I am also unsure how to proceed with all the electronics & controls that make them work.

I downloaded your interesting read PDF...

What was the most interesting aspect, to you, of this study?

Best Regards,

-AC_Hacker

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