True R290 Reach In Cooler Diagnosed Refrigerant Leak Confirmed

[@jrh86]

Very interesting as well as the procedure for breaking down the unit 👍👍👍

[@stevechristian5257]

I have been working on prep tables for a very long time.And I never knew that top come off like that.Thanks for the education

[@HVACRServiceTech]

I didn't know for a long time either. No problem.

[@acmanforu7910]

This is good educational information for up and coming guys trying to learn the trade. Good breakdown of steps and details.

[@shine-cg9uf]

👍💪❄️🇺🇸 Reach-ins can b a real PINTA to work on. It is what is and gotta make $$. Thanks for sharing

[@HVACRServiceTech]

Glad you liked it. That one was a while ago

[@AngelHVACR]

No nitrogen ?

[@HVACRServiceTech]

good point...

[@mikeoxlong6797]

Is there a benefit to removing the top off the unit? It seems like it just risks moisture ingress compared to taking the front off the evaporator coil and hosing it down

[@HVACRServiceTech]

@mikeoxlong6797 For this particular job, I don't remember if I detected the leak first or if I just jumped right into removing the top. I likely would have suspected that I was going to prefer easier access to replace the cap tube, find the leak, or maybe even just to work on it. The fact that it was low on charge, which I knew immediately(compressor shell temp, condenser discharge air Temp, suction line temp, bod temp and ice formation pattern all considered), removing the top was the mostly scenario I foresaw doing anyways to allow better access for what layed ahead. It is possible to do all of that without removing the top. But I've done that enough times before and don't really want to do that anymore, especially at 2 am. I'll just remove the top. We should reseal the seam if we do this top removal, which I should have done in the video...

[@WswRefrigeration]

Details on that probe you stuck in there?

[@HVACRServiceTech]

Which probe are you referring to? That digital thermometer I was using to read temperature?

[@WswRefrigeration]

@@HVACRServiceTech yes

[@HVACRServiceTech]

@@WswRefrigeration it's just an IRP 25160SD truckstock thermometer

[@colejc]

do you have to replace the seals when you put the top back on?

[@HVACRServiceTech]

Yes. There should always be a seal between the vertical walls and top panel. At the factory, apparently True MFG uses a flimsy and poorly applied black silicone caulk that even when reasonably new, breaks into about 6-8 different pieces. If you have the Black Foam Tape that we use to wrap Sensing Bulbs, or even Tar Tape or Sealing Gum. Any if those would seal it, which is better that it being unsealed. 👍

[@colejc]

@MASTER TECHNICIAN MINDSET gotcha makes sence

[@bamaslamma1003]

In theory could you recover r290 and use it to power a grill or other propane cooking appliance?

[@HVACRServiceTech]

Probably not. R290 units are limited to having less than 5-6 oz by federal law, so you can't really BBQ much with that at all. Aside from that, I would worry about the potential chemicals that the gas would release when burned into the food.

[@hvacmaster96]

where did you end up leaking gas? greeting

[@HVACRServiceTech]

On the capillary tube, where it was rolled up near the evaporator inlet. Watch it at 13:55.

[@jesusmeda7382]

How much charge it to find the leak?

[@HVACRServiceTech]

It had some pressure left in it, I think. Usually if it still cools some I'll try for that but if not 40-50 psi of Nitrogen works for most leaks to bubble

[@wasimedoo7994]

What is the running pressure of the r290 on the low side

[@Davidsavage8008]

Not a leak bro. Condenser is restricted causing flashing at metering device.

[@robertleader6573]

Oof, not “like propane” R-290 is propane… I’m sick of these R-290 cases that spring coil leaks in under a year.

[@HVACRServiceTech]

I say the world "Like" too much. It's a bad habit because its misleading in this case especially. But thanks, you're right

[@bugbomb8048]

I just fix the equipment bill them and move on….. 4 hours tops

[@HVACRServiceTech]

i like that idea better too, but MGMT says not to exceed the NTE

[@randomrefrigeration4564]

Use a lighter man cmon

[@chriswhite7193]

Do you leave your taps on? I do…I leak test and use metal caps.

[@HVACRServiceTech]

Yes, I actually do. I always have on these R290's. But recently I have started to Crimp the line downstream from it like the MFG suggests. The charge is so critical on them, since all of them cannot exceed like 4 or 5 Oz(by law), that if anyone was to ever hook up to it and neglect to replenish what was lost connecting to it, it would stop working. So it's really better to remove them either way once you get the charge weighed in precisely-which is quite technical in itself.

[@chriswhite7193]

@@HVACRServiceTech I see what you are saying, but with good sealed caps, and the valve itself isn’t leaking, with my regulars, I can’t stand it not to leave them on. On my regulars they only use me. You are right though you never can tell what the last guy did, it’s led me on a number of wild goose chases, only to find out they let a relative with gauges mess with it. So I suppose it is good practice.

[@chriswhite7193]

@@HVACRServiceTech You are very dedicated to your channel and trade for responding to me at all, I didn’t expect a response, thank you, I’m subscribing!