03-29-15, 10:28 AM | #11 |
Master EcoRenovator
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: USA
Posts: 543
Thanks: 6
Thanked 44 Times in 38 Posts
|
I am not a pro . However , I have found a common leak is the Schrader valves ( like the valve cores in the valve stems of you car wheels ) . There is a tool to remove & replace them with out discharging the refrigerant . I do this as SOP , as preventive maintenance , when a system has a leak .
Relatively inexpensive ( after you purchase the tool ) and painless . The Schrader valves are cheap at a HVAC supply house . I have another suggestion for you . Send me a private message if interested . God bless Wyr |
03-30-15, 08:20 PM | #12 |
Supreme EcoRenovator
|
Yep, that falls in the service valve category. Both the Schrader valves and the valve body seals can leak, not to mention the flares. This is why they should all have caps tightly installed when not being fooled with.
|
05-08-15, 02:48 AM | #13 | |
Apprentice EcoRenovator
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Western Australia
Posts: 148
Thanks: 1
Thanked 48 Times in 34 Posts
|
Quote:
Not targeted at you specifically, but I am sick to death of having to pick oil soaked manky teflon tape off threads because someone thought it might help. It doesn't, _ever_. What it does do is let me know that at some time a "technician" has worked on the system and makes me spend a lot more time checking the basics for other gross hacks. Thread tape is for "tapered" threads, it has no use on parallel threads. The bubble solution is a good idea, but there is stuff called "big-blu" bubble liquid specifically for HVAC techs. My experience is it lasts a _lot_ longer and shows up much smaller leaks. If the leak is particularly sneaky, I still like a sniff of R22 backed with 300 pounds of nitrogen and an electronic leak detector. I have been known to use Propane and a lighter, but then I'm more of a do as I say, not as I do kinda guy. |
|
|
|