For mrcool diy owners (need help please)

[handyman112]

Hi all,

New to the forum here but I recently installed a 18k MRCool DIY unit June 2018 and a leak started to come from the front right of the unit. Upon further inspection it looks like a hole has likely developed (since it didn't leak before) or the felt tape that was maybe covering the hole (if it was already there) became weak over time. I contacted mrcool and after several emails with pictures sent, they think it's missing a drain plug (not sure why since the drain hose on the side is in-use but ok), so they sent me a plug that doesn't really fit but I can't say I tried all that hard, but it's not plug n play that's for sure.

Anyway, I was wondering if someone could pop off their cover to see if they have something similar.

https://ibb.co/eXbfUU

https://ibb.co/jimaw9

https://ibb.co/ki6x9U

In the pictures I tried to highlight the area where I'm talking about, the normal drain plug hole is in use.

Thanks for any help!

 

[handyman112]

OK now I updated with image links, had to hit that 5 post minimum

 

[SALIV8]

I don't have a mr. Cool myself but that def looks like another hole through the condensate pan that needs to be plugged.

On my systems, there are two choices for a drain. One on each side and when you flip sides you have to plug up the other.

 

[sgiss]

The directions with mr cool said plug the hole not in use - (didn't really say how to egt to it...one on each side so that you can exit drain from either side.... however, the piping was already installed and the drain plug was installed - or so I was told - and I have not had that problem. (directions were very poor).
It would make sense that you are missing a plug.... Now, my question for you...I have never had the plastic housing off the indoor unit. I need to do so to completely clean the mold buildup off the fan wheel. How does that come off? I see a few screws when I open the cover... and I assume it friction clips in a few locations...where?... any hints...I am concerned about breaking plastic cover if I pull/pry in the wrong place.

 

[handyman112]

Thanks for the replies. Yes with the mrcool unit there are two drain holes, the left side is plugged and the right side is open since that's where the drain hose is attached. Also on the right side (at least on my unit now) is that other hole which to me just doesn't seem normal, there is no reason for it and I was wondering if it was just my unit.

sgiss -- in terms of getting the cover off, it's pretty easy. There were 3 screws that have to come off, all when you lift the front cover you'll see them. The center one is hidden by a cover, should be easy to pry up on to expose that one. You'll have to also pry off the electrical cover that's on the right side of the unit. In terms of other things, the top backside had a few notches that if you just pry it up a little you'll get over them and I think maybe the bottom too. Basically just pry gently all around and begin to pull off, it really wasn't that bad and I never felt like I was going to break any of the plastic.

If you get it off soon, then you'll be able to get a look at the right side to see if you have something similar -- I'm very interested.

Thanks guys

 

[justinjoyal]

I dont think that hole is suposed to be there...

It’s definitely not a factory drain hole. Looks like a defect to me.

 

[MattT]

I dont think that hole is suposed to be there...

It’s definitely not a factory drain hole. Looks like a defect to me.

Agreed. Patching with epoxy putty would be an easy permanent fix.

 

[sgiss]

handyman - thanks for helping me... I suspect you saving me from breaking a plastic part!

Not sure how soon I will get into my unit....
I am wondering if your hole could be a production mold injection site that created a failure... It seems that plugging might be an option - but parts warranty should cover sending you a new air handler....????....not sure how that would work with getting the correct charge in the system.

 

[handyman112]

handyman - thanks for helping me... I suspect you saving me from breaking a plastic part!

Not sure how soon I will get into my unit....
I am wondering if your hole could be a production mold injection site that created a failure... It seems that plugging might be an option - but parts warranty should cover sending you a new air handler....????....not sure how that would work with getting the correct charge in the system.

Yeah I was wishfully hoping for a whole unit but honestly, I might just go the epoxy route because it's easy. Thanks to everyone chiming in, makes my thinking of it being a hole that shouldn't be there more confident.