Central AC System Not Cooling Totally Flat Poorly Installed System STEP BY STEP FIX REVEALED

[@traek8742]

I have a 1983 Lennox 3 ton condensing unit and I have to thank you for showing and explaining the maintenance repairs on other units. It has helped save me thousands of dollars in repairs from servicemen and the scams of people telling me that I need to replace my system right now. My air handler is a 1993 Lennox Pulse 21 and the only thing that I have had to do with this, for repairs is replace the draft inducer as the motor went out. This has helped a lot, I speak for myself but I am sure there are thousand of people like me that appreciate people like you that are willing to put this type of content online so people can make their own repairs. There is definitely a lack of tradesmen and tradeswomen in these fields. Thank you for showing people that it is an admirable profession to work in.

[@traek8742]

If you read this. Just out of curiosity. Have you ever installed Geo-thermal Heating/Conditioning systems? If you have how many and how much would it cost in a ballpark estimate would it cost to install for an 800sq ft house that also has a basement?

[@AmericanFarmerHVAC2024]

​@@traek8742depends on where you live. If you are up north it absolutely isn't worth it, they are nothing but trouble and last about 10 years before they are wrecked.

[@PipeDoctor]

I've supervised one many years ago. Costs all depend on area. Thats the major reason I don't discuss pricing on this channel.

[@JoshuaSHogg]

Your command of the technical language and your ability to communicate this in a fast efficient manner is impressive.

[@PipeDoctor]

Thanks

[@bennymoz3091]

That's the reason he's the fucking master plumber! The fucking boss!!!🔥🔥🔥

[@pipers255]

So true he has the Hvac and plumbing lingo down to a science without trying very smooth I love to listen to him, my wife says “ oh god” when I repeat his intro “ it’s me MIKEY PIPES” love it

[@MariosACandRefrigeration]

Very nice work mike,the only thing we do different is that we remove the broken pipe,cut it and start new,and maybe recommend a 2 inch filter to not plug the return.thanks for sharing.

[@PipeDoctor]

Great point!

[@elian222]

"hacks bring me stacks" You're the man 💥👍

[@steveurbach3093]

Did you fix that lousy electrical? The black was waiting to overheat due to such a poor contact area.

[@ktmrider707]

well done Mikey love your videos. I bet your microns rose up the first time from when you closed the ball valves seeing there may have been pressure or atmospheric air trapped in that ball valve. i normally flip those ball valves on and off during the vacuum to alleviate that issue give it a try to see if that works for you too. Cheers man I appreciate your vast knowledge and professional work keep it up.

[@gilgonzalez4104]

I have same flashlight. They’re great

[@PipeDoctor]

The best

[@marty0715yt]

You must regularly change the pump oil because it also get contaminated. The jump is what you say . Contamination starts to boil and thus raises the pressure until those molecules are removed. Plus the valves can leak when you close them. Great Job

[@PipeDoctor]

Yes, you are right

[@lukeeisenberger4872]

I love my metres amazing drives so nice and perfect for city work

[@PipeDoctor]

Couldn't agree more!

[@lolopete]

What happened to the wiring to the contactor ?

[@PipeDoctor]

Fixed

[@gregdemars2751]

Mike May the repair hold for the time when see leaks at the compressor its time replace

[@PipeDoctor]

Okay 👌

[@topher8634]

Are those still made by Coleman? Haven't seen any of these in a while. Use to be real popular on mobile homes down here in GA

[@PipeDoctor]

Probably just a license deal.

[@bruceelias2732]

Excellent job Mikey pipes and Peter piper

[@PipeDoctor]

Thank you sir

[@martymilan1673]

With that low superheat i am worried your flooding the compressor. Perhaps you have a over feeding txv. Just my thoughts

[@richards5843]

Great Video!! I would like to know if compressor oil was added since there was a leak. Thanks.

[@chatrkat]

Nice job Michael. Pain in the neck job but you guys knocked it out in stride. 👍🏻 That white neutral wire is not a surprise in that bargain system. Some hack in a pickup truck. 😆

[@PipeDoctor]

Thanks 👍

[@alexbarger9808]

Johnstone in my area (western pa) just recently downsized their showroom and now most all parts and equipment that should be in stock are all kept at the regional distribution center and takes 1-2 days to get parts that should be on the shelf

[@PipeDoctor]

Wow. That’s sad

[@alexbarger9808]

@@PipeDoctor yep, they had the call center setup going too at first but so many contractors complained about it and they saw they were loosing business, they now give a menu option to connect to the counter again.

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

@@alexbarger9808 I stopped calling them once they sent me to a girl 120 miles away. No thanks, especially when you don't stock what we need, things get damaged in shipment, then I get charged $150 for shipping Fujitsu mini split, that should have been free since it came from another one of their locations in another state. Rediculous what greedy, corrupt corporations are doing to keep those big bonuses coming in and pay for their corporate aircraft to fly their families around. All while not paying employees even 10% what the suits make and poor customer service is the result. Good luck corporate USA, because your lack of integrity and outsourcing of our labor for 40 years is going to come back to bite you in the penny pinching arses.

[@kwhite145]

Good job Mikey!

[@swaterman08]

Would be cool if you had an area in the new shop where you have a system mocked up for people like Peter to test on and braze. Maybe you can pop a pinhole and have him locate it and fix it. Then a place to do mock boiler manifolds and wiring, see if they can come up with creative ways to install equipment and learn. if I were Peter, I would have been taking home old equipment and turned my parents basement into HVAC Lab. no Cap, I did rewire and upgrade my parents house from knob and tube at 14. I also walked multiple trips and bought everything with money from working. doing dishes at a Diner for $4 bucks an hour. they were insane for letting me do it, but I wanted a AC in my bedroom and the single outlet I had was still knob and tube.

[@PipeDoctor]

Good idea

[@bobbydisano7293]

I know Evcon is bottom of the barrel but I’m surprised to see a reciprocating compressor in there especially with 410A great job! Get better bud god bless👍🏻

[@PipeDoctor]

Thank you!

[@joshuaseaton4526]

They aren't Evcon, haven't been for years. They are all JCP now, York, Coleman, Luxaire.

[@bobbydisano7293]

@@joshuaseaton4526 I know York makes them but Evcon is their cheapest lineup basically contractor grade

[@joshuaseaton4526]

@@bobbydisano7293 Ya, no worse than the others really. I think a little cheaper sheet metal is all.

[@southothehighway]

What can be done about the air filter? Where is it drawing from? The closet?

[@PipeDoctor]

Adjacent room

[@torinbrown8196]

Lost the chat trying to donate. I do believe I sent $50. Verify when you can as I clicked my name to be added. If not I can resend. Appreciate the Bosch heads up.

[@PipeDoctor]

I don’t see it.

[@douglasmontgomery6315]

Mike, with that gap between filter and housing of the handler, would it have been prudent to check the evaporator coil for crude as well? I mean, look at the outside unit :)

[@diyhvacguy]

Nice job brother. What did this cost and how long did it take when it was said and done if you don’t mind me asking?

[@PipeDoctor]

Sorry. I have a channel policy and rule not to discuss pricing. Every demographic is different.

[@alexohare]

Making it look easy 🤘🏻 good content as always man

[@PipeDoctor]

Appreciate it!

[@AmericanFarmerHVAC2024]

Actually they were right to have that specific 3m filter the opposite way. I've seen so many of those cheap ones with the plastic support structure on the intake side, I'll give the homeowners props for following the arrow, but needless to say they all got sucked into the blower wheels on furnaces. I've lectured many homeowners on switching filters, but if they insisted on the 3m Walmart junk, put the structure toward the furnace, save you a service call for a blower cleaning and motor change out. And your are correct on the vacuum pump ballast

[@PipeDoctor]

Better than nothing I guess

[@scottvolage1752]

Good job as always Mikey Pipes and Peter. Hacks definitely bringing you the stacks today. Make the trades great again. #LoveBosch

[@davidlampe4153]

Liking this video and nice work fixing the condenser and system.

[@PipeDoctor]

Thanks 👍

[@johndough4745]

Lol, don't stop. Shit shot. Was the last guy's motto. Ferguson sucks in Oregon also.

[@johnwalker890]

Good job Mike.

[@PipeDoctor]

thank you

[@louislitt530]

Nice one mikey 👍👍👍Loving the channel.

[@PipeDoctor]

Awesome thank you!

[@markcotter2355]

Hey Good Job Mikey! keep it up!

[@PipeDoctor]

Hey, thanks!

[@Casmige]

As silver-solder is self-fluxing? We were always taught to heat the copper until you see the green flame or even a cherry red to the copper before applying the silver solder. The broken copper pipe that was repaired?, ought to have had some coils integrated in order to absorb the vibration.

[@PipeDoctor]

brazing does not require the use of flux

[@timb6879]

I save terminals from contractors and use set screw terminals on the line side for better connections

[@PipeDoctor]

Smart

[@tmactheplumber4966]

Nice fix, as usual !

[@PipeDoctor]

Thanks again!

[@GoatzombieBubba]

National Tradesmen Day Observed the third Friday in September

[@PipeDoctor]

I didn’t know that

[@zlo92x21]

I get alot of customers that decline the coil cleaning due to paying more on top of the service call when doing a start up if nothing else is wrong than cry when it gets hot out and not cooling

[@PipeDoctor]

It’s a no brainer

[@larrytinnin3357]

You did read the time on your Watch correctly

[@PipeDoctor]

I did, or didn't?

[@jameshamm2480]

My motto has always been “ plumbers should not play with electricity” WOW !!

[@erichoward5565]

Fuergeson riled you up. ROFL🤣. Dude, I am just looking out for you... I hope that you fixed that contactor... your sticker is on that unit now and it would make you seem like the hack.

[@PipeDoctor]

You and me both!

[@TheBigbass13]

good job!

[@PipeDoctor]

Thanks!

[@michaelreischman9429]

Did you fix the bad l-1 ---- l-2 connections before you left, it was a crap job the other contractor did. 👍

[@PipeDoctor]

yes

[@kens.3729]

Only thing Worse than Blowing Bubbles is a Leaker. Since when does a Wife NOT make the Decisions ? She needs to Pull Up her Drawers and tell you to Proceed.

[@peter-pg5yc]

I sold kitchens its called a one legger..Mostly a waste of time. Oh i have to talk with husband.. After hundreds of kitchens sold like 2 or 3 to a 1 legger.. your lucky..

[@BeardedBeta]

Hacks bought me a Porsche lol new sticker idea

[@PipeDoctor]

That too

[@codykruies3414]

Were you flowing nitrogen when you brazed them lines in? 😅

[@PipeDoctor]

filter dryer, yes

[@tuffram2165]

MP I know you love spending those big $$$$ on those Mercedes vans but you should really consider a Ford Transit 250 with the EcoBoost engine. Mine is loaded with equipment and the factory brakes are still good at 85,000 miles.

[@PipeDoctor]

no shit, 85k miles and still factory brakes? i don't believe you!

[@tuffram2165]

@PipeDoctor yes sir Ford Transit 250 with the 3.5L Twin Turbo V6 85,000 miles still has oem brakes. It's had regular service and a new set of tires. I carry all the big heavy stuff in my van. We have a new on on order that has Dual rear wheels.

[@anap400]

How much did the repair cost?

[@PipeDoctor]

Why?

[@anap400]

@@PipeDoctor just curious what the repair costs vs a new outdoor unit?

[@zacharypalczynski8450]

It’s a muffler not a drier is what York says. 🤷🏽‍♂️ love ya bud ! Mikey fuxkn pipes !

[@zacharypalczynski8450]

I stand corrected , they do have the drier inside I’ve seen it on York units, all fuckn trash

[@PipeDoctor]

It says FILTER DRYER on that internal component I removed.

[@martymilan1673]

Muffler would be in the hot gas line not the liquid line. He removed a drier.

[@spymoocowgaming]

the infamous discharge line crack...

[@F12255]

Nice job I would have Done everything identical. Having a TXV subcool is important To be sure that you have a full column of liquid entering the expansion valve so it can do its job.. But super heat is still relevant and having close to none Would mean that there's way too much liquid coming back to the compressor. I like to see my head pressure at least two times what my suction is The compression ratio seems off with 150/266. Possible overfeeding meeting device?? Not much else you could do with that shit show

[@danpresson]

Awesome video

[@PipeDoctor]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@panamacitybeachbum]

Funny thing about oil, or should I say the lack thereof? If there was any oil left in that thing, it is moisture saturated. Homeowners better start saving their pennies because they'll be lucky if that "can" lasts another year.

[@PipeDoctor]

Yup 👍 agreed

[@KT-mb3gp]

Ho no Mickey used his left hand to pull the breaker😮

[@PipeDoctor]

Shame on me. Good eye 👁️

[@kangaroogod]

The low side boiling point is about 10° higher than normal.. low superheat,,, your txv is fubar I suspect

[@PipeDoctor]

No airflow

[@kangaroogod]

@@PipeDoctor low airflow would give you a lower boiling point. You are 10° too high

[@throttlebottle5906]

microchannel coil, probably wise to fix the "big leak" first, then pressure check for more leaks before continuing on with the filter/dryers and rest. 🤣microleaker, sooner than later

[@BartlettTFD]

Mikey, Did you correct the wiring abortion❓That filter box disaster is a disgrace. Can’t imagine an HVAC tech turning out that kind of crappy job. Great video as always👍

[@PipeDoctor]

Haha, "wiring abortion" and "filter box disaster" definitely made me laugh! I'll do my best to fix the mess and make it right. Thanks for watching!

[@conundrumconundrum5589]

Mind your high blood pressure Mike and reduce that stress. Let Ferguson go. Just use someone else. Speak with your dollars. We need more people to speak with their money.

[@pitaeata8493]

speak with your dollars! It's the only true democracy...cast your vote today, or not.

[@PipeDoctor]

HAHA

[@Matts_Crafty]

Mike next install show us some copper bending skills. Your bends are tits!!!

[@PipeDoctor]

Deal.

[@bjkjoseph]

About 15 years ago my neighbor recommended a guy to do my AC and it turned out. They were oil burner company and I was a little skeptical. It worked good but it looked like crap very sloppy installation, but that’s what you get up here in New York when it comes to AC for most guys, they specialize in something else and they’re not very good at doing the AC part but I noticed that’s changing a lot more people have AC. Growing up in the 70s and even the 80s. Nobody had AC on Long Island now pretty much everybody does.

[@PipeDoctor]

There is an oil company on Long Island that installs ac. Absolutely disgusting.

[@Kevin-ip8uf]

Normally check the return air temperature by drilling a hole and sticking a psychrometer in the ductwork. What duct work? Lol, just tuck the psychrometer between the wall and filter 🤣 Oh Mikey, you find some messes that people call jobs well done

[@PipeDoctor]

its really sad

[@Kevin-ip8uf]

@@PipeDoctor it is sad. But it keeps you gainfully employed so there is a silver lining to other people's bodgery

[@Shawn_RHVAC]

Just an fyi. Make sure you do not use acid based cleaners on the micro Chanel coils. Will eat the aluminum. Use Viper micro channel safe coil cleaner if needed or manufacture recommends WATER ONLY.

[@PipeDoctor]

Completely understand. The reason is because MOST techs don't rinse well enough. That's why. Appreciate your feedback.

[@eastlandgin]

Goddamn....does Peter really have a hole in his shoe? I can see his sock!!

[@JoeEgendorfer]

OK so this is a fan coil unit, why is the condensing unit not a heat pump! Are they only running electric heat? Way to expensive I wouldn't want there electric bill in the winter months.

[@brycesidor3646]

No Nitrogen flowing when you braze?!

[@PipeDoctor]

Did you miss the point that we ran out and had to get more? Or just commenting to point out the obvious?

[@wendelfears1027]

Wrong. Other city county and state code say only license electrician, can wire in all electric connections. Where as other state say that the homeowner can. Even some states allow plumbers to make thosee connections.

[@PipeDoctor]

Okay 👌

[@wizard3z868]

Lol not a fan of rogers i see. At least you playfully joke around wirh the mass-hole on da cape but the hostility toward that furgassen fanboy is epic 😎 😅

[@PipeDoctor]

Lol 😂

[@shapedstones]

I have same feelings of feeguson dislike them and prefer everyone else and theyre overpriced too. Generally more expensive than other suppliers

[@PipeDoctor]

They are a lot more expensive. They try to rip off the contractors. Always check pricing before leaving.

[@Matts_Crafty]

Good stuff Mike! This is not criticism, Acid on micro channel no bueno....I love the ultra sonic leak detectors you can find leaks in fkn walls with that thing... I just bought the tritector leak detector check it out.... Have not used it yet, prob POS who knows hacks bringing the the MF stacks!!!! 🤣

[@eastlandgin]

Acid wash on an all aluminum coil? Definitely not manufacturer recommended!!

[@Shawn_RHVAC]

I’m not trying to sell you on Viper Products but definitely don’t wanna use acid base cleaners on micro channel

[@PipeDoctor]

Completely understand. The reason is because MOST techs don't rinse well enough. That's why. Appreciate your feedback.

[@jasonthejawman5442]

Yep hacks don't cut it- do it right proper

[@PipeDoctor]

Yup 👍

[@kens.3729]

Hacks Bring you Stacks of Cash. 💰 Hacks Make Mistakes which will Cost the Homeowner or themselves so serious Issues at some point. 🤪👎

[@antoniosagamuccio7370]

Was that indoor unit strictly for the AC, or was it a furnace as well? If that unit was also a gas furnace, that return air hack job is totally against NFP code, and manufacturer installation instructions, due to being a safety hazard. That return air hack and the contactor wiring are the signs of a lazy, half-assed installer, plain and simple. It still amazes me to see these Coleman units. So Coleman was having a board meeting something like this? "Well we've got lanterns, camp stoves, tents, sleeping bags, campsite furniture, camp toilets. What camping accessory are we missing? I know, a 3 ton central AC system!" Hey Mikey, did you sell them on a proper filter box assembly for that unit and instruct them on the necessity of changing the filter far more often than it would appear they have been? Kinda looks like you would have 4-6 inches there between the intake opening on the unit and the opposite side of that wall, to fabricate something up fairly easy. You could upgrade that to a 2 or 4 inch filter maybe. Push the improvement in air quality.

[@PipeDoctor]

No there wasn’t room for a filter box - regardless the AHU is set too low. Need to raise it up. Unless your paying, it wasn’t going to get done.

[@gregdemars2751]

You would be very lucky if the repair hold😮😢

[@PipeDoctor]

Okay 👌

[@gregdemars2751]

Junk Time to replace 😂

[@PipeDoctor]

lol 😂

[@kevinpoore5626]

Hey I'm good old number to do you ever get your boots drive from the other day LOL

[@PipeDoctor]

They are dry now

[@kens.3729]

It’s really Obvious with location of Outdoor Units up next to the House that some Goofballs were Not Paying Attention when Proper Location was Discussed. 🤪👎

[@Keith_Mikell]

IDK where my last comment went. Look for a package from me. You sound sick. Get well.

[@PipeDoctor]

looking forward:)

[@Keith_Mikell]

its on the way. itll go out tomorow. I dont know where my follow up comment went. @@PipeDoctor

[@xX_Kryptis_Xx]

Why does micro channel even exist? They always leak!

[@zacharypalczynski8450]

Efficiency

[@ThePappas33]

Yo Mike i made 1st comment..

[@PipeDoctor]

Congratulations 🎊🍾🎉🎈

[@dexenationgracey1979]

I used to like that Texas plumber but he became too much of a media personality and less of a tradesman.

[@PipeDoctor]

He pushes content for no apparent reason other that to just increase his ratings. I don’t see anything useful is his content now.

[@engrpiman]

My HVAC contractor could use your vacuum pump. Took them an hour+ to pull vacuum.

[@PipeDoctor]

Wow! Nuts

[@engrpiman]

@@PipeDoctor it was a 100+ degree day when they were pulling vacuum. AC has been holding a 20 degree delta T so I can't complain.

[@danielelise7348]

Those terminations disgust me,you could park a truck between the end of the sheathing & the screw terminals,just purile sh!t💩💩🤮🤮

[@PipeDoctor]

Crazy

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

You can thank your greedy corporate suits for cutting out the filter racks in air handlers. You expected to see 407C. Why is that. That is a drop in refrigerant. I didn't know they were putting it in new units. The "best scenario is to replace the outdoor unit". Really? Repairing it and installing a LOSS of Charge Switch would be ideal to me. That way the next time it leaks down, it will shut off.

[@PipeDoctor]

407C is NOT a drop in refrigerant. I expected to see the rating label to say R407C instead of R410A because all the Evcon units around here are for R407C when the owner can’t afford a new R410A system or the installing contractor is too lazy to replace the entire system. Keep selling your snake oil to your customers. Eventually I’ll take them as my own. Yes, the best option is to replace the entire unit WITHOUT that type of coil. I speak from experience. Thanks for watching.