RV Air Conditioner Troubleshooting - Partially Frozen Coil, Dirty Condenser, Low Refrigerant Charge

[@joeyboyle7512]

*Solid, **Fastly.Cool** and gets the job done. For rooms where window-mounted air conditioning is not an option, this works very well. Easy set up, rapid cooling, and great design.*

[@michelguedry9815]

Mike Guedry I reviewed your video and was able to charge my unit, using your same guidance and recommendations. Compliments to you and your team, my freon adding was a success. My initial pressure was approx. 23-25 psi. I charged the unit with freon 410a to a reading of 135 psi ( slightly high since i figured it would slowly leak out over time) Inside air temp went from a starting value of 65-67 degrees, to a final reading of 53-55 degrees, this reading was taken flowing out of several registers (Vents). I WAS Very satisfied and it really made a difference when your outside air temps are in the mid 90 degrees and you have 90-95% humidity. My final test was a SNOOP Test,,,,, No Bubbles - No Troubles THUMPS UP BEN Just a little feedback to us readers.... don't be afraid to mention and point out the little things that most of us may not know, such as differences between High and Low taps and there importance. Make sure freon bottle orientation is the proper configuration for adding fill and another quick one, may want to highlight/stress some of the most important /critical factors, ,,, is it the amount (oz.) of freon installed, or final system pressures (125-130 psi) or inside air temps (Degrees), which is the overall GOAL. For individuals who don't work on AC's on a daily basis, additional details are appreciated. Thanks again and keep them coming.

[@PIndyJones]

Thank you for posting. My dad has an rv that has the coil freezing up about half way just like that one. I started watching and was like "huh, that looks similar". The model number of that unit is one digit off toward the end front yours. Basically identical. I am new to the industry and after looking at it on the roof, I had no idea how I was going to add refrigerant. Thanks again! Very helpful.

[@r.d.ontheroad-1094]

Thanks, good job explaining each step! Friend of mine does refrigeration, and I leave that up to him! Enjoyed your vid! Have a blessed day!

[@sailingsolar]

You CAN find leaks if you look for them and do so the properly. I have found many of them small enough to allow running up to two years before they need topping off. Also the leak being on the high pressure side vs low makes a difference how easy they are to find. The very best detection fluid ever is "409 Spray Cleaner". It's better that ANYTHING I ever tried and you can take that to the bank, it's so good. Even better than products sold commercially. Spray in the stream mode very slowly. You want to get a thin layer of 409 on the surface and it will foam up like shaving cream on the very smallest leaks ( I've seen it) after a minute or two. 409 will blow small bubbles on bigger leaks. Nobody likes looking for them so they never find them because they charge it up and they are out of there. People are lazy and will always avoid extra work. Also the oil in the compressor will circulate throughout the coils and tubing when running. So you can spot signs if (dried) oil as an indicator of a leak there. Typically there will be a coating of dust on all surfaces and there will be dust that's slightly darker due to the oil touching the dust and evaporation over months. It shows right up if your looking for it and know what your looking for. Also Freon detectors can be quite helpful, if up got one. Cheers

[@timsharpe3498]

Thanks for the 409 tip. I’m preparing to check my AC units soon.

[@nathanholmes9679]

Just installed a new Dometic ac on the roof 15K unit, it blows fine, but not cooling! Looking for information to maybe fix myself without driving my rv to a Dometic Dealer for warranty work ! Frustrating that a new unit NEEDS FIXING ! Great video and information!

[@Iwillnotbepushed]

Good video. Nice to see a couple young guys in the trade.

[@grumpyg9350]

6:40 should you have purged the line while opening the valve? Great video.👍👍👍👍👍

[@tomireneprice7210]

Your video was very helpful. Many are too general. I liked that you went through the steps using a piercing valve, where to put it and pressures on the low side. I'm sure mine is low on freon and cannot find anybody to come to our remote location to fix. I have ordered everything and think I will finally get it going next week. Thanks

[@Jonnydeerhunter]

Really appreciate this. I have the same unit and this definitely will help with my decision on doing it myself or taking it in. My coils are clean but still freezing up so im down to assuming at 11 years old, its low on refrigerant.

[@gooseneckposse240]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge! My cover rubbed a spot on my condensate coil....i think its leaking freon

[@gooseneckposse240]

Sorry the evaporator coil...has a rusted spot where cover bolts housing rubbed it.

[@stephandalejo]

Thank you for such a detail video. In my case, my A/C unit takes 14.5 oz of R410A. How can I measure while recharging to make sure I add the right amount?

[@davidbultman6592]

good technical explanation, especially for someone as young as you. my AC has failed and although i am hopeful that it is something other than a refrigerant leak, at least i have some guidance if it is. my previous experience showed too much loss of refrigerant to allow a long term fix through re-charge. maybe this is why most AC repair services won't re-charge.

[@shadowblademonk1348]

when mine froze up, all i had to do was replace the temperature sensor. as the sensor detect when the block is to cold to shut off certain funtions to prevent the block from freezing.

[@Eddy63]

Good vid Ben ... Keep em coming ... Much appreciated ...

[@michaelhurst6808]

Great Job guys.. I've searched for two days for this piercing valve.. Thanks for the share..

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

You're welcome!

[@deerfield2004]

On an RV ac unit how the vacuum is done my Ac lost all freon due to a leak which I found and fix, now, I'm on the process to vacuum and add freon (R22) Thank You

[@jermonken]

Great job young man!

[@stingray6114]

Hey Ben thanks for your videos. Please keep them Coming

[@bsoutdooradventures9541]

Good info for people who always like to learn things! Going to check my coils out to make sure they are clean. thanks for share! 👍👍🍑

[@bradknows]

Great job!

[@cano123456789678]

Very professional. Thank you

[@davehughesfarm7983]

Good hands on teaching...

[@martinrascon1350]

You dont have to be licensed if you use the new walmart refridgerant from the can you can use the gauge that it comes with for 12 ounces which is the small can

[@tomshanteau9290]

I have a quick question? I’ve seen people and other videos putting auto refrigerant in there RV AC units? I don’t have a certification and cannot get the 410 that is required. Am I able to recharge slightly with a little bit of auto refrigerant? I am replacing, all of the capacitors tomorrow, not blowing cold air by the way and the last thing that I can think of is that it’s a little low on refrigerant. The system has never been tapped into apparently so beyond that I guess I will buy a new rooftop AC if it wouldn’t work. Let me know your thought?

[@M.A.zing1320]

My rv ac will be running perfectly and just shut off back on , sometimes once for a split second , or seconds, or a couple of times. Changed thermostat and capacitors, still does it. Lately, it may shut off for several seconds and restart, or slide temp up on thermo and it restarts, too.

[@douglasbreaux1773]

That's the problem I am having.. Just getting ready to trouble shoot the system.. Good Luck with yours!!

[@oguzoguz4686]

I have follow all the steps and made it work. Just did not took the moister out.

[@mushtaqmalik8292]

Great video sir !

[@wallycass2780]

The label on your ac unit stated that the low side psi is rated at 240 so why did your gauge only read 124 psi? Also what happens if you add 134A freon instead of 410A? Trying to fix my AC unit as it is short cycling. It will run fine for about half an hour and shut off and on every three minutes for each cycle. Line is sweating and gets cold so not sure what is going on. Might try and add some refrigerant. Thanks for the info.

[@pawpatina]

you need to make sure you are not running on a 15 amp outlet first of all and then make sure the outlet and cord end are not loose at the internal connections or they will heat up and lose power.

[@brianmutascio8325]

How do you prepare your customer before doing work, because you can't warranty the added R410a won't leak out again.. I know it can be very expensive to setup to recover, pressure test,, fix leak, evacuate and recharge the 12 oz.. of R410a Excellent presentation !

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Usually, if it is the first time a unit has been low, we will recommend charging and then see how it lasts. If it runs out again quickly the leak will need to be fixed. Otherwise this fix may last 3+ years before having issues again. I agree though, it is a difficult balance to strike.

[@toreysue5458]

What should the pressure be on a R22 RV a/c system?

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Approximately 70psi on the low side and 225psi on the high side. Note that pressure does not tell the full story but that's a general starting point. :)

[@quartzboye]

I cleaned my coils and it froze slightly again after running a few hours before shutting off. I have the same A/C in my Laredo. It's in very good condition.

[@nj5wrick156]

Why didn't you pull a vacuum on the line prior to adding freon? Just curious.

[@garygardino8453]

Thank you for your help

[@johncbone]

Do ya know about 410/134 blend

[@nancymoon2446]

Appreciated this video, very educational... thank you

[@scray2212]

Where do you get the Freon

[@DandyRandy822]

Wish I could get help on my Dad's Duo-Therm Quick Cool. The fan switch on the thermostat won't turn the fan on. I went up on top and took everything apart thinking there was a contactor like in a residential unit but none was found (I was going to engage it). The fan blade won't turn like a residential one so I thought perhaps the shaft was frozen. I am now lost.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

The motor is most likely bad as it should spin freely regardless of operation status. Usually this is caused by failed bearings. Good luck!

[@jeffdeinlein]

What should I expect to pay for an expert service and repair like you did in the video please? Thanks.

[@cameroncam6878]

Yes, what should he expect to pay because I want to know that too?

[@RL-xb4gz]

Good information

[@dalocall808]

is 3/8" the standard size of the low-side piping on rv rooftop Air Conditioners

[@donnaandrandykahn9561]

Where are you located? We have an 2 yr old unit out on and was told our unit was low on Freon but no port to add so how was he able to know it was low. Would this be cheaper to do rather a new unit. Not too knowledgeable people around here.

[@joelgarza9991]

Thanks buddy that helped me a lot 👍

[@rigweldernomad932]

Keep doing videos like this man.

[@tjaramillo2383]

What do you use to plug the whole when your done or do you leave the device on?

[@KSparks80]

You leave them on the line. It's an ON-OFF valve you can use in the future to check pressures or add refrigerant if needed.

[@sapientia_et_virtus]

Awesome, thanks brother.

[@CarlosGarcia-ij4yg]

Hi is there a cheap, very cheap fill hose i can buy along with the line tap? And where do i get the best price on a small can of gas? Thanks. Subscribed

[@josemorales9637]

Gracias

[@panoramicfilmsusa9909]

Hello Ben, man thanks for this video bro, did not know about that having to be perforated. What kind of gas should I buy to refill my Dometic unit for my RV? Many thanks

[@oguzoguz4686]

Look at the compressor. It should tell you📀

[@oguzoguz4686]

I use 410a but look at the compressor there should be a label

[@ussweeneyd]

Thanks! This is a great and clear tutorial.

[@1miltond]

Great video lots of great info trade schools are all ways doing a great job you guys have a secure future and I said very mature the 2 of you

[@harold-miller]

Great info! I've got a 2016 model travel trailer that just isn't cooling when we camped the first time this year. I can hear the compressor running but the evaporator isn't cold. Prior to this, we were getting ice on the evaporator. Seems like it's lost it's refrigerant, would you say? Is it even worth trying to fix the leak and recharge it or should I just ditch the thing for a new air conditioner?

[@celiorocha7478]

Did you resolve your issue? How? I’m under the same problems.

[@justiceforall1943]

Teaching wrong

[@mahimahiaddictioncesargonz5445]

Are you in Orlando FL. Need A/C service

[@rickgriffin1124]

I have a 2000 Seahawk by Gulfstream. I noticed a wire unplugged on the furnace, I plugged it in, then a fuse blew and the Coleman mach ac shutdown. I unplugged that wire, changed the fuse, no ac at all. Come to find out the pos and neg wires were crossed on the furnace! I fixed wires, still no ac. I put new start, run and fan capacitors in, new control box in, no ac. Could the thermostat be fried?

[@billcullifer]

Great Video,

[@raymondjones7489]

Sorry...that was supposed to be I appreciate it!!

[@rickjannullmeyer732]

I have an older Duo-Therm unit with R-22 in it. It's not cooling well. I've read a lot and "I think" I can use R-22a as a viable substitute. Is this true? Also, have you done a video on how to recharge an RV air conditioner with R-22 in it? If so, could you send me a link on how to watch it. Thanks for the very informative video. Keep making them !!!

[@markbaehne9389]

407c You need an EPA certification to buy .

[@timcharlebois5158]

i have this same ac unit wondering if you can help me out the compresor starts up then kicks off i replaced thestart up compastor but still the same issue please help

[@robdoe4346]

Where you guys located

[@paulcurlett3916]

Where can I get a piercing valve?

[@bggann]

Benjamin, Little advice here. I'm happy to pay for it if needed (pm me in youtube. I have a very similar unit (model 48254C869 - which I can't find but I think is a Mach 15 unit). The unit stopped cooling, fan and compressor running. On inspection I found a rubbed spot on the capillary tube and evidence of leakage. Design issue - the edge of the metal shielding over the evaporator rubbed a hole in the capillary tube (cap tube - part 8333-1351 in Airxcel parts list). I braised that tube using Harris 5 phosphor rod - seemed to work. I installed a piecing valve on the suction line and successfully - charged with 410A refrigerant. I used a simple single gauge, I did not vacuum evacuate the system (I don't have a vacuum pump). The spec sheet says 16 ounces - so I stopped there. During the time the 410A was flowing in, the suction line frosted up - but as soon as I turned off the refrigerant, it got warm. Added the rest of my 22oz can of 410. Same behavior. So - something did not work. Two possibilities. 1) I did not vacuum out the system - so... 2) My repair of the capillary tube, or the damage to it, plugged it so the right amount of coolant is not flowing. I don't see any practicable. way to replace that capillary tube - even if I can get one. So - is this A/C unit done - or should I vacuum the system and try again.

[@nunyabusiness6746]

Robert, you plugged your cap tube, you seem to know how to braze so here’s what you do, take a small triangle file and etch a groove into the capillary tube on either side of the damage and break off the bad section being careful to make sure each end of the line is open, don’t cut out too much cap line as it’s length is critical for proper feed to the evaporator, a couple of inches is fine. Now take a small piece of 1/4 inch tubing two inches or so and use it as a splice, gently crush each end to seal without damaging the cap line and braze. I’d borrow a vac pump and run a good vacuum then recharge.

[@lukeschimp3733]

reason no service port for guages is small unit with critical charge. only about 1.5 lbs of refrigerant in system. if guages put on you already lose 3 ounces in your hoses. thats why no sssrvice ports

[@oguzoguz4686]

Mine is leaking fro the tap when I add freon.

[@Heliarc91]

Yeah the best way to actually fix is to solder fittings on. But to do that properly you need to vac the system out and purge with nitrogen or argon (inert). Then refill with proper weight in freon with a scale back in the system. These pierce fittings...while convenient.. almost always leak from expansion and contraction. Soldering is the only true way to make service taps. These valves are designed to open and evac a sealed system, BTW. If you don't care about recharging it every so often I guess you could use it. But I would get the solder fittings

[@oguzoguz4686]

@@Heliarc91 Well mine was had a problem. Half of the freon was coming out. I got new fitting and problem solved. Thanks for your help.

[@danielmontenegro2976]

HI, CANT FIND THE 1/2 " AND 5/8" PIERCING VALVES IN AMAZON....THEY ARE NO LONGER AVAIBLE. ANY IDEA WHERE ELSE CAN I GET IT? THNX

[@pawpatina]

links worked just fine for me...

[@tonyleverett6197]

Benjamin, I have the same roof top unit on m horse trailer but the tag has faded out, can I recharge with 134a instead of 410a?

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

No, if it was R410A then you need to keep it set up with that refrigerant. It will not work with R134A.

[@tonyleverett6197]

@@BenjaminSahlstrom Thanks, The tag on the unit is faded out so I can't read the actual required refrigerant. The unit physically looks exactly like the one in your video, the horse trailer and AC unit were built in 1995, Was that 410A back then? Thanks

[@SheepDog1974]

Are you located in Ontario?

[@raymondjones7489]

Good deal!...I spit man 😊

[@nunyabusiness6746]

Just one question, why didn’t you install the tap valve with the allen screws on top, guess it doesn’t matter much however since the crazy pressures of this assenine 410A they’re using now will soon leak out thru the thing anyways !

[@CyberRican]

What state are you in?

[@robdoe4346]

Need you to work on my rv you located in florida

[@Jrhnhemp]

Do you work on all air conditioners or just rvs? How do I hire a mobile rv air conditioner repair man?

[@stevee7774]

Let your fingers do the walking...

[@eugenesmolinski3746]

my air conditioner wont shut off when temp is reached keeps runing

[@jsnjsn2113]

I heard a zzzzzzzzzzzz in my RV air conditioner and it does not blow cold air anymore. Help me

[@rigweldernomad932]

I have a question can I mix r410 with r 134a?

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

No refrigerant types should be mixed. It won't work and is not legal.

[@rigweldernomad932]

@@BenjaminSahlstrom thank you for the information. I'm trying to recharge my portable air conditioner. It takes r410a but idk what to do. Should I empty out the system and then re charge it with r134a?

[@rigweldernomad932]

@@BenjaminSahlstrom I also need to recharge my rv ac. I ordered the bullet piercing valve from amazing. Idk what kind of refrigraront my rv ac takes.

[@KenyonHopkins]

@@rigweldernomad932 410a and 134a are not compatible refrigerants. r134a will not work in a 410a system or visa versa.

[@KenyonHopkins]

@@rigweldernomad932 You will have to Google your make and model as different systems use different refrigerants.

[@brc1945]

Show how to clean coils and clean the whole dam base before all your gauge work!!

[@justuschmiii3173]

Where are ya'll???

[@dan3888]

how to find you ？

[@thebearsden1701]

Clean that condenser before anything !!!impossible to get correct pressure numbers..

[@earlstevens8472]

$

[@mikegarcia2049]

Where are ya'll located are you in Texas I like to check my RV but I don't know how to read

[@robertlandry4244]

This was one of the most painful videos I have watched in a long time. There is a lot of information in this video. Unfortunately most of it is wrong. There is no piercing valve that will not eventually leak, You should have sweated on a shrader or at least a saddle valve that can be sweated onto the tubing so that there will be no leak at the valve.. It was obviously low on charge, so why not break out your sniffer(if you have one and now how to use it) and actually detect and repair the leak before attempting to charge the unit. It's a sealed system, so you already know there is a leak somewhere before you even start. You can not charge 410A by pressures like you do with R22. The suction side is affected by inside temperature and the high side is affected by ambient temperature. How did you determine how much charge to put in it since you had no way to determine what was in it. Finally, if you are charging a DX unit, you charge by super heat or you evacuate and weigh in the charge.. not gauge pressure, and how do you charge without knowing what the high side is. That tells you if you have a dirty condensor, which BTW will cause your high side to go even higher. The unit ia already running at potentially dangerous pressures.The people asking questins is a whole new topic. As far as asking where yu can buy freon, if you had an inkling about what yiu are doing, you would know that you have to buy it ar an HVAC supply house. And BTW, yu need an EPA certification card to buy it. To those who want to know if you can recharge with a different refrigerant, just do everyone a favor and walk away from your air conditioner before you hurt yourself or someone else.

[@maryegli5571]

AT LEAST MAKE A EFORT TO CHECK FOR A LEAK./////BILL STEAMFITTER

[@littlestarlight2499]

I’m looking for a Husband for to love me and take care of my 77 Dodge Sportsman my air conditioner is in desperate need for the air conditioner to work it’s not cooling and I’m living in it I need help desperately Cleveland’ Tennessee girl I need me a handyman

[@johnconnerhudgeons]

LYNN HAWKINS I can be of service if you need

[@littlestarlight2499]

StaticTube Matic [e-mail]

[@littlestarlight2499]

423-380-9917

[@littlestarlight2499]

StaticTube Matic yes I need help

[@justiceforall1943]

Your not supposed to turn upside down. You need to put gas in it not liquid. Could mess up seals. Dummy