Kink in mini split line set

[Duane]

During my installtion I managed to get a slight kink in one of the lines.
It is not totally closed off and I can still blow air through it.
Should I section out this kink and add a coupler or will the unit still function OK? Any experienced Hvacs ever accidentally do this and have the unit function OK.
I realize that the gas must circulate to remove the heat but will just a partial
restriction cause any real problems.
Thanks

Duane

 

[Ron Lombardo]

You should cut it out and replace the section ..but the first thing that comes to mind is a 90 bend or braze in an elbow might also be the solution

Ron

 

[claytonw]

This might be worth a try, its worked for me before. Take an adjustable end wrench and adjust it to the O.D. of an undamaged section of the copper line. Take the wrench and place it over the kink on the flat section and slowly rotate it around to try and reshape the copper. If it doesn't work you should cut it out and put a coupler in like Ron suggested.

 

[fortysixandtwo]

I'll echo what Ron said. Cut and splice.

The restriction will cause a loss in performance and is also a potential safety hazard. The kinked section will be worked as the piping expand and contract due to both pressure and temperature changes. Over time the copper will work harden and leak/rupture.

 

[Falcon67]

If it's the high pressure line, you best splice it properly with a strong solder joint and connectors or replace it. Those lines run upwards of 250 PSI.

 

[Duane]

Repair question

Ok so it looks like I need to do a repair to fix the kink. I should mention that it is on the larger diameter pipe which I believe is the suction side.
Is there a special type of copper coupling to use and any special solder I should use. I have experience soldering household copper water pipes. Is this the same or are there diffferent materials that I should use because of the high pressure,or is there pressure on the suction side?

Duane

 

[Ron Lombardo]

trying to un kink will work depnding on how bad it is. You can use silver bright with minimual flux or Silver solder ..we use 15% but its about 35.00 per lb no flux. if its R 410a the pressure is even greater ... I would fix the kink if it were my house ... longetivity is the subject being its your own house. If the refrigerant is already in it I udnerstand ..try to un kink it with a adjsutable.

R

 

[Duane]

Thanks for the reply Ron. Yes I would like to fix it if it is going to be a potential problem. I have not installed the outside unit yet so no freon is in the system yet. Now would be the time to fix it. However I am an avid believer in the theory that if it ain,t broke don,t fix it. Do I need a nitrogen gas in there while doing the soldering. I read that it is required.

Duane

 

[Basskiller]

you dont need nitrogen while brazing. the nitrogen is for leak testing.

 

[oltruckag]

When brazing a lineset it is best practice to flow nitrogen to avoid the oxidation of the line internally. It's possible that some of this could flake off and get stuck in the orifice or TXV. This requires a nitrogen tank, regulator and flow meter.

That being said, there are lots of systems (including my own home) that are just brazed and pumped down without any problems.

If you have a minor kink in the suction line, you'll likely be fine. If you bent the line enough to the almost close the line you need to repair it. Do not solder an a/c lineset - it needs to be brazed. With an oxy-acetylene torch and sil-fos. After the lines are brazed you need to pull a vacuum on the system to eliminate the moisture in the lines. Especially if you are "blowing air" through the lines to verify that the kink didn't block the line.

If you do not have the tools to do that, run your lines, set your indoor and outdoor units and hire an a/c tech to finish the job. They will make the judgment call about fixing the kink or leaving it alone. Then they can check unit operation and verify the charge.

Tyson