Mini split oily liquid on insulation on refrigerant lines going to outside unit??

[Pziddy29]

Hey guys,
So I recently installed a mini split in my garage.I live In NJ.The weather here recently has been very cold especially at night last couple of days.Lastnight I left my mini split on overnight,I forgot to turn it off.When I came back this morning I noticed it wasn’t putting out by airflow.Then I noticed outside refrigerant line insulation has a oily residue running from the top of the line where it exits the wall.I am thinking possibly oil???But it’s clear I’m color and has no odor.So I turned on the heat and the unit comes on and works.Should I be concerned??I don’t think it’s normal.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Normally, oil on a refrigerant line is an indication of a refrigerant leak.

Tommy

 

[Jackfre]

Tommy is correct again. You have a leak. The repair process is to get a leak detector and confirm which joints are leaking. Don't take it for granted that it is only one. Cut and put new flares on where you have leaks. Pressurize with nitrogen. Evacuate the system and weigh in a fresh charge of 410A. Minisplits are all critical charge units and you cannot simply "add in a little" and be good. Under charge units show it mostly, or at least first, in the heating mode as you are running very high pressures on the heat side.

 

[Pziddy29]

I agree upon further inspection it looks like I have a leak.But it looks like it’s coming from the air handler unit.I have. Strange feeling that one of the lines might have barely rubber through on the brick where it goes through the wall.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Ohmthis]

A wall thimble is advised when running lines through a wall. If it’s rubbed a hole in the line, the line may not be able to be repaired. Those lines are really small and can be difficult to braze. I hope it’s not the factory lines for the air handler.