Messed up mini split now what?? Help!

[Xkylescorex]

Ok Im installing a used mini split. I made new flares, did a nitrogen pressure test and then did a vacuum with my micron gauge. Everything looked good. Next step is let refrigerent out of the condensor.This is where it went wrong.

I opened the manifolds and let the refrigerant into the lines. U hqd a cheao $12 ebay schrader valve core remover. Then I went to put my schrader valve back in. Not sure what happened but my cheap ebay valve core remover started speewing refrigerant from its seal. It was leaking out of the valve handle. I guess a seal blew. I couldnt get the scgrader valve to seat. Lost all my pressure. I have exrra refrigerant bjt not sure what to do now. Can I pull a vacuum with the schrader valve in? Then add back my refrigerant? Im assuming I lost all my refrigerant. What should my next steps be?

 

[rlitman]

I've always pulled a vacuum with the schrader in. It takes longer, but doesn't have this risk.

 

[HamAndEggs]

I've done two now with my Appion removal tool and its done great. Maybe ditch the cheap one and buy the Appion?

 

[pcmeiners]

You were probably too anxious to realize the schrader valve goes back in before you open the valve. Next time go a bit slower.
For now get the valve back in to keep air out of the system until you get refrigerate added, place the valve cover back on

 

[American Locomotive]

You vacuum down the system with the schrader core out. You then very gently crack the service valve open to just break the vacuum. Just enough so your vacuum gauge (or manifold gauge set) reads a few PSI of gas pressure. Once you have a few PSI, you close the service valve.

THEN you open the valve on the core tool and re-insert the core. The few PSI of pressure just ensures you don't pull any contaminants into the system, and if there is a leak, you'll only lose a few grams of refrigerant out of the core tool since the service valves are closed. Then you remove the core tool and open the service valves to release the rest of the charge. At least that's what I've always have done.

You will need to evacuate the system, and then manually weigh-in a fresh charge of refrigerant using a scale.

 

[Xkylescorex]

Ok so I should pull a vacuum with the condensor allen bolts cracked ooen? Right now I have no pressure. The good thing is the unit takes 2 pounds of refrigerant and I have 2 pounds. So it should be easy. I should buy an appion or yellow jacket core remover.
So pull vacuum.
Put in schrader valve
Add refrigrant
Turn unit on and bask in sweet cold air?

 

[justinjoyal]

If you don't have reliable tools, just put the schrader back in before doing anything.

Then you can purge with nitro, pull a vacuum and then weigh in the factory charge.

 

[Xkylescorex]

If you don't have reliable tools, just put the schrader back in before doing anything.

Then you can purge with nitro, pull a vacuum and then weigh in the factory charge.

I just shelled out for an appion core remover. Should be here in a day. I didnt think I could pull a vacuum with the scbrader in.

 

[Xkylescorex]

Now that I turned the allen bolts and released the refrigerant, when I pull a vacuum do I close off the allen bolts? Or do I leave them open to pull a vacuum on the whole system? Should I worry about the oil that spewed everywhere when the seal on the core remover blew? What a cluster! I was very careful with each step and thought I had it all down. I watched about 300 videos.lol oh well.

 

[Xkylescorex]

Ok the split is up and running. Its been a week and when ots 95 degrees in atlanta It will cool down and hold at 70 degrees. I think I pulled it off. 300 psi nitrogen pressure test looks good. However my micron vecuum test I could only get to 900 microns. Then it would jump up. I think it has a leak but seems to be running ok. I probably need to pump down the refrigerant and redo the flairs. Im not sure my micron gauge is correct as im sure it got contaminated my refrigerant when my first seal blew out on the valve core remover.

 

[PWC Repair]

Yes' oil will contaminate the micron gauge. Flush it out with alcohol.

 

[rlitman]

Yes' oil will contaminate the micron gauge. Flush it out with alcohol.

Check with your instructions. My CPS VG200 states it can be cleaned with alcohol, but not all sensors may survive that.

 

[lemmy999]

The VG200 says to use denatured alcohol to clean it. I have no idea if isopropyl alcohol is ok or not.

 

[Xkylescorex]

Micron gauge muat have been dirty. Its been running for a month no problems. I cant believe I pulled this off. Thanks guys!