Connector size question - mini-split

[motterpaul]

I can't find the exact info I need to understand the types (male/female) and sizes of Mini-split connectors.

My micron gauge has 1/4" male flare connectors. So what other pieces do I need to set it up with a vacuum? Specially; what types of ends and sizes do I need for the adapters? I see some guys using two ball valves to isolate the micron gauge,

I have a 5/16 to 1/4" service port adaptor. I have a standard vacuum hose. I have a Schrader valve removal tool that is 5/16 to 1/4 with a ball valve. What kind of ball valve connector do I need and how do I add in the micron gauge?

I think the setup is like this - but I am not sure what I need to buy to add in the micron gauge:

 

[motterpaul]

Please help if you know the answer - thanks. I can surmise that I know but I am tired of buying stuff that just isn't quite right.

 

[American Locomotive]

You just need a 1/4" female to 1/4" or 5/16" female adapter. It could even just be a standard charging hose...

 

[motterpaul]

Thanks - I figured out (after watching 3 hours on YT) that the tech only uses an extra core removal adapter to isolate his micron gauge after the vacuum stage is finished. I should be fine connecting my gauge to the extra 1/4" outlet on the 5/16" to 1/4" ball valve that I already have during my vacuum. A good 1/4" to 1/4" VCRT is over $60.

 

[jjrbus]

Since I am a home owner hack, I see no reason for the extra shut off for the micron gauge. It is only to keep from cleaning
the gauge and having to clean it. That is after 8 hours on YT! If I were using it all the time it would make sense to add the shut off.

 

[motterpaul]

Since I am a home owner hack, I see no reason for the extra shut off for the micron gauge. It is only to keep from cleaning
the gauge and having to clean it. That is after 8 hours on YT! If I were using it all the time it would make sense to add the shut off.

Funny - we both obsessed over this and watched YT to figure it out. In the one "complete install" video the HVAC Pro guy actually says "this one is 5/16" and the other is 1/4". And he also says you don't actually need both, that it is just for convenience later on. But I was not going to watch that twice (although I did). Ridiculous how much a little thing like that can hang us up for so long.

 

[jjrbus]

Funny - we both obsessed over this and watched YT to figure it out. In the one "complete install" video the HVAC Pro guy actually says "this one is 5/16" and the other is 1/4". And he also says you don't actually need both, that it is just for convenience later on. But I was not going to watch that twice (although I did). Ridiculous how much a little thing like that can hang us up for so long.

I spend waaaay too much time researching, wish I could find a competent tech. Now I am trying to figure if I should use leak seal, some scream NO WAY NO HOW and others say they use it all the time? Who to believe although I am a bit biaesed against sealers in general.

 

[motterpaul]

I spend waaaay too much time researching, wish I could find a competent tech. Now I am trying to figure if I should use leak seal, some scream NO WAY NO HOW and others say they use it all the time? Who to believe although I am a bit biaesed against sealers in general.

I'll tell you this. In MY research I find the older posts say "no way!!! (2015) but the newer ones (2021) are more comfortable with it. Rectoseal is well-liked and Pioneer recommended I try theirs, also. If you have a fairly clean and newer system, especially the coils around your fins, I would say I am not opposed to it. In an older system that may have a fragile set of coils I might not do it. Check your flares first with bubbles, with N2 if you can, but if you can't find it (because it is so small) you might try sealant.

 

[jjrbus]

I'll tell you this. In MY research I find the older posts say "no way!!! (2015) but the newer ones (2021) are more comfortable with it. Rectoseal is well-liked and Pioneer recommended I try theirs, also. If you have a fairly clean and newer system, especially the coils around your fins, I would say I am not opposed to it. In an older system that may have a fragile set of coils I might not do it. Check your flares first with bubbles, with N2 if you can, but if you can't find it (because it is so small) you might try sealant.

I have found leak in evaporator coil with the Accutrak leak detector and verified with Calgon leak detector. I may have another leak but due to the shape of the coil I cannot verify it is a leak. Looking at options now on seal, replace coil, replace head, replace unit.