How to repair an Air Conditioning condenser leak

[@grayfurnaceman]

This to all that commented. I have always looked at this profession as fun. What makes it fun is this type of diagnostic and challenging repair. At the end of the day, you have saved your customer money, made a repair that probably made your company a better profit than replacement and you go home with some satisfaction. Thanks for all the positive comments! GFM

[@manfredman5075]

Amen brother!

[@grayfurnaceman]

The brazing skill is definately a learned one. You need to have very good control of where the flame is so the heat only goes where you want it. If you can practice on old coils it helps. Thanks for the comment. GFM

[@hvactecster79]

Great video and diagnostics and repair. This is what has kept me interested all these years is the troubleshooting problems and repairing if at all possible. Take care, Brett

[@coolcontrolaustralia]

Ac plays very important role in summers as it helps in making your home cold so its service is necessary. Very well explained video showing how to repair an a/c.

[@Psycho9263]

Good Video. You can also apply a little bit of flux after you clean the tubing to be soldered. The flux will help the solder flow better as you move the flame. After the leak check, place the unit in a good vacuum. Isolate the pump from the system by closing the low side on the manifold and turn off the vacuum pump, wait a few minutes if it advances to 28in(hg) and remains constant, it also means there is no leak and you have a good vacuum. However, if it does not hold a vacuum and the gauge is indicating a vacuum loss, recheck your work (if the joint is ok, then there may be another leak elsewhere in the system). Continue vacuum for about 45 min to an hour. When re-installing unit, be sure to replace the dryer on the liquid line. This will help protect the compressor and other components of the sealed system from contaminants that may be trapped in the system. Another option is to flush out the lines and the condenser. Thanks for showing Gray Furnace Man.

[@EddieLeverich]

Great detective skills! In today's world it's all about selling new equipment and that's a shame. We have very few techs that can actually fix anything or would want to take the time to fix something. You are one of the few that do it right. Good Jo

[@rescuej123]

Thanks for a good video and a good series of informational videos. It's refreshing to see that some folks still looks at the possibility of repair before the let's replace it approach. I've learned a lot and many of the videos have been a help to me in the field.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Glad it helped GFM

[@robertfleming2614]

Great repair, I also have repaired a bunch of leaks like this after people who recommended to replace the unit or complete coil, I have worked around guys if the leak is in the coil they say replace, good thing I enjoy going behind these techs and repairing the leak, I got to admit though the tubing in the coils are very thin and very easy to make a bigger mess if you don't know what you are doing, I agree with you on the 15% silver I don't care for anything below that, or the dye either!!

[@rasmussen667]

fixes like this are very satisfying today i had an old trailor coil with a bad danfloss txv of witch i did not have but as luck would have it i had just done a change out on a goodman cased coil of the same tonage so i clipped the caps and converted it to a goodman metering set up

[@grayfurnaceman]

This unit had gone thru quite a lot before being trashed. I think the compressor hold down bolts were removed during diagnosis. As for the header I, like you, immediately thought that was the leak. However, I think that was a result of the unit being roughly handled during disposal. If you can, I would like to see a vid on the repair you mentioned. Thanks for the thoughtful comment. GFM

[@TandNServices]

Man what ashame that unit was replaced. Can't tell you how many times I've followed someone on a repair like this and all they wanted to do was replace the system. I would fix it and everyone would be happy except the guy that lost the job. Great job.

How do I repair mine? It's 5 yrs old! They want to replace my condenser coil? $3000!😢

[@grayfurnaceman]

I'm with you on all that. As to the thin tubing, that is our job. If we only give up on the tough ones, why are we service techs. Thanks for the thoughts. GFM

[@grayfurnaceman]

I use 15% Sil Phos. It is a high temp brazing compound. I believe it melts between 1400 and1600F. I stay away from 5% or less especially for older tubing as I haven't had good experience with it. Thanks for the comment. GFM

[@rodgraff1782]

Those accumulators used to have a melt out plug on the bottom, in between the floor pan, where you couldn’t see. they would leak from there, but so little you couldn’t hear it. Was hard to track down. Those condenser lines split at the galvanized header because the pipe expands and contracts, or vibrate against a solid header, where it can’t expand equally. I used a very small tip with a very soft flame to repair these, because of the thin pipe. Out of balance fans which cause the cabinet to rattle can also cause these types of leaks.

[@grayfurnaceman]

They still have them and they still leak. GFM

[@grayfurnaceman]

I am not a big fan of dyes. I have found that by the time I have set up the uv light and covered the unit with a tarp so I can see it, I have already found the leak by following the oil trail. I am not saying that they should not be used. Anything that works is ok. Auto a/c is somewhat easier to find because the parts are usually in a dark area to start with. Thanks for the comment. GFM

[@BobBies1960]

Thank you for showing how to repair air conditioning condenser common problem. I've been trying to fix my AC all over again and I can't seem to make it right. Maybe now, I'd have an idea on how to.

[@Craftin.Clever]

Hi I found a small hole in my condenser pipe at the corner, after I braze repair it does the AC unit need to be re gassed? Im not sure where the AC compresser gas goes through the condenser. thanks

[@grayfurnaceman]

All of them I have seen within the last 5 years are scrolls. Thanks for the comment. GFM

[@skatastic57]

Now we just need a video on how to find the local AC company that, like you, looks to repair a leak rather than saying leak=must replace

[@grayfurnaceman]

I wish I could. GFM

[@jaksmithers176]

Great job Mr. Gray. Appriciate your videos

[@grayfurnaceman]

The issue of oil loss is, I think, overrated. A very small amount of oil makes a very big slick. Thanks for the comment. GFM

[@Zacksshoptalk]

Good diagnostic and repair. That condenser could still be in operation!

[@jimbirdsall1026]

Very nice troubleshooting & repair job !!!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Yes. This one is quite new. I would never throw it away. GFM

[@fritzhvac]

Hey Gray !!! Great Job , I really Enjoyed this One !!! Man I have seen that a Few Times Myself !!! Tight Spot EXCELLENT Repair !!! (Awesome) .... Fantastic Video GFM !!!

[@nickking4892]

If I’ve already repaired the leak & im still not getting to cold enough temp?! Any suggestions?

[@CoolasIce2]

Good info. Why aren't UV dyes used in home ac installations? They can be safely used in automobile's air conditioning. Just a lil dye would make the leak obvious. The dye can be left in the system for future leaks and is said not to hurt anything.

[@jamesnitzberg8405]

Excellent video and tutorial. I just received word that my 12 year old compressor was leaking at the COIL and not repairable. Well now it looks to me like NOT ALL COIL leaks are cause for giving up on otherwise perfectly functioning equipment. I am hoping for a similar diagnostic and repair!!

[@grayfurnaceman]

James Nitzberg If the coil is copper with aluminum fins, it can be repaired. If it is all aluminum, probably not. GFM

[@jamesnitzberg8405]

grayfurnaceman - it was copper, and in part because of this video, I had hope. It was done by a local HVAC professional and I am basking in the cool glory of air conditioning!! Thank you for the idea.

[@grayfurnaceman]

James Nitzberg Its good to be cool! GFM

[@jamesnitzberg8405]

grayfurnaceman Well I was cool, however we found another leak in the coil!! Back to the drawing board...

[@grayfurnaceman]

If the coil is copper with aluminum fins, it is sometimes repairable. GFM

[@grayfurnaceman]

Are you using it to clean the tubing? GFM

[@badarealam2173]

mujhe ac banane sikne hai. please hme bataye k eske sikhne se cariare ban sakti hai.

[@JodBronson]

GOOD VIDEO SIR !!! GREAT FIND AND GREAT REPAIR !!!

[@lynale990]

My condenser leaked freon and 2 weeks later leaked oil. I have only 1 month left on the Mfr wrranty. I gave it 3 days of living in the oven-house in Houston, TX. Many had quoted me for a new condenser vs entire system replacement and said after 1-month you dont know wht'd happen. Only 1 out of 5 companies said to repair the coil and can find parts, offers warranty after repair, but the quoted price included the warranty cost. How serious is the coil-leaking-oil issue? And what is the best option?

[@grayfurnaceman]

Well, the unit cannot run with a leak. If the unit warranty has expired, but just barely, I would contact the installer to try to get it repaired under warranty. Most companies will cover just out of warranty repairs. If you must pay for the repair, and the coil is copper, repair is viable. As for warranty of the repair, most companies will warranty their work but will not warranty the rest of the coil for leaks. GFM

[@suhailasaba1051]

Great video Question : I have a 1.5ton 220volts split unit AC. After few seconds of turning it on, the clamp meter reads 22A then rise to reach 37A for few seconds then it stops and the clamp meter reads zero or 0.1A. What could be the problem ?

[@grayfurnaceman]

The 22 amps is higher than the rated amp draw for that sized unit. If the draw is below 12 amps immediately after being started, and it rises with time, I would be looking for a blockage in the high side. GFM

[@suhailasaba1051]

@@grayfurnaceman Thank you for your answer. I will check and see what happens.

[@grayfurnaceman]

It will either be used as a mule or disassembled for vids about its parts. The units come from an HVAC company's junk yard. GFM

[@garysmith10449]

I feel the same as eleverich. Right on with that statement.

[@thesmoothjazzguy2012]

Thanks. Do most minisplits today use rotary or scroll compressors? Or does it vary by tonnage?

[@junipertree4me]

My Frigidaire air unit is a 1990 I found that out from the buyer the person who had something to do with it when it was put in I have a 91 double wide mobile home so it was the new unit when the unit was new anyway it’s leaking water out of the vents in the ceiling which means by my understanding that I have a condenser problem does that mean the whole unit has to be replaced? Does that mean I have to buy a whole new air conditioner I have 1500 ft.² in my mobile home and he told me it would cost me $5000 to put a new one in that’s really high I think I don’t know I need somebody who knows to help me I’m 79-year-old widow and I can’t afford $5000

[@grayfurnaceman]

If your problem is water coming out of the vents, you have a condensate problem, not a condenser problem. This may seem like semantics, but it is not. Condensate leakage could be from a plugged evaporator (indoor coil). Cleaning the coil may help. You could also have a low charge condition. That would cause a freezup of the coil and water leakage. The condensing unit is the outdoor unit. You need a tech to give you an accurate diagnosis of what the specific problem is. If you need further help after the diagnosis, I will continue to help. GFM

[@thesmoothjazzguy2012]

Is there a risk that when a system leaks oil, that the compressor won't have the right oil level to reach the sump?

[@sewwhattees5120]

Does this type of repair on a home sleeve unit last it the repairs are done. I do not want it fixed and then it gets hot and it is off again.

[@grayfurnaceman]

It works if it is done properly. Done it many times. GFM

[@fabiodarocha2842]

How do you do a pressure test with nitrogen?

[@grayfurnaceman]

I have 2 videos on pressure tests. Start with this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaSoZ4eGrrl2pJI The second one is linked at the end of the first. GFM

[@rrw65]

Doing it today, on Nordyne 3.5 ton unit Evap Coil. Damn near Same spot. Looks like mine, but ended up, with help from retired 44 yr HVAC repairman, who did the real work, tsking the coil all way out. Got dark on us, so pressurize tomorrow and crossed fingers

[@crispianf3439]

hi , do you have any videos on units with blockage and how to clear them if possible without a vacuum pump?

[@grayfurnaceman]

+crispian francis Blockages are going to require disassembly of the part with the restriction. Pressure and vacuum pumps probably will not help. Hope this helps. GFM

[@nickroberts4586]

throwing a 2.5 ton 410a outside condenser unit in-line with an old r22 evaporator attic unit 2.5 ton. went to update the orfice(piston) and the new one that came with the new 410a unit is too big. old one on the r22 unit is 078 and the new one is 063. any ideas on how to make it work? cant get the new one to fit inside the copper pipe

[@grayfurnaceman]

Good grief. Change the coil to a proper 410A coil. GFM

[@958kris]

Do you have nitrogen flowing while you are brazing or just before you start? I can't keep from blowing the braze out of the joint no matter how low I set the pressure. I was told to sweep it with nitrogen and then stop the flow to braze.

[@grayfurnaceman]

958kris This is a common problem. I set the nitrogen flowing so that I can just hear it coming out of the fitting. It should not register on the gauge. Hope this helps. GFM

[@958kris]

I just watched your other video explaining this process. It makes perfect sense. Wish I had had your videos years ago.

[@Fireship1]

That is a nice looking condenser! Most of the ones I see are filled with junk/leaves/dirt and are corroded to hell. I would be proud to install that one in my own home! Its a shame they scrapped it rather than repairing it.

[@maynardbecker4613]

is that propane torch you used? Mapp or oxy actyl? Do you do this with the freon in the tubes? Or do I have to evacuate the freon? I'm asking because i detected a leak with some soapy water at a seam on a copper pipe that leads into the house from the condensor.

[@grayfurnaceman]

+Maynard Becker Its an oxy-acetylene outfit. You must remove the refrigerant from the tubing. It will break down and if there is any positive pressure in the tube, it will not seal. Also some refrigerants produce poisonous gas when overheated. I also recommend running a very low volume of nitrogen thru the lines when brazing to prevent copper oxide from forming inside the tube. Hope this helps. GFM

[@EH4-EH4]

Thank you great info 😎

[@juanvergarajr983]

How did you remove the sheet metal around the u bend?

[@grayfurnaceman]

With tin snips. GFM

[@juanvergarajr983]

Thank you.

[@rrw65]

Johnny drill, sweat, chisel

[@AirConEdmonton]

It's a very common household situation that air condenser coil is leaking. Good thing is that you can do it by yourself on repair. But if you don't have the time, you can always call a professional that can do the job for you.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Dwight Gropper The video is not necessarily made for diy. Many techs do not know how or will not do this repair. In fact, the unit shown was replaced at 5 years because no one wanted to repair the coil. Thanks for the thoughts. GFM

[@TandNServices]

So now the question is what are you going to do with it??? From watching your videos I gather your retired. Do people bring these older units to you?

[@cohenyoel83]

do you think its possible to repair it with soft weld and flux?

[@grayfurnaceman]

+yoel cohen I would not try it. GFM

[@ninjaxorgmail]

Had an HVAC tech diagnose our unit with a evap coil leak on one of the ends out of reach. Aluminium pipes and fins with copper elbows. Parts for the unit are still under warranty so the thought it would be better to just replace it. He also said that they've replaced this coil in other similar units for several other customers. Anyway, they just installed the new coil, did a pressure test, and then while vacuuming the lines one of the condenser coils started leaking right at the sheet metal like you were showing. The tech proposed going with a new part (covered by warranty), but it would take 2 weeks to arrive. I sent some pics to a friend that does HVAC and he said it's a factory defect but would be no problem to repair as you've done... I'm just thinking "two defective coils? Is the third just a ticking time bomb?" Anyway, I do have a question: if the pipe running through the fins is aluminum does that make it much more difficult?

[@grayfurnaceman]

The piping is almost certainly copper. It is covered by the aluminum fins. Aluminum cannot be directly connected to copper due to corrosion. The copper can be repaired. GFM

[@ComfortProfessionalsManassas]

Doing it yourself has its rewards. However if it’s a machine that you need to use every day that’s necessary specially with a very warm climate, then it’s better to call the professionals to avoid delay and further damage.

[@deanburke3041]

We almost never hack up the coil fins to get at the joint. But if u have to....also we have blown adjacent elbows with the heat. A good leak detector helps. Once a year to rapair recurrent leaks.

[@kimahkoogray]

Just call me 510 427 9940 freeway mechanical ask for kymchee been in business 12 years

[@71dembonesTV]

Nice Repair! Not any easy thing to do; like you said thin wall tubing is delicate stuff. That unit looked all shiny and new to me. I certainly would question the tech who opted to replace instead of repair. Not everyone is so diligent I suppose...

[@AlchemistLair]

Very good video!! What are you using to braze the repair? Is that a solder or bronze rod?

[@grayfurnaceman]

I try never to condemn work unless its a safety issue because I don't know what the tech was up against. However, it does seem a shame to replace it. Thanks for the comment. GFM

[@sunilkumarpradhan3305]

hi my ac is slowly cooling and compressor is overheat .when i start ac , a odd smell is occur inside the room. please help me what can i do?

[@grayfurnaceman]

Sounds like it may have a refrigerant leak. The leak will need to be repaired and refrigerant added. I can't tell you about the smell. GFM

[@sunilkumarpradhan3305]

grayfurnaceman thanks

[@NightFlight1973]

@grayfurnaceman Hey, hope you can point me in the right direction. I have a unit that has been going strong for about 10 yrs. The condenser is clean. The u-shaped loops are starting to take on a bit of rust from age, but nothing extreme. Previously I've pushed the air upstairs by blocking the first floor vents. After about 12hrs on a hot day this resulted in an ice up of the condenser. I opened the first floor vents to fix that flow issue. Fast forward about half a week later its still hot out. Came home after a couple days away, 28C and its running all day and still 28C in the house at a setting of 23. No ice, and the condenser is only cool on the bottom - not to the top. Its producing condensation and water is flowing at a regular rate. So its cooling, and the return is just cool to the touch. Its been around 34C outside. Is the system just overmatched by the summer heat do you think?

[@grayfurnaceman]

You may have low charge. Check superheat at the exit of the evap. Anything over 15 probably means low charge or restriction. GFM

[@NightFlight1973]

I meant evaporator above, still getting terminology straight. Evap unit is ~12" to a side A type. Frosting from the midpoint down both sides. The top half is not cool at all. Will measure superheat side, but think it was low. Liquid line was reading around 19C (smaller diameter). Using this for a reference: www.contractingbusiness.com/service/why-measure-three-types-superheat

[@toneblair]

Do you need to fix the fins after? Or is it not that big of a deal

[@grayfurnaceman]

You just do the best you can. There is a small loss in efficiency GFM

[@toneblair]

Wow! Thanks for the super fast response. What does GFM stand for? Also, I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask, but I come from the appliance world, I'm just starting to get more into seal system work. My question is regarding brazing with nitrogen, I've seen a few videos about it, and it seems superior to not using it, but is it really applicable if you're doing a small system like a fridge? Do you have any videos on small units like a fridge?

[@toneblair]

I just realized what GFM stands for. Duh. Lol

[@grayfurnaceman]

I would think it is more important to use nitrogen in small units. Smaller expansion devices, smaller compressors would be easier damaged. The only video I have on small units is a Scotch yoke compressor. GFM

[@toneblair]

grayfurnaceman gotcha. Thanks for the response. Awesome channel, I've learned a lot, and it's been a huge value.

[@steven3691-u6c]

What size tip are you using sir. ?

[@grayfurnaceman]

steven messick I believe that's a #2 Victor. I use the larger tip for faster warmup of the joint. GFM

[@DG-od4si]

nice video, thanks

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@grayfurnaceman]

The unit was only 5 or 6 years old. Everything on it looks like new. GFM

[@magna59]

In the plumbing market there are " glues " " sealant " to replace solder , have these things crept into the HVAC world yet ? I wish the companies that build this kit would not make it soo unservisable , its the way they make it so they can assemble it rather than make any real attempt to service it without having to make it look like a road accident to get it apart . Great work .

[@grayfurnaceman]

magna59 The "sealants" that I have tried failed miserably. Brazing is still the best. GFM

[@grayfurnaceman]

I often times use CO2 as it is an inert gas like nitrogen. So yes it works fine. GFM

[@bob14219]

nobody wants to work any more doing repairs - any little thing wrong with a furnace or a/c system and the techs recommend replacement - because thats where the money is

[@JodBronson]

100% Agreed! Sad isn't it? For a System like this... Why not make replacement Parts and People can replaced the Entire Coil. Save the Unit for few more years and cheaper too :D. Sometimes I HATE this World, because it's all about MONEY !!!!

[@alialrashidi1764]

bob14219 actually a lot of times it cost more to repair than to replace, especially now that China manufacture everything for cheap

[@blackishpariah]

We repair over replace because eventually it will be replaced and if you can make a great repair you surely secure a bid.

[@airconditionisrael]

great tips

[@shadyhill60]

would it be adequate to flood the system with co2 instead of nitrogen?

[@martygarcia842]

Carrier wiring diagram

[@TheSami3465]

Th. You a lot

[@sofiawilliams3318]

hi, nice video. am staying at kolkata and my ac is not cooling properly, i think its notblowing air. can you tell me where can i get ac repair in kolkata?

[@grayfurnaceman]

Soory, I do not recommend any repair companies. GFM

[@639Beaver]

Thank you.

[@MBKiserHVAC]

It was useful for me...

[@grayfurnaceman]

+M. B. Kiser Heating & Air Conditioning Co. Inc. Glad it helped. GFM

[@shadyhill60]

Thank you!

[@lastdaycults]

I would actually pay extra for a tech to come out and find my leak, but i don't think anyone knows how, or is unwilling to perform such a task anymore.

[@shadowangelito4790]

Yes that is why if you Google HVAC tech job outlook, it's higher than other jobs with $35 a hour pay

[@shadowangelito4790]

No college

[@geeegeee]

What type of brazing rod did you use sir? great video btw!

[@grayfurnaceman]

It is 15% sil-phos. GFM

[@geeegeee]

+grayfurnaceman Thank you!

[@hvacmaintenance]

Google "freon leak repair kit" for sealer

[@mdakhtarraza6230]

There is pipe lekej and oil out unite no arjest

[@ACREPAIRINORLANDO]

This is such a common problem

[@DarshanSingh-zf4hq]

good

[@ralphriffle1126]

well lets see... determining the cost to make that repair. there seams to be two avenues of thought. one hourly rate and the other is hourly plus taking in consideration of the cost of a new coil verses. so can we conclude that if the coil is repaired (labor) then the customer avoids the added cost of a new coil would it be considered fair if the technican took into consideration the cost for a new one and broke that cost in half and added that cost to the repair because he thinks its fair to share some of the savings the customer got.

[@grayfurnaceman]

I never think in those terms. I just determine the cost, tell the customer and give recommendations. GFM

[@ralphriffle1126]

grayfurnaceman i think like a tradesman and would follow the same train of thought. i only proposed the consideration in light of paying for services rendered to me by a mechanic in which his prices did split the cost of a new part which his expertise saved me from having to purchase. by the way i enjoy your videos and foward them to someone that is just starting in the trade.

[@chrisscott1547]

Are you kidding? Why not be honest? Why would you deserve more than time & materials? Gotta stop thinking of ways to gouge the customer.

[@sabertig3489]

super

[@trevonmorris5237]

noooooo

[@Vinodkumar-bt6zt]

vinod kumar

[@photodan555]

Thank You!