Tricky little repair (part 2)

[Shox Dr]

Well the guy came to regas the Compressor Drier I thought I had repaired in the thread Tricky little repair.

He first filled it with Nitrogen to 275psi, then removed this with a vacuum pump (I dont know to what pressure). It held I had tested it to 150psi, so was confident it was good to go.

Then filled it with 160grm of 134a gas, (about 235psi) turned it on and pisssssssssssssssssssssssss a bloody hole in repair somewhere

He said I could pickup a condenser for less than 50quid but I'm ******ed if I can find any on interweb. So I thought I'd give it another try today. I cut more of the Ali fins so i could get a better view from back and found a minute crack. Cleaned it up with some emery cloth. 10amps AC and silver solder and so far it's holding at 200psi

I guess time will tell

 

[eil]

Don't quite get that Shox you pressure test to 275psi and it holds, then you charge to a lower pressure and it leaks?. What gas are you using to pressure test it to 200psi.

 

[Shox Dr]

I didn't either, and neither did the lad filling it for me. we put it down to the vacuum before hand causing it, I don't know

As for testing I used compressed air, just checked and it's still holding

 

[eil]

Make sure you replace the drier as you've introduced moisture into your system by using compressed air, only ofn should be used to pressure/leak test, good long vac check for leak, then pressure test with ofn, long vac again then re-charge 134a.

 

[Shox Dr]

Drier?

 

[eil]

Filter / drier that cigar shaped copper tube on the end of the pipe from the condenser that you are repairing.

 

[Shox Dr]

OK, where the hell I'm I going to get one of those form and what will happen if I don't.

 

[eil]

Your fridge guy will have one, if you don't the system will block due to moisture, I would leave it on the vac pump all night as well that is after you know that you definitely have sorted the leak out.

 

[Shox Dr]

Thanks for the info, he's a Vehicle Air con fitter so might not have such an item. I'll have to ask him

 

[eil]

They are cheap enough, cheaper than the gas thats for sure or your tricky little repair can become trickier

 

[Shox Dr]

So it's this bit of kit I need.

What is it's full name, please, just in case I need to source one form elsewhere

 

[eil]

Molecular sieve drier, but seeing as you have 1/4" in and outlet I personally would replace it with a 032 liquid line drier and then a long vacuum, should see you right

 

[Shox Dr]

cheers eil.

I'll let you know how it goes

 

[eil]

Have a look at page 27
http://www.hawco.co.uk/userfiles/file/HAWCO QP (REFRIGERATION) Low Res.pdf

 

[Shox Dr]

You have made a rod for your own back eil.

The questions are going to flood in now

What info do you require to tell me what one I need.
The installed drier has "GR,30 universal" written on it.

Will the Co in the link supply on proforma or do you need an account.
Is it something you could supply me, if my man can't help/get

 

[Shox Dr]

err just noticed you recommend a 032 liquid line drier.

The other question still stand though