AC Leak Repair for $15 -- Cheap & Simple Central Air Fix
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- Опубликовано: 19 июл 2019
- With these quick steps I fixed a leaky HVAC line for just $15, without costly brazing. If you have a refrigerant leak in your central air conditioning system, check out my repair. Seems like a trend for AC to always break in the hottest months doesn't it? PRODUCT LINKS BELOW.
WATCH: AC Broke? How to Find & Fix AC Leaks: • AC Broke? How to Find ...
MERV GIFTS & T-Shirts: teespring.com/stores/mervs-merch
AC GAUGES: amzn.to/2XJfluQ
FREON LEAK SNIFFER: amzn.to/2S2q91N
JB WATER WELD: amzn.to/2Sthwha
FIBERGLASS CLOTH: amzn.to/2JMpKg4
ROLLING STONE SUBSCRIPTION: amzn.to/2Y9UPDS
STEVIE NICKS VINYL: amzn.to/2JUGHoF
OTHER AIR CONDITIONING VIDEOS:
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DISCLAIMER: These videos show you how I do things. I'm not telling you to do these things. I cannot guarantee this information will be used correctly by the viewer, nor am I suggesting it should be. Before attempting similar procedures, conduct extensive research and decide for yourself what the best, safest methods are. Merv's Service Secrets accepts no liability for any personal injury or property damage incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Merv's Service Secrets recommends safe practices and proper protection when working on projects requiring the use of tools and dangerous substances. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user. This video and all Merv's Service Secrets videos are for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult a professional or team of professionals for proper advice prior to attempting any do-it-yourself project, including repairs, recipes and installs that have been posted by Merv's Service Secrets and others. This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we may receive a small commission, but that doesn't affect the price you pay. This helps support the channel and allows Demille to continue to make more videos like this, but more importantly it allows me to buy more cheap cigars & PBR. Thank you for the support! 
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I really enjoyed reading the comments because all the professional HVAC guys got triggered. If HVAC companies didn't charge $200/Hr for labor and mark up parts and refrigerant 3X, then people wouldn't try to DIY the fix. I DIY'd my own 24 year old R22 system. I got my EPA 608 Type 2 cert via SKillCat, bought 5 lbs of R22 for $219, a set of Yellow Jacket gauges for $150 and $10 bubble leak liquid. I was lucky and my leak was a bad Schrader valve which I replaced with a $25 core removal tool and new brass caps. I recharged using superheat since it is a piston system. Total cost was $450 and I have a set of tools to use when I eventually do a unit replacement.
His sense of humor is great. Very informative and we appreciate the DIY.
Glad it was helpful!
You cheered me up while so frustrated and depressed trying to fix my a/c haha. Great grandma's silverware.
Merv, you are one of a kind. Thoroughly learned how to fix my "very small" (AC repair guy's word) of my air handler, while enjoying you humor.
I watched this entire video and laughed through the whole darn thang! I too am experiencing a leak during the pandemic and unemployment so his humor was right on time to make my hot Mother’s Day alllright! Wish he lived in the Houston area cause I have a small leak in coil that would set me back $2300 not including r22 Freon. No thanks! Not on a 15 year unit that’s given me problems since year 2 and with yearly maintenance too. Guess this cowgirls headed to Home Depot for a floor unit for my room and no company til I can afford a new one. I am grateful for you tubers like this. Little do you know sir your little video surely brightened my day and just when I needed it. I am so grateful to God for you and your wonderful knowledge and humor😇
I sure am happy to at least put a smile on your face, cowgirl. Here's hoping you cool down real soon. -Merv Himself
Merv, your video saved me. I had a JB Weld Steel stick lying around but it would rust in the A-coil area. Then I watched your video and saw your waterweld. That worked! The evap coil leak was so bad it needed 3 bottles of 16oz refrigerant. I was already thinking about replacing my old units with new ones... but it has new life again. Cool air is a relief after a few days in the high 80s.
Excellent!
Perv I mean, Merv, you have a great sense of tumour. Nevertheless, you are honest, very informative and a pro! Keep up the good work for people who got taken advantage of shady repair guys. Apropos, with that voice of yours, you could make millions on tv or radio commercials! Think about it. Thanks for the repair videos; very entertaining.
Glad to help! Be sure to check out our store! teespring.com/stores/mervs-merch
Love this guy's sense of humor
Excellent. I have a ~15-year-old mini-split that's started leaking oil, and the professional fix is of course replacement. It still heats and cools fine so I'm hoping this repair will keep it going a little longer. I was contemplating attempting brazing but this seems less risky for an inexperienced DIY-er like myself!
I think the oil degraded some of the plastic as it's cracked in several places. That was actually a blessing in disguise, as I might not have discovered the oil leak otherwise.
Great point!
Smart, funny, and good editing and sound. I love the flashing red video effect. You deserve WAY more exposure than you have had so far. Where did you get the cool hat?
Wow, thanks! Like a lot of people, I've used that saying as my personal credo for many years and, as with my other wardrobe items, they've been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I fish 'em out of thrift stores, shelters, dumpsters. You know the usual places fashion icons such as myself shop. Be sure to check out MervServe.com Demille slapped a nice little article about the details of my existence at the bottom of the home page. -Merv Himself P.S. We also have our own line of DIY fashion at teespring.com/stores/mervs-merch
Awesome and entertaining video!
Thanks For the shout out ! appreciate it ! Happy 4th to You & Yours ! 👍🧨🧨🧨🧨🎇🎇🎇
Thank you too
Most entertaining hvac channel
Yes, I have used JB WELD, IT IS AWSOMEEEEEEEE, going to try it on my AC UNIT, THANK, AWSOME VIDEO.
Thank you! And if you want to support the channel, be sure to visit our t-spring store! teespring.com/stores/mervs-merch
Awsome quick fix😎
Good video. There is an actual product like that for use on a/c systems.
You sound like the narrator from the old Dukes of Hazzard t.v. series, cool!
Thanks for joining the Mervolution, friend! Be sure to share, and turn on your notifications so you can follow my ongoing DIY saga. -Merv Himself
By the way, what is the name of that product?
@@MervsServiceSecrets
It's called AC SmartSeal External.
You may have heard of the narrator from the series, his name was Waylon Jennings. (He also sang the theme song and made at least one appearance on the show.)
@@airmechanical7163i just used this ac smart seal for my leak at the famous lennox evap coil. I had a really bad leak. 3 weeks later still holding pressure.
Excellent post, thank you for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it
enjoyed the video👍
I used JB KwikWeld on a Mercedes radiator with a pinhole leak. Worked on the first try and never leaked.
Harbor Freight's cheap, clear epoxy works really well on all types of things too.
Thanks for sharing!
@@MervsServiceSecrets Yay, epoxy!
I'm gonna try this thanks for the video
Be careful and do good research. Remember, I ain't no genius. Just tried to apply some common sense.
Good night, this guy is funny as hell. Stopped in for an emergency as I have a hole draining my precious R22 as I speak, but I can't stop watching! This guy owes me $800 for all the R22 I'm losing in return for his new subscriber. X-D
Oh no!
First time listener/watcher. You're funny.
Welcome to the Mervolution. Be sure to join the MervServe DIY club. Just post all your latest DIY projects and tag me on social! On Twitter it's@MervsService On Instagram it's @MervServe
I came here for knowledge, left with a chuckle.
this is highly entertaining
Love your videos 🥰
Thank you!!
Wow … this was an awesome video. Kuddos!!!!
Glad you liked it!
Great video sir. Lol, you should be doing voice overs in Hollywood or radio. My wife thought you were Sam Elliott.
I can neither confirm nor deny your wife's supposition.
Lmao 3:10 "Merv Himself, Earth, 1st House on Right" 🤣
You're the first one with such SHARP EYES! Here's a promo code for you, good through this weekend: SHARPEYES Use it at the Merv's Merch Store and enjoy! mervs-merch.creator-spring.com/?
Great video however I’m wondering.
1) Will the JB Weld introduce contaminants into the system during curing?
2) although JB WELD is rated at 900 PSI, will it hold consistently under a high pressure system? Especially if the system requires additional Freon.
These are excellent questions and probably above my pay grade. All I know is it's still going strong with no issues.
If the system still have pressure, how can JB weld able to seal? Do you need to reduce system to Atm pressure and patch with JB weld?
Perfect!!!! Thanks 🤘🤘
Rock on!
😂 love the humor
Loving th3 comedy!
Glad you enjoy it!
If Stevie ever saw this video, I’m sure she would remember a night like that😂 I heard she used to party hard.
Oh, you betcha.
Funny and educational Thanks 💪😎👍💣
You bet
Thank you for this video! The technician who installed my new AC unit didn’t solder the copper pipe correctly to the coil The estimate to fix is $250 by a new guy. The installer retired. I am interested in using your idea I see it’s been three years since you fixed the leak. Is the leak still fixed?
Still works! Not an easy method. Many say it's not ideal so be carefull. But it still works.
Thank you Merv! You are informative and funny too! I am fix it yourself gal! I just paid the AC guy $255 to full my unit with refrigerant and leaked out by next day! I am going to look for the leaks myself and patch them up then call him out.
I admire your DIY ambition. For just $255 though? You got off lucky! It sounds like he didnt put much in, yet in such a short time it all leaked out. Makes me worry that feller did something wrong. And remember, the best way to test for leaks is when the system is fully charged. The pros even add UV dye to the system and find leaks that way. Whatever you do, work smart, be careful, and do plenty of research. I admire your DIY spirit!
The turkey you hired didn't even search for leaks; just dumped some refrigerant in the system. Sorry to hear about that.
Wow...at $150 / lb?
You are too funny! Great job 👍🏿
Glad you enjoyed
very funny but very useful instructions
Glad it was helpful!
The HVAC guy found a leak in my coil this morning and told me the fix was to replace the whole coil unit for ??? maybe a couple grand??? with the labor. He's going to send me a quote for the job and while he was here he topped me off with 4 lbs of freon in my 4 Ton unit. So what do I do? (here I am looking at other cheaper fixes). I like your style and your tongue in cheek attitude. Thanks for the amusement and the comedy. You're OK Merv.
My personal approach.. and this is just me ... would be to see how long that recharge lasts. I mean if it cost a couple hundred bucks and it lasts 3 years, you can limp along like that for quite awhile without having to spend thousands. Alternately, I would see if I could find an AC guy with a real high end leak detector to locate and braze the pipe. Might just be a pinprick leak. Hope this makes sense. Again, that's just what I would do.
Also, if the AC guy is convinced the leak is so bad that it requires replacing the coil, why would he pump 4lbs of refrigerant into it? That's kinda nuts. I mean that's ALOTTA nuts! 'Cause if its a real bad leak your money is evaporating into the atmosphere right now. So that tells me he must believe its a very small leak. Not ideal, but good to know and something that can give you time to come up with an affordable approach.
@@MervsServiceSecrets I moved in this place 5 years ago, 2016. The previous owner (an Aircraft Mechanic for AA) put in the system himself in 2014. It ran fine for the first 3 years and last year it wouldn't get cold and it sounded like a lot of gas was moving fast through the system, ~ whooshing sounds. I got through last summer with box fans and nightly, open window cool downs. This year I decided to find out what it would take and it's persistently hot now.
The things you mentioned were discussed with the Tech. He didn't seem interested in a solder fix or anything else. He did say just to watch the temps coming of the registers (~51°F after recharge), 71° in the house. That would tell me how well the system is working.
The Tech found the leak with a handheld detector with a built in pump and long flexible neck. The leak is in the condenser coils, on a copper pipe about 1/3 of the way down from the top and in the middle of one side the run. I had him mark it with a Sharpie. He was a young guy and may not have the skill set to do a soldering repair. His company is residential only customers and is always busy this time of year, ~ 3 week wait for apptmnts. The tech said it would be a while before they could schedule a replacement coil job and that if the leak was small to just keep topping it off rather than replace.
Your advice is exactly what I'm planning to do, depending on how bad the leak is. I'm going to look into other companies, maybe a local independent guy with more experience and repair savvy. Thanks for taking the time. You're a sharp and funny guy. Much appreciated.
@@MervsServiceSecrets I told him that the unit worked fine for me the first three years I was here. So that sort of lead him to the conclusion that I had assumed all along from the beginning... that it was a very small slow leak. I asked him if he thought it was due to vibration or a manufacturing defect. He said probably a defect. I don't understand how the copper tubing in the middle of a horizontal run in the condensor coil can get a pinhole leak. Chinese junk? Damaged when the aluminum cooling fins are attached during fabrication? I don't understand. I heard one guy on a video say that they make the copper tubing as thin as possible for higher efficiency. Maybe it's really just built in obsolescence (failure).
The unit (Bryant) runs smooth and the compressor sounds fine with a full freon load. The coil lasted just over 5 years from the manufacture date. Maybe that's perfect for them? The Tech says the compressors usually last about 16 years. A complete 4 Ton unit would be about $4500 and be warrantied for 10 years with their installation. Not sure if that includes labor.
I'm just going to keep track of the temps at the register and see what happens. This time of year is crazy for the HVAC guys. They want to get in, get out and bill you for their time and quick fixes and move on. Like I said before, I'm going to see if I can find a freelance guy who has the skills to fix the leak. Appreciate your comments. I'm going to subscribe. Your sense of humor is right up my alley. ;^/
Thank you so much for sharing. This is the type of info that can really help alot of folks in a similar situation. Not sure why those pipes spring leaks. In my opinion, a leak might be likely to occur where 2 pieces of the copper are joined together, but right in the middle? That's confusalatin' ! Anyway, best of luck and thanks for being a loyal viewer. Be sure to look me up on social and tag me for any and all of your DIY projects. On Twitter I'm @MervsService and on Instagram I am @MervServe Cheers!
Same problem going here with our AC it’s so hot
Hi Merv! What was that silver snakey sensor that beeps a lot when a leak was found? Is it a Home Depot or Lowes purchasable item?
I think this is what you're talking about. amzn.to/2S2q91N. There are other links in the video description as well.
Can I do this in a vehicle’s engine?
Great video 😂🤣
If my central air conditioner is 23 years old and starts leaking freon, what would you recommend, thanks.
My first step would be to track down the location of the leak and the speed at which it is leaking. One of those leak detectors can help.
I had 2 companies show the my freon R22 down 8 to 9 pounds. At $130- $150 to replace and not fix the leak. My unit in Arizona, is 13 years old 10 SER.
Patch work might work, but $1500 gamble.
I'm going with a new Trane 15SER and new furnace.
Wow. They sure don't build 'em like they used to!
Do you have to remove existing freon/r22 from the lines in order to patch even if it's a slow leak? Can it only be patched with no psi?
I'm certainly no AC technician. I just saw a leak and patched it. I'd be worried if I tried to remove the old refrigerant I might lose it into the atmosphere.
I had a AC guy came and he told me he got zero pressure on .my AC refrigerant pipe. He even cut them at furnace to run a pressure test, and still no pressure.
He told me I have a leak in my AC pipe and suggest reroute since he said the pipe is under slab. Not sure I can trust the info. Any advise on how to fix it.
I can't pretend to be an expert. Just gettin' by the best I can. However, it is very possible that the line under the slab got cracked over the years because of the way the earth settles. Of course, if your compressor isn't working right that can also cause problems but I'm sure he checked that. The real mystery is WHERE is the leak. It's not always easy to track them down. So before I committed to paying anyone for a whole new line I would want them to make darn sure the leak isn't coming from elsewhere. Ask your repair guy if he's 100% certain its a problem with a broken line under the slab. If he says yes, have him guarantee the solution and put the cost in writing. If he claims he is 100% sure but wont' put it in writing, find another repair guy.
Your voice is completely crazy bro 🔥🤣
You think so? Thanks! (I guess)
You sound like the guy who does the whataburger commercials
I can neither confirm nor deny that observation.
I couldnt reach a leak one time in a radiator on a 73 buick century & was stuck like chuck in indian territory. The interior of Mexico. I met a friendly who took pity on me because there could be no doubt in his mind that i had gotten lost from some special facility, and that poeple were probably looking for me.. so in his old truck he had his lunch kit, tools and extra water. Well you can imagine i tjought he was the one who'd escaped a facility when he added some of his water to my radiator and the entire contents of his black pepper shaker from his lunch kit. I mustve looked at him like he'd made a joke sbout his own moms questionable virtues at her funeral. "Calmaté menso gringoté he said "Esta es muy bien por tu". I raised my hands and said ok ok ok and conceded my ignorance,. He then turned my buick over and let it run for a minute or so. Ghe leak vontinued for a minute or so but then began to diminish, and by the time @ 5-8 minutes rolled around it had stopped completely, at which point he grinned a toothless smile of pride and brushed his shoulder off with his hand, and i had to agree as i yanked him in for a hug, clapping him on the back. He laughed a huge laugh and shoved me back with more strength than a man less than 5'.5" ever shouldve possessed. Turning away with that empty but unmistakeably sincere grin , he said "Pos åndéle mensoté y via con Dios." I turned and took one last look at the now dry radiator, shook my head in disbelief, slammed the hood and proceeded to make tracks north.. That little man was the shit that day, and in my book STILL IS !...i learned later that black pepper will flow through a radiator until it reaches s hole and will accumilate there and then expand, there by creating a plug from the inside; granted the hole isnt huge...and for anyone whos read this to the end & curious?...that black pepper plug lasted 3 years.! And thankyou for riding shotgun down memory lane with me here.... life's too short....to not tell it.
This guy needs to do a Netflix series about the life of a rancher in a small town… He can narrate the whole story as it happens…
At the end of the video you said all you have to do is "recharge " the unit. This implies the unit was empty of refrigerant. Your leak detector sensed no leaks, how would it if there was no gas in the unit? Did you mean top the charge off? Did you you do a follow up video on how well your repair worked?
Top off
Lmao, great job and comedy.
Glad you enjoyed it
Merv. Had my outdoor Coleman gassed up..runs about 3 months..I am spending a fortune on tefills..how to spot leaks?
This is like the leak detector I bought. Actually worked pretty well: amzn.to/3FYefyX Also, some good old fashioned soapy water around joints, and near your schrader valves can tell you a lot.
Can you do this fix while unit under pressure?
I did it when the unit was off. Of course, technically, there is always SOME pressure in a pipe. But no, the thing wasn't running at the time.
If the unit is under pressure most probably you don't have a leak. As such the repair is not needed! Egg, chicken thing... LOL 😂
Love the address info on the magazine!
You get an "A" for observation. Well done!
I caught that too! Merv you’re a smooth operator!!😂
After several years, it's great to see people finally finding the easter eggs in my videos. Thanks for watching and being so observant!
Hi, how can I find the leak in my condenser coils?
That would be really tricky because of the way they are configured in close proximity to each other.
Ok the patch is one thing but, did it hold after the recharge?
Still holding
Merv i need u expertise my central ac unit went out yesterday it stopped blowing cold air. I called a guy to look at it and he said there is a leak somewhere that is letting the coolant out . What I need to know how hard is it to find where the leak is because he is acting like its going to be pretty hard to find it and so on. Then that's when he hit me with i think u might want to just go ahead and get a brand new unit and he would give me a good deal and put it in. So I really need to know is he trying to put one over on me.
Well, he's not entirely wrong. Leaks CAN be hard to find. But if he has a "sniffer" like what I used in the video, he should first check all the obvious places like around the shraeder valves, and up in the air handler itself near where the coolant line comes in. Then if he can't find ... okay, yeah, the leak is hard to find. Like maybe it's got a small leak where the ac pipes go under the slab, or through a wall, or through your attic, or whatever your situation. But still, why does he jump straight to "OH, YOU NEED A NEW UNIT!" If it's truly a leaky line, worst case scenario, shouldn't he suggest replacing the line??? Not the whole unit??? I mean, it's like saying .. yep, one of your car tires has a leak .... so it's time to buy a whole new car. Am I crazy?
@@MervsServiceSecrets I hear u loud and clear and 🙏
@@MervsServiceSecrets unless youre trying to fix it your self to get by...
either way you still have to pump down or recover the charge to replace the line (and usually its something in the airhandler coil anyway but same applies) and it's fairly likely therell be more problems if it's an older unit (especially if it's old enough to use r22).
Puts hvac guys in an odd position, where they seem like crooks for trying to sell a new system (some certainly are though).
but at the same time even little seeming repairs involving the refrigeration circuit pretty much will always use a half day to a whole day to fix, professional time costs money. Dont want to charge someone to fix a verified problem, and they get pissed a year later because something unrelated breaks that's also fairly expensive for a professional to do.
An honest and good hvac guy will discuss the cost vs benefits of different options. But sometimes you realize that the particular customer doesnt listen, they just want it to work as cheaply as possible (which is fine, as long as the understand the limitations of a particular repair job, and unfortunately alot dont)
And most of them are entirely incapable of doing any type of diy work
A fairly informed individual (like yourself, that's aware of the short comings of a fairly hack like repair) decides to try something like this and it works or you try and it doesnt, then awsome!
Pros cant (or shouldnt) charge for stuff like this, that may not work, because of the very high chance of conflict if a fix like this fails
DID THIS FIX THE UNIT LONG TERM?
Coming up on a year without issues. Summer is just around the corner so we'll see what the next several months brings.
Still running?
Yes.
I think mine has the Same leak. 54 Benjamin's later I'm cool but broke.👍
Wow! I think I'd rather take cold showers.
so how many years in the pokey does attempting to refill your own refrigerant get you? might be totally worth it. i hear they got free AC in there...
Still in. They let me once a month to make videos. :(
Cleverly funny.
Lol. Omg... You got me
hey merve, was that a r22 or 410a system?
R22. , R23 . Whatever it takes.
No seriously. R22
@@MervsServiceSecrets thanks ill let you know if it works on a 410a system its higher pressure
Sounds great. Sharing knowledge is what this channel is all about, and it sounds like you have more than I do! Please share with our DIY Warrior Club by posting a few pics on social and tagging me. On Instagram I am @MervServe ... and on Twitter I am @MervsService. Great to hear from ya! -Merv Himself
Like the address on your magazine lol.
My dad use clay and bandage and or duct tape. Is that a good idea ?
I can't say for sure, but if it works, who am I to quarrel?
How long did this work?
Still working.
Merv: Excellent videos, informative, educational and humerus 👍 Although it would be a bonus if we had more videos with Margie the divorcee from next door👠👀👄👅
That poor, lonely girl. Such a hard life.
Would Flexiseal work?
I doubt it because I think it would get torn apart by the oil that's in AC refrigerant. Not even sure if my method is going to work forever, but I gave it a shot and it's been okay so far.
Dont try. Wont fix. Just get a welding supply and the cream. You will fix in 10 minutes. It will cost $25 but you will save in the long run.
Welding supply and cream? Can you share a link?
@@PowerfulQuotesBiblen know late but I'm almost sure means flux paste, torch , and solder that for the copper pipe that what I'm trying to do but thought I'd check this out before I start torching
Anyone know if its legal to own R410a in a tank without a certification as long as its not used?
It’s legal to own if your intent is to sell to or let an EPA 608 certified tech install for you. Most HVAC suppliers won’t sell to anyone without certification but you can purchase it online by signing a form stating your intent is to resell to a certified individual. Sometimes the fine print will say that just by purchasing it you are signing the form. Even if the cylinder isn’t full or no longer sealed you probably don’t have anything to worry about unless someone catches you hooking it up with a set of gauges.
Somebody told me if you pass a basic certification test, and you are servicing the unit on a property that you own, you have every right to add coolant. if somebody could verify this, that would be great
@@MervsServiceSecrets - Yes, you need an EPA 608 type II or EPA 608 Universal certification to handle refrigerants legally. This would allow you to service your own equipment. The test isn’t that difficult but you will need to study for it. Most tests are done in person but online certification is available online via a proctored exam using Zoom web conference. Check out Skillcat.com for free test prep materials and testing if interested.
@@MervsServiceSecrets - I should have mentioned that if you want to take the test in person you will need to go through a third party who will charge you a couple hundred bucks for test prep materials and the test itself.
@@MervsServiceSecrets It is true in the case of apartment building owners who hire someone to service their units; person doing work needs a certificate; there may be other requirements as well.
....so, did it hold?
Still going strong! But I must admit, my leak was VERY small, so I can't guarantee what this might do with larger leaks.
what is the name of the leak tester?
There's a link beneath the video.
How do I even FIND the leak
This might help: ruclips.net/video/gRw2PAiefuU/видео.html
How did he find the leak??????
Finding Leaks: ruclips.net/video/gRw2PAiefuU/видео.html
Most after market "magic additives" never work on a permanent basis. If your system is still in warranty, you may forfeit coverage!
I'm sure he knows that, this is for somebody like me who has a 12-year-old unit, still running excellent but has a little bit of an oil leak. If I can pull out another year or two with a simple fix, and it keeps me from having to spend a lot of money right now, during this inflationary period where everything is so expensive I have no money left over, and gives me an extra couple of years, why not?.. the air conditioner guy that came over the other day tried to tell me that I needed a new unit then whittled his way down to just a new compressor then he whittled his way down to how he could fix this little leak which still would have ran me $1,700. I make $3,000 a month. I'm a older lady on a fixed income. Buying a new air conditioner unit would take food out of my mouth right now. I literally have to go to food bank so I could make an air conditioner payment. Some of us aren't rich. And these air conditioner guys charge exorbitant amounts of money to fix a small unit. I have a 1200 square foot home. I'd prefer to try this first and get as much time out of my air conditioner as I can. But most of you rich people don't understand that.
Does Helen know about Margie and her "hot" house ?! 😆
Helen cops a real attitude whenever I try to help poor Margie. I guess I just don't understand women.
I would think you might use dental floss instead of the fibrtglass.
Hmmm. Not sure about that.
4.5 lbs 410a 585 dollars later (65 a pound )plus service call
Damn!
You could have pumped down the unit to 2 or 3 psi before patching the leak. It would have made it way easier. Edit: epoxy is actually the correct way to repair copper to aluminum joints.
Thanks for the tips. What kind of epoxy?
@@MervsServiceSecrets I don't know what manufacturers use from the factory but I've used permatex 5 minute 2 part epoxy. If you mix it well and put an electrical heat shrink around it, it should be more than strong enough for the low side. I would recommend using the 30 minute epoxy or something stronger if you have the time. I haven't tried jb weld only because I haven't had any when I need it. You would have to pump down the system to use epoxy and pull a vacuum on the line set when you're done.
Thanks for the info. In my case, however, the leak was on the high side, just past the orafice.
@@MervsServiceSecrets Yeah, seen a lot of leaks around that area. The refrigerant starts to flash of into a vapor and the temperature shock causes the pipes to crack after a while. How did you end up getting the unit recharged? I have a leak on my ac, every couple years I recharge it myself. It's such a small leak that I cant find it. And there's no access door for my evaperator because the installer put a 5 ton coil inside the supply plenum. Yeah, I have a heat only furnace with an ac evaperator shoved into the duct above it. (What the heck was the installer thinking)
AC guy recharged it. Been thinking about getting a certification so I can legally do it myself but unclear regarding all the rules and regulations. Scared of that EPA swat team!
Hell i guess that aint gonna leak..its biggern a hornets nest !
Good video though.
Tween you findin it & experimentin til you got the process down, bout how long was the whole ordeal? In real time
I reckon it was the better part of a day, but I took breaks, plus when Demille is filming it really slows things down because we have to do a lot of retakes.
😅
Your address label on the magazine cracked me up! Is that an actual delivery address or a joke? Thanks for your videos! I get something out of each one!
Thank YOU!
Knead it not eat it dangerous
😂
How do you know you fixed the leak if all the refrigerant leaked out already? Now you have to pay for refrigerant and a technician to come out and recharge the system, but before that happens they are going to want to check your work and make sure there aren't additional leaks before filling it up. Fix the leak might be $15, but that's not what people need to know, they want cold air again bottom line
ALL the refrigerant did not leak out. I fixed the leak, paid for the refill and its been working fine ever since. Techs who insist on charging people for extra work they didnt want is precisely why techs have a bad reputation.
@@MervsServiceSecrets I know what you're saying but they take on some responsibility once they do any work. If it was a poor repair job or there were additional leaks then it would be irresponsible to refill in that state, and they risk the chance that the customer will accuse them of breaking something in process of refilling. I was quoted $190/hr labor during leak checks/diagnosis, and then $300 for the first pound of refrigerant +$50 each extra pound needed.
Wow!!! Thats nuts. in the situation we were discussing, past technicians had just been topping off the system periodically due to a small leak they claimed was "impossible to find". 10 minutes with a $20 leak sniffer and I found it. Did my best with a repair and figured there was nothing to lose. System still going strong, fingers crossed.
@@MervsServiceSecrets although i dont condone this type of repair, during these times, i understand how if a unit is already condemnned and a homeowner has nothing else to loose, why not give it a try... and its not that a leak will travel, but that there maybe other weak spots, with that said, sometimes proffesionaly fixong a leak is not financially smart as oppose to changin out a system... all that said, i would b willing to do the same had i been in ur situation and not having the experience in my field of study... i hope it keeps going on strong and u get the most of life from that unit as u can...
Where’s my pbr lol
thnx for the info,, but i think this was intended for mature audience.
Hilarious video. This MIGHT work, but make sure you are very aware of what you are doing and that it could fail. If you dont understand any of the mechanics behind these machines, be careful trying or dont try something like this.
As an HVAC technician I would not use epoxy for repairs!
What do you think about Stay Bright 8?
Neigen from the walking dead?
Do you have any idea how many people have fantasized smashing Stevie?
🤦🏻♂️ I was considering turning this off a few times
Oh my! Glad you stuck with it.
Yes Margie is hot
You've made a mess around Stevie's mouth.
Yeah. Afterwards, I felt guilty.
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ive done ac plus grocery store refrigeration repair since 1972 this is about the dumbest repair ive seen good luck
If you're watching this channel for anything other than entertainment value you need to move on. SERIOUSLY DON'T DO THIS!!! As a guy who fixes air conditioners for a living I am telling you that there are SO many things that can go wrong. You could cause your $600 repair to become getting a new unit. Will it work? Maybe... but once you get that JB Weld on something there is no way for your heating and air guy to get it off. That means if you didn't put it in the right place you may have just screwed yourself hard. Don't listen to hacks like this call a heating and air guy that you can trust.
2 week wait time causes quick fixes like this it's just that simple
and good luck finding one you can trust
@@MervsServiceSecrets true
Just put a new piece of pipe on there.
Ditto!
Just fix the pipe yo😒😒
jesus you are funny
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