Installing an old free mini split - purge?

[Xkylescorex]

About 6 years ago my pops decided the minisplit in his sun room wasnt big enough. He let some sleeze scam him by saying if he bought this big expensive mini split and install then the guy would buy his old mini split from him for $3k. Of course the guy stopped answering my dads calls and so my elderly father called me to see if I could sell this 12k btu daiken for him so he could get his money back. My poor pops was so disappointed with himself when I showed him a used mini split might be worth $400. Anyway my dad passed away and I ended up with his mini split.

Fast forward another couple of years and I have built a new garage and a mini split sure would be sweet.

I thought about trying a mr. Cool but thought, wth its free so i ordered all new wiring and a new linset and a vacuum pump kit as well as adapters and schrader core remover. I also have a couple of pounds of r410a.

Now Ive watched about 30 videos and every website but everyone is installing a new unit. Shouldnt I purge eveything from the system by running nitrogen through it? Im assuming the old ac guy disconnected it and put it in the basement. What should I do differently than most of the videos? Im just confused as all the videos skip adding refriverant as its already in there

 

[Xkylescorex]

Also maybe it does have refrigerant in it. How do I tell and do I want it?

 

[American Locomotive]

Nitrogen purge isn't really necessary. Just evacuate it (vacuum).

If it was decomissioned properly, all of the refrigerant should have been pumped back into the condensing unit.

You would check by connecting a gauge up to the service port, capping the outlet, and cracking open the valve.

 

[Xkylescorex]

Nitrogen purge isn't really necessary. Just evacuate it (vacuum).

If it was decomissioned properly, all of the refrigerant should have been pumped back into the condensing unit.

You would check by connecting a gauge up to the service port, capping the outlet, and cracking open the valve.

Awesome thanks.
My plan is to learn on this one and if I mess up who cares since its free. I plan on installing a new one in my wifes office if I pull this off.I did just order nitrogen gauges and planned on purging it with my co2 / argon welding bottle. I also have a micron gauge coming so I think I have everything I need.

 

[KenC]

Awesome thanks.
My plan is to learn on this one and if I mess up who cares since its free. I plan on installing a new one in my wifes office if I pull this off.I did just order nitrogen gauges and planned on purging it with my co2 / argon welding bottle. I also have a micron gauge coming so I think I have everything I need.

Purge shouldn't be necessary but the welding gas and your nitrogen gauges will work for a good leak test prior to evacuation. If it has refrigerant in it, only the indoor unit and lineset will be need to be evacuated and tested.

 

[ching0n]

Awesome thanks.
My plan is to learn on this one and if I mess up who cares since its free. I plan on installing a new one in my wifes office if I pull this off.I did just order nitrogen gauges and planned on purging it with my co2 / argon welding bottle. I also have a micron gauge coming so I think I have everything I need.

I did two this year based off youtube vids and same equipment you're listing. If unit is charged, you could squeeze the shradder for a sec to see if there's pressure (don't tell the EPA).

 

[fitter30]

Weigh the charge in then your not guessing the amount of charge after a evacuation.