I'm trying to resolve my AC issue. I've been combing the web for information regarding my situation; The closest thing I found was a member on this site that had his Mini Split discharge and he wanted to know how to repair. The thread didn't exactly address my concerns. It went a little sideways discussing flaring connections.
My problem:
I have 18k BTU Mr Cool DIY Mini Split. The valve core on the outside unit has leaked and emptied refrigerant. I've replaced the valve core, now it's time to add refrigerant.
This is what I plan to do (but I'm looking for any steps or considerations I may have overlooked)
1) Remove the Mr Cool outside unit valve core using Valve Core removal Tool (VCT)
2) Using manifold gauges and a vacuum pump attached to the VCT, I'll put a vacuum on the system with both (high and low) outside unit refrigerant valves open (since it's already empty). 10-15 minutes of vacuuming. Close the VCT ball valve. Followed by another 10-15 minutes to see if it loses vacuum.
3) With the VCT ball valve closed, I will connect a 5lb bottle of r410a while it's upside-down on a refrigerant scale. While making connections, I'll crack the seals to allow air to escape the hoses prior to opening the VCT ball valve.
Here's where I'm foggy,
a) Do I need a Kwik Charge Liquid Charging fitting? If so, here's my connection sequence: r410a bottle > Kwik Charge fitting > hose > VCT > Mr Cool low side connection
b) Do I need to throttle the refrigerant the whole time or can I allow it to flow wipe open until I've added close to the required amount, then throttle it from there?
c) Is there a minimum outside ambient temperature in order to recharge my system?
d) Should the AC compressor be turned on while recharging despite it being empty of refrigerant? Or should I start up the system once I get ample amount (more than 50% of desired level) of refrigerant added? My Mr Cool unit calls for 68oz of r410a.
Thank you in advance for any help on the matter.
My problem:
I have 18k BTU Mr Cool DIY Mini Split. The valve core on the outside unit has leaked and emptied refrigerant. I've replaced the valve core, now it's time to add refrigerant.
This is what I plan to do (but I'm looking for any steps or considerations I may have overlooked)
1) Remove the Mr Cool outside unit valve core using Valve Core removal Tool (VCT)
2) Using manifold gauges and a vacuum pump attached to the VCT, I'll put a vacuum on the system with both (high and low) outside unit refrigerant valves open (since it's already empty). 10-15 minutes of vacuuming. Close the VCT ball valve. Followed by another 10-15 minutes to see if it loses vacuum.
3) With the VCT ball valve closed, I will connect a 5lb bottle of r410a while it's upside-down on a refrigerant scale. While making connections, I'll crack the seals to allow air to escape the hoses prior to opening the VCT ball valve.
Here's where I'm foggy,
a) Do I need a Kwik Charge Liquid Charging fitting? If so, here's my connection sequence: r410a bottle > Kwik Charge fitting > hose > VCT > Mr Cool low side connection
b) Do I need to throttle the refrigerant the whole time or can I allow it to flow wipe open until I've added close to the required amount, then throttle it from there?
c) Is there a minimum outside ambient temperature in order to recharge my system?
d) Should the AC compressor be turned on while recharging despite it being empty of refrigerant? Or should I start up the system once I get ample amount (more than 50% of desired level) of refrigerant added? My Mr Cool unit calls for 68oz of r410a.
Thank you in advance for any help on the matter.