A note for the guys who are new to working on these units....if that is a YCD036 RTU, know that the three pole contactor only breaks two of the compressor phase legs. The other pole is for the condenser fan motor and the crankcase heater. Never assume that a three pole contactor breaks all there legs. In this setup, that one unbroken leg will make everything hot, and a shock can result if you assume that side is dead. It isn't dead. Turn off the disconnect and look inside to make sure ALL power is off.
Hey Chris, without a doubt & no disrespect to the other guys who make HVAC videos on YT, I have to say that your videos are hands down the best out there. First of all I like I the good audio & visual quality of your videos. Second of all I feel like I am a apprentice out there on the jobsite with you as you are teaching me the fundamentals of troubleshooting HVAC & refrigeration equipment. It is not uncommon for me to watch the same videos numerous times trying to squeeze out every tidbit of information I can get from you. I also make sure to take notes from these videos that I can use for future reference. I really appreciate these videos. I also love the recap where you discuss the situation & how you corrected the problem. You have a real talent for teaching & instructing. Keep the videos coming!
Just a friendly suggestion while testing the contactor. While the contactor is engaged (system hot) and the cover off like you had it. Perform a voltage drop test across each "contactor" like you did while toning except set meter to voltage so you will be checking voltage drop, you should read 0 volts, anything significantly greater indicates a problem, this way the system is loaded and you can identify which contactor is "dropping" voltage. The problem with performing a continuity test is the meter only lets out a very small current to pass so if there is high resistance in the circuit, the small current will still pass through and the meter will indicate continuity which falsely confirms a good connection. but when you load the system down only a small amount of current passes through because of the high resistance in the faulty (in this case contactor) hence the voltage drop across the faulty connection. Remember, resistance is a robber of voltage. Great video! Sorry for my winded explanation. You definitely nailed it though.
Issue with tone test is ... the tone test uses just mA current. so there is a slim chance that a failing swtich or relay pass anyways because is not under actual load. Also, tone circuits (cont test) are not well protected in meters. If for any reason happens the circuit have voltage you can blow the meter appart no jokes. Im talking about 100 to 200 dollar range meters. Of course this is not happening with Fluke, Brymen. You dont need to go nuts with a Fluke, Brymen is fine. I dont do HVAC, but use meters a lot, I dont have a Fluke. They are sky expensive here ... so Im using a good price / performance meter but it is unprotected. You need to walk very carefull with them. I do power supply repair and 311V DC is all over the place. I will get a Fluke in the end. But you need big bucks for a decent one like the 87, 89, 289 etc.
Good call. As an automotive mechanic, the voltage drop test is one of the most helpful diagnosis techniques that practically nobody understands or uses.
When the contacts get corroded they will start to act like an oxide semiconductor and have a nominal voltage drop that creates lot of heat. Eventually the oxides build up and voltage drop increases to a point of blocking instead of conducting. Thus voltage drop method can also tell if a part is on its way to failure.
Your videos are really unparalleled to anything else HVAC on youtube. As a lady in this trade you've really helped me to gain confidence that I never had. Considering my gender already makes people unsure of my ability this goes beyond helping me on service calls and begins breaking nessecary societal problems. Thank you.
People don't realize that simple maintenance like filter change and condenser cleaning and inspections can make a unit last a long long time, my one neighbor still has his AC unit from the 70's and it runs more quiet then the new ones lol
I am new to the HVAC trade just graduated school last month and I wanted to thank you for taking the time to create these videos. I watch one video every day to continue to grow my knowledge in this industry. Hoping to land a job in the industry soon. Thx
Good stuff... I’m a local 638 service tech in New York City and we come across these calls all the time.. so thank u for ur input it was helpful...I take pride in my work even when no one’s looking...Your videos are spot on and I enjoy watching them it makes me want to do a better job
I forgot about the double coil today while cleaning a 10 ton icp rooftop. Damn it, I need to go back and take another look. Thanks bro. I am self employed and always try to do it right...
The Trane Voyager.Right up there with train ycy and carrier/bdp 585 in the running for the Timex of the package unit's. Absolutely a must to check double pass coils. Well done sir. We need more tech's like you in our industry.
You make Great Videos ,been in this Industry for almost 50 yrs but Love Watching a Person of Talent to the Trade, keep it up Great Job from a Now to be Old Timer to the Youngsters , Lol
Great thoroughness in your service call. Most techs would have just changed the contactor and got the unit up and going again. Not only did you get the unit up and going again you got it running properly.
Richard Morinelli Unfortunately you are probably right. I do right by the customers because they are the one’s paying the bills. Sometimes though there are too many calls to spend the time necessary to do what’s right. In those cases I explain to the customer and most the time I’m able to return to finish the job the right way.
Before I even finished watching I have to let you know that this a great info about the double coil, most people when they go to HVAC school are not informed that, great job.
I learned the hard way to always check 3 phase power. Especially when there is numerous contractors running different equipment, it will trick you into thinking something is bad when it really isn’t just getting enough voltage.Anyway, good job man I learn a lot from you and Nor cal Dave! Wish I was still in Cali I would def go work with you. Your knowledge is priceless man. God bless brotha 🤙🏻
when you have screwy voltages with the contactor energized, consider that you may be getting a reading coming back from the compressor. pull off the compressor wires and see if the reading changes.
You're a great instructor, I just wish you had this youtube channel 30 years ago. But still, I highly recommend your tutorials to even the most seasoned vets, Thank you so much!
I don’t want to question your knowledge, I think your work and knowledge sharing is one of the best . Jim Bergman did a measure quick update and air probe placement. And if you saw it as this video may be posted in your busy schedule, I only would like too share another smart person update. Thanks for all you do.
I don't know if you want to do this, but what would be cool to see are timeframes. Like labelling what time it is when you're recording or just how many hours it's been as you've continued working on it. Gives an average on how long services typically take from an experienced technician. That'd be awesome for me as a new guy to set a standard for myself to meet and improve my efficiency.
Bravo on hitting all the points. Working with cranes is no joke. We used to have to make sure the bridges on the way to the site could hold the weight to. Lots go into these things. Great vid.
I just call them orifices. When checking a Trane lean the access cover as tight as possible. , to gauge head pressure. Very important on larger units with multiple fans and compressed. I appreciate your hosing the roof down. Good lob. I am retired after 50 years on A/C and Boilers. I once went on a heat call on Florida. Th store had 6 Roof Top Gas units with A/C. There were 6 gas lines stubbed at each unit, no new were ever connected in the 5 years since built! North Florida had gone into the teens!
Chris, You need to help the other guys by showing your talent and your knowledge. Many thanks for taking the time and showing us how you take pride of the work that you do!!!!
I know who bothers roping up cyliders, pumps, scales ect. for 1/2 pound , but i see why he convieniently didnt film that part lol, epa might be watching his vids
Thanks for your contribution to the trade man. I’ve been a tech in the HVAC/R industry over 30 years and it’s good to see someone that cares about doing the job right instead of breezing through going for the quick money. Keep up the good work. Enjoy your videos!
My first run in with a double row condensing coil, when I was an apprentice was a 15 ton Trane package unit, at a commercial printing business. I had hi condensing pressure. I washed the coil several times, and still had the same high pressure. Like you, I removed the top and saw the double coil. I split the coil and the inside was full of paper pulp, it looked like a laundry lint trap completely plugged.
The only thing I’d add is on the contactor, you could have verified the contactor as being bad by checking voltage across the contacts. So, you’d check voltage from L1 (line) to L1 (load). If you read any voltage over about 2 or 3 on the same leg leg like that, you should change the contactor. Also, when you read the ohms across the contacts, anything over 1 ohm should indicate an issue. That one read above thirty. Good going on this one homie!
I was going to say the same thing-check the voltage drop across the contacts on each phase. It's a much more accurate way of determining the connection quality vs. ohm measurements. It might take as little as 0.2 ohms resistance to start causing low voltage problems on some circuits, and 0.2 ohms is within the noise/fluctuation of most meters, whereas most will measure fractions of a volt easily. If the voltage drop is more than a volt or two I would think about replacing the contacts. If you are running 25 amps through with a 1 volt drop that means the contacts have to dissipate 25W of heat, so it adds up quickly.
It is definitely a series of capillary tubes which are fixed usually crushed or pinched tubes. Pistons move back and forth as refrigerant flow changes direction usually in heat pumps.
I love this field. It's a real resource being able to find channels like yours on RUclips. I'm about a year and a half into thus field and I am making money and loving it.
2:41 I will stop right there. I had the same exact problem today. SPOILERS: Contactor middle lug was burnt out & the plunger didn't make good contact. As soon as I took the cover off the inside was black & the middle plunger was broken off. Let's see if you have the same issue Chris...
Manufacturers don't make equipment to be practical in real world use. Split condensers and closely spaced fins give them a high rating that would be great if it was used in a clean room. In the real world, they get dirty almost instantly and their efficiency drops.
My Jman during 2nd and 3rd year was good but he didn't take the time to explain things in such a clear way like you do. Any apprentice that gets the chance to work with you is lucky as hell. Signed, Your HVAC brothers up north (where reversing valves fail to heat ;)).
Great video and gotta say, nothing wrong with a little OCD when working in this field. I never understood why Trane put that structural piece of metal that prevents you from fanning that coil outwards instead of inward. 👍
You're a good man. You take pride in your work and not like others will only want to get in and out as soon a possible. Later will get another call on the same unit and now the owner thinks the tech or company is not good and will call a different tech/company. Doing it right will last a long time and will get called again.
I do cap tubes and orifices as the same. And you did have that condenser section door panel on when you were checking it right cuz the fan will pull true the least resistance opening. You sure seem like a good man to me. Just because you want the writing so you can read it. Nice and thorough. Keep up the good work
The contactor issue is a great example of why loaded circuit testing is so important. Ohm meters are great, but they don't simulate the full load of the circuit, and don't give a clear measure of voltage drop in the circuit. There was obviously a massive voltage drop across the contactor, but it wasn't something the continuity tester flagged. Good video, for sure. I deal with AC systems, but in the automotive repair field. Still, there are some similarities as far as basic diagnosis. Enjoying these industrial AC videos. Very informative, with great diagnostic tips.
Very professional. I am an apprentice and learning alot from your videos. Just doing commercial a few weeks ago kinda nervous. Thanks for your vids post more.
Looking at everything basically gives ya a better understanding on why it’s so important to inspect for unexpected issues on service calls.- the Big Picture, speaks for itself. Excellent point.
Double row coils are extra fun for those of us in areas with cottonwood trees... I think my "favorite" units are the Carrier 10 ton split condensers with triple row coils, those are a blast to split and clean by yourself!
Great Job well done. You've treated this unit like if it was yours, taken extra steps/concerns. I've just started working few months ago as a HVAC Technician thru an apartments complex; of course most units that we work on it they're all about the same. Is not like you that you're gone to different places of variety of a/c units.
Just a side note, been using the fieldpiece probes, all of them for a few years now, you only have to sand before putting pipe clamps on if the pipe is real bad with buildup of some sort, or painted obviously. But if it's just tarnished, no need to sand. I will just put the clamp on and move it back n forth like 6 times and it makes its own little cleaned off marks on the pipe. Works great
beautiful work and especially taking the maintenance in to consideration with it needing that cleaning to bring the head pressure down. man I know that's satisfying when you clean the unit and see that pressure go to where it originally needs to be and able to improve the paste on getting you the full diagnosis.
I really appreciate your videos. I’ve been binge watching them at this point lol. I just graduated from a trade school still waiting to get picked up from a company but I hope to be good as you one day. Keep making videos i’m going to need more soon.
Another thing the exhaust fan in the side of the storage room behind this A/C, was an additional excess hose job that an informed tech has added sometimes in the past. Creating more negative pressure in the building, adding problem rather than solving anything.
1st time watching but i must say your tools are really professional grade nothing like having the right tools for the job makes it much easier and most importantly enjoyable.
Hey man just want to say your videos have motivated me to become a better tech. I'm new to the industry and was lost until I found your videos. Keep up the great work and know you are really doing a service to technicians around the world.
Thanks for watching, I will be going live this evening 3/25/19 @5:PM (pacific time) on RUclips to discuss my most recent uploads come on over and check it out if you can... ruclips.net/video/Bqx-RSJsidY/видео.html
Still watching, lol. Not sure how I found this channel but here I am. I owned a restaurant for 15 years so maybe I can relate? Regardless these are fun to watch. Thanks for the content my man.
Thank you for making these videos! I have watched so many lately! I’m a Resi-Rat making his way into the commercial world! I love your mantra too “Do your Best! It’s not going to be Perfect”. I’m inspired to do my Best! Thank you dude!❤
The center bar on the contactor definitely looked like it had been overheating the way it was discolored. I had to laugh about your OCDing on the contactor cover. I'm one of the guys who removes them and leaves them off. I like to look at the points when I do P.M.s or as in the case of that carryover bar for signs of heat damage. I installed 2 1/2 ton, 13 SEER Ameristar (Trane) split system a couple weeks ago and it has a double pass coil in it. I didn't tear the unit apart to see if the coil could be split but on a unit like this, I would always try to look down through the fan guard to look to see if I could see the end bends on the coil to see how many rows were there. Many times the outer coil would look acceptable and the inner could be totally plugged. It's a series of pistons in the indoor coil, definitely not a cap tube system but if they get plugged you have no choice but to replace the coil or the unit as old as these are getting now.
Did not know that about the wires on trane units. I have noticed there was lettering but I never knew what it stood for. I see a trane before the week is over, I'll take a peak at the schematic to see if it makes things simpler I see a lot of hackery on older trane package units Thanks for this tip, I might be able to get through some wires that look like bird's nests
Hi Chris; I have watched some of your videos and have been impressed with your knowledge and thoroughness. This is my first time commenting. I missed your delta T reading across the evap coil. Low super heat might have been slight over charge, but also possible air flow problem. You said the filters were clean. I assume the evap coil was clean. In my 45 years in the field I always look downstairs at the return air grills. Those grills could be plugged causing restricted air flow. Notorious culprits in restaurants and convenient stores. Also, this system is more a cap tube type system, than a piston type. Cap tubes are multiple metering devices, as opposed to 1 piston or one txv. You have multiple pistons which operate more like cap tubes. I am also the inventor and patent holder of a product called "The Tank" vacuum pump oil change caddy marketed and sold by JB Industries. Maybe you heard of it.
Chris; I totally forgot to comment on the contacter. It was very telling that the middle contacts were more burned than the left and right ones. I would wonder why did this happen? Dirty condenser, check. Low super heat, check. What about loose connections on compressor terminals or loose connections in the disconnect box. I have also seen loose connections at the circuit breaker screws.
Thanks for watching William yeah I will have to re watch the video to remember everything, I will get back to you. About "THE TANK" that really cool I actually have a few of them at my company, I give them to all my guys. It really made draining the oil from the JB pumps so much easier, no more holding a cup under the pump!
I'm only in the few seconds of this video and I'm going to take a guess and it is a guess that the coils are dirty but in between the rows if this model has multiple rows of coils. I'm guessing it's off on high PSIG. I haven't heard the rest of this video so we'll see. I took a guess on a hunch.
They are fixed rate orifices therefore the charge is critical, and higher head pressure will also increase the flow of refrigerant to the evaporator, hence lower superheated. Overcharge is judged by excessive subcooling.
I will be going live on RUclips this evening 6/3/19 @ 5:PM (west coast time) to discuss my most recent uploads and answer questions from emails and the chat, come over and check it out. ruclips.net/video/A5ZEZ4P048I/видео.html
Should've explained the contributing cause of the contactor failing, most likely high amperage draw from the compressor due to the dirty condenser coil and I wouldn't doubt a defect in the contactor. I also have a touch of OCD and I always do the same thing with my contactor covers plate's.
Exactly, I was waiting for him to test the compressor terminals and resistance before replacing the contactor and getting the unit back on line, I have found loose terminals right at the compressor before, keep up the good work.
It due to the contact plating wearing out from arcing. The resistance builds in the connection between the contact surfaces which creates heat. Eventually the heat builds up enough to melt the contacts. Excessive amperage should in theory blow the fuse or breaker.
@@Discretesignals right, we understand that's what happens, my point if for diagnosis, the actual cause could be a failing compressor, therefore a resistance and megher/ ground test is needed, also I would check the operations and make sure the is no short cycling on the compressor, also any loose electrical connection, that's just my 5 cents. I try not to just replace parts, without further diagnosis, that will only lead to a call back, I am pretty sure many of us learnt it the hard way.
@@giosource08 I absolutely agree with you. I don't rely on resistance measurements when testing circuit integrity. I check wiring and connections by loading the circuit and doing voltage drop testing and wiggling. I'm an auto tech myself, but I enjoy learning about HVAC. It's interesting to see how our fields somewhat relate to each other, especially with computer controls. The premise of diagnosing problems is exactly the same in each field. Kind of cool.
@@Discretesignals That's pretty cool, I was a supermarket tech for almost 14 years, now a plant engineer in a medical facility, but same as you brother, enjoy different points of view from fellow techs on the field, that's a good way to keep on learning👍
Great videos!! Love that you thoroughly investigate every unit you come up to. Not just fix the problem and walk away. Can't wait to see more vids in the future! Keep it up
Thank you for the follow up on the Superheat being to low issue..I had noticed,and was going to ask you about that.Always appreciate your videos Sir. Your an Excellent Tech,Big Picture and Follow thru. Thanks !!
From what I understand from HVAC trade school, there's a difference between capillary tube and piston. I guess I'll have to go visit the class next time I get a day off during the week and ask.
cap tube/ piston, they are both fixed orfice for the app and charging. That was funny with the contactor coil cover. After 25 years you will not flip them over. haha. Nice service work
Thanks for watching, I will be going live on RUclips this evening 5/13/19 @ 5:PM (west coast time) to discuss my most recent uploads and answer questions from the chat. Come check it out if you can ruclips.net/video/tQb9QK9LnH4/видео.html
Nice clean and repair C||C . Yep, back in galaxy far away there where Day & Night double row coils. Trane choo choo, seen them as went through factory many times in Tyler,Tx.MeasureQuick is great fit to tool bag.
I would consider it to be a *fixed metering device.* Agreed that if target superheat is 5 degrees, 0 degrees actual superheat is not within range. The superheat table for fixed metering devices is calculated so you never slug liquid back into the compressor and never cook the compressor by starving it of cold gas under normal operating conditions. Unlike refrigeration, AC can have a very wide range of conditions and they could have had liquid slug back during a high wet bulb day. Also, they are very lucky the 3 phase compressor motor didn't burn out running on single phase operation. And remember that some compressors are rotation-sensitive. Reciprocating reed-valve compressors don't care what direction they are running in, but scroll compressors and compressors with mechanical valves *must run in one direction* or they will burn up quickly. So don't accidentally switch one of the three phase leads or it will run backwards and damage the scroll before you figure why the pressures aren't moving much.
Great videos bro! Those headers are something special for Shure lol. I really enjoy watching you work on refrigeration systems, low temp has been challenging for me and I don't get in front of it everyday. Thanks for making the videos!
A note for the guys who are new to working on these units....if that is a YCD036 RTU, know that the three pole contactor only breaks two of the compressor phase legs. The other pole is for the condenser fan motor and the crankcase heater. Never assume that a three pole contactor breaks all there legs. In this setup, that one unbroken leg will make everything hot, and a shock can result if you assume that side is dead. It isn't dead. Turn off the disconnect and look inside to make sure ALL power is off.
It's not OCD it's Pride in Workmanship thumbs up!
Pride in workmanship and efficiency should matter. I don't want to pay you to bs around.
I agree 100%. It is the little things like correcting upside down writing that differentiates the good from the great.
It's OCD, but it's cool. Keep making vids man.
It's not OCD... It's called being a Perfectionist.
Means you pay attention to detail and are not a hack!!
Too many hack's out there!!
I've been troubleshooting for about 35 years, not all HVAC, but you've taught me a lot. I love your professionalism. Respect.
Thanks so much Robert!
Nothing special about me, I've just made a ton of mistakes and am trying to share those so you dont make the same ones!
@@HVACRVIDEOS get the
Hey Chris, without a doubt & no disrespect to the other guys who make HVAC videos on YT, I have to say that your videos are hands down the best out there. First of all I like I the good audio & visual quality of your videos. Second of all I feel like I am a apprentice out there on the jobsite with you as you are teaching me the fundamentals of troubleshooting HVAC & refrigeration equipment. It is not uncommon for me to watch the same videos numerous times trying to squeeze out every tidbit of information I can get from you. I also make sure to take notes from these videos that I can use for future reference. I really appreciate these videos. I also love the recap where you discuss the situation & how you corrected the problem. You have a real talent for teaching & instructing. Keep the videos coming!
Thanks man!!!
Your the reason I make these videos
I couldn't agree more with you Robert.
Thanks
Here, Here
"..funky shit.." One of those highly technical HVAC terms.
As an apprentice, you don't realize how helpful these videos are with your in-depth explanations. Thank you!
Thanks for watching bud and I'm glad they help you
Even as a new Journeyman I still learn a lot from these videos
Thanks Jason!
Just a friendly suggestion while testing the contactor. While the contactor is engaged (system hot) and the cover off like you had it. Perform a voltage drop test across each "contactor" like you did while toning except set meter to voltage so you will be checking voltage drop, you should read 0 volts, anything significantly greater indicates a problem, this way the system is loaded and you can identify which contactor is "dropping" voltage. The problem with performing a continuity test is the meter only lets out a very small current to pass so if there is high resistance in the circuit, the small current will still pass through and the meter will indicate continuity which falsely confirms a good connection. but when you load the system down only a small amount of current passes through because of the high resistance in the faulty (in this case contactor) hence the voltage drop across the faulty connection. Remember, resistance is a robber of voltage. Great video! Sorry for my winded explanation. You definitely nailed it though.
Issue with tone test is ... the tone test uses just mA current. so there is a slim chance that a failing swtich or relay pass anyways because is not under actual load. Also, tone circuits (cont test) are not well protected in meters. If for any reason happens the circuit have voltage you can blow the meter appart no jokes. Im talking about 100 to 200 dollar range meters. Of course this is not happening with Fluke, Brymen. You dont need to go nuts with a Fluke, Brymen is fine. I dont do HVAC, but use meters a lot, I dont have a Fluke. They are sky expensive here ... so Im using a good price / performance meter but it is unprotected. You need to walk very carefull with them. I do power supply repair and 311V DC is all over the place. I will get a Fluke in the end. But you need big bucks for a decent one like the 87, 89, 289 etc.
Good call. As an automotive mechanic, the voltage drop test is one of the most helpful diagnosis techniques that practically nobody understands or uses.
When the contacts get corroded they will start to act like an oxide semiconductor and have a nominal voltage drop that creates lot of heat. Eventually the oxides build up and voltage drop increases to a point of blocking instead of conducting. Thus voltage drop method can also tell if a part is on its way to failure.
Problem with the Contactor? B phase contacts are burnt to crap...
Your videos are really unparalleled to anything else HVAC on youtube. As a lady in this trade you've really helped me to gain confidence that I never had. Considering my gender already makes people unsure of my ability this goes beyond helping me on service calls and begins breaking nessecary societal problems. Thank you.
People don't realize that simple maintenance like filter change and condenser cleaning and inspections can make a unit last a long long time, my one neighbor still has his AC unit from the 70's and it runs more quiet then the new ones lol
That’s the thing in HVAC you can never stop learning. Thanks maestro!
“Fieldpiece does what I want it to” as it falls off LOL
I like the magnet ...it falls.😂
Great I love a real tradesman who enjoys his trade thumbs up we need more of you you a dying breed
Thank god I’m not the only guy that changes the contactor data plate. I can’t stand reading upside down 😂
You have nice tools.
I am new to the HVAC trade just graduated school last month and I wanted to thank you for taking the time to create these videos. I watch one video every day to continue to grow my knowledge in this industry. Hoping to land a job in the industry soon. Thx
Good stuff... I’m a local 638 service tech in New York City and we come across these calls all the time.. so thank u for ur input it was helpful...I take pride in my work even when no one’s looking...Your videos are spot on and I enjoy watching them it makes me want to do a better job
Been doing resi and commercial HVAC for 17 years now. You do a great job explaining things. I hope a lot of younger techs are watching your vids.
Thanks bud
Yup! Younger tech here doing industrial refrigeration. Love these videos. Very helpful.
I forgot about the double coil today while cleaning a 10 ton icp rooftop. Damn it, I need to go back and take another look. Thanks bro. I am self employed and always try to do it right...
I'm not an HVAC guy, wrench turner by trade but I learn a lot every video you do! Keep it up.
Thanks Keith!
Nothing wrong with OCD!!!!
Attention to detail is what we need in this industry.
Not slap and stick...
Keep up the good work and videos
You do such a good job. I wish you could teach me. I am 13 and i helped fix my grammas ac. She had a leak in the txv. I was offerd a ride along.
The Trane Voyager.Right up there with train ycy and carrier/bdp 585 in the running for the Timex of the package unit's. Absolutely a must to check double pass coils. Well done sir. We need more tech's like you in our industry.
You make Great Videos ,been in this Industry for almost 50 yrs but Love Watching a Person of Talent to the Trade, keep it up Great Job from a Now to be Old Timer to the Youngsters , Lol
thanks for the nice words!! and thanks for watching!
Great thoroughness in your service call. Most techs would have just changed the contactor and got the unit up and going again. Not only did you get the unit up and going again you got it running properly.
Richard Morinelli Unfortunately you are probably right. I do right by the customers because they are the one’s paying the bills. Sometimes though there are too many calls to spend the time necessary to do what’s right. In those cases I explain to the customer and most the time I’m able to return to finish the job the right way.
I like your thoroughness, you don’t see that very often. Looking forward to watching more of your content.
thanks for watching!!
Before I even finished watching I have to let you know that this a great info about the double coil, most people when they go to HVAC school are not informed that, great job.
Thanks bud
I learned the hard way to always check 3 phase power. Especially when there is numerous contractors running different equipment, it will trick you into thinking something is bad when it really isn’t just getting enough voltage.Anyway, good job man I learn a lot from you and Nor cal Dave! Wish I was still in Cali I would def go work with you. Your knowledge is priceless man. God bless brotha 🤙🏻
when you have screwy voltages with the contactor energized, consider that you may be getting a reading coming back from the compressor. pull off the compressor wires and see if the reading changes.
You're a great instructor, I just wish you had this youtube channel 30 years ago. But still, I highly recommend your tutorials to even the most seasoned vets, Thank you so much!
Thanks for the vid, I’m new to the trade, and soaking up as much as I can. Guys like you help me grow and learn. Thank you
I don’t want to question your knowledge, I think your work and knowledge sharing is one of the best . Jim Bergman did a measure quick update and air probe placement. And if you saw it as this video may be posted in your busy schedule, I only would like too share another smart person update. Thanks for all you do.
I don't know if you want to do this, but what would be cool to see are timeframes. Like labelling what time it is when you're recording or just how many hours it's been as you've continued working on it. Gives an average on how long services typically take from an experienced technician. That'd be awesome for me as a new guy to set a standard for myself to meet and improve my efficiency.
Bravo on hitting all the points. Working with cranes is no joke. We used to have to make sure the bridges on the way to the site could hold the weight to. Lots go into these things. Great vid.
I just call them orifices. When checking a Trane lean the access cover as tight as possible. , to gauge head pressure. Very important on larger units with multiple fans and compressed. I appreciate your hosing the roof down. Good lob. I am retired after 50 years on A/C and Boilers. I once went on a heat call on Florida. Th store had 6 Roof Top Gas units with A/C. There were 6 gas lines stubbed at each unit, no new were ever connected in the 5 years since built! North Florida had gone into the teens!
That doesn't surprise me about the heaters never being hooked up, I have ran into that before out here in California. Thanks for watching bud!
Chris,
You need to help the other guys by showing your talent and your knowledge. Many thanks for taking the time and showing us how you take pride of the work that you do!!!!
“Pulled out a little bit of charge” AKA bled it into a bucket of water 🤣
I know who bothers roping up cyliders, pumps, scales ect. for 1/2 pound , but i see why he convieniently didnt film that part lol, epa might be watching his vids
Use it to clean drains
Good call on not having the writing upside down I cant stand that either. lol
Thanks for your contribution to the trade man. I’ve been a tech in the HVAC/R industry over 30 years and it’s good to see someone that cares about doing the job right instead of breezing through going for the quick money. Keep up the good work. Enjoy your videos!
My first run in with a double row condensing coil, when I was an apprentice was a 15 ton Trane package unit, at a commercial printing business. I had hi condensing pressure. I washed the coil several times, and still had the same high pressure. Like you, I removed the top and saw the double coil. I split the coil and the inside was full of paper pulp, it looked like a laundry lint trap completely plugged.
I remember my first split condenser and I never forgot it. Thanks for watching bud
I’d call it a fixed orifice or piston.
Capillary usually have length and diameter ( that’s what she said)
To control liquid refrigerant.
The only thing I’d add is on the contactor, you could have verified the contactor as being bad by checking voltage across the contacts. So, you’d check voltage from L1 (line) to L1 (load). If you read any voltage over about 2 or 3 on the same leg leg like that, you should change the contactor. Also, when you read the ohms across the contacts, anything over 1 ohm should indicate an issue. That one read above thirty. Good going on this one homie!
I was going to say the same thing-check the voltage drop across the contacts on each phase. It's a much more accurate way of determining the connection quality vs. ohm measurements. It might take as little as 0.2 ohms resistance to start causing low voltage problems on some circuits, and 0.2 ohms is within the noise/fluctuation of most meters, whereas most will measure fractions of a volt easily. If the voltage drop is more than a volt or two I would think about replacing the contacts. If you are running 25 amps through with a 1 volt drop that means the contacts have to dissipate 25W of heat, so it adds up quickly.
I think he could be sure the contactor was faulty due to the voltage readings difference from supply to load
I came across this channel by accident and never even really noticed these things but dam this shits interesting af. Subbed!
Thanks bud
It is definitely a series of capillary tubes which are fixed usually crushed or pinched tubes. Pistons move back and forth as refrigerant flow changes direction usually in heat pumps.
I love this field. It's a real resource being able to find channels like yours on RUclips. I'm about a year and a half into thus field and I am making money and loving it.
Right on brother!!
2:41 I will stop right there. I had the same exact problem today.
SPOILERS:
Contactor middle lug was burnt out & the plunger didn't make good contact. As soon as I took the cover off the inside was black & the middle plunger was broken off. Let's see if you have the same issue Chris...
Pretty much! That and a plugged inner condenser and a slight overcharge
Manufacturers don't make equipment to be practical in real world use. Split condensers and closely spaced fins give them a high rating that would be great if it was used in a clean room. In the real world, they get dirty almost instantly and their efficiency drops.
Ain't that the truth! Thanks for watching bud
My Jman during 2nd and 3rd year was good but he didn't take the time to explain things in such a clear way like you do. Any apprentice that gets the chance to work with you is lucky as hell.
Signed,
Your HVAC brothers up north (where reversing valves fail to heat ;)).
Been watching your vids the past few days. Well done. Love the way you talk us through the repair. Have subscribed.
Stay safe.
Great video and gotta say, nothing wrong with a little OCD when working in this field. I never understood why Trane put that structural piece of metal that prevents you from fanning that coil outwards instead of inward. 👍
Thanks for watching bud!
You're a good man. You take pride in your work and not like others will only want to get in and out as soon a possible. Later will get another call on the same unit and now the owner thinks the tech or company is not good and will call a different tech/company. Doing it right will last a long time and will get called again.
I do cap tubes and orifices as the same. And you did have that condenser section door panel on when you were checking it right cuz the fan will pull true the least resistance opening. You sure seem like a good man to me. Just because you want the writing so you can read it. Nice and thorough. Keep up the good work
The contactor issue is a great example of why loaded circuit testing is so important. Ohm meters are great, but they don't simulate the full load of the circuit, and don't give a clear measure of voltage drop in the circuit. There was obviously a massive voltage drop across the contactor, but it wasn't something the continuity tester flagged. Good video, for sure. I deal with AC systems, but in the automotive repair field. Still, there are some similarities as far as basic diagnosis. Enjoying these industrial AC videos. Very informative, with great diagnostic tips.
Awesome vid, I appreciate how you go above and beyond to make things all the more safe and efficient. Keep up the great work.
Very professional. I am an apprentice and learning alot from your videos. Just doing commercial a few weeks ago kinda nervous. Thanks for your vids post more.
Very simple and detail videos, i am not an AC guy but i learned a lot from your video, thank you for all your info.
Chris is a beast among beasts in the HVAC REFER world. Definitely making excellent knowledgeable videos. 👍👍👍
Thanks bud!!
Looking at everything basically gives ya a better understanding on why it’s so important to inspect for unexpected issues on service calls.- the Big Picture, speaks for itself. Excellent point.
Double row coils are extra fun for those of us in areas with cottonwood trees...
I think my "favorite" units are the Carrier 10 ton split condensers with triple row coils, those are a blast to split and clean by yourself!
i just call it a fixed metering device. either expansion valve or fixed via cap tube, piston, etc. great vid Chris!
I cant stop watching this channel. A genius at work. Very knowledgeable and educational. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
Condenser fan motor is missing the rain shield !
Total respect. G'day from Australia. You operate exactly the way I do when working on equipment.
Thanks for watching!
Great Job well done. You've treated this unit like if it was yours, taken extra steps/concerns. I've just started working few months ago as a HVAC Technician thru an apartments complex; of course most units that we work on it they're all about the same. Is not like you that you're gone to different places of variety of a/c units.
Thanks for watching!
I know that metering device as short orifice header. I would say piston as well. I’ve found those restricted, so replaced with TXV. Good work man!
YOU having OCD... couldn't imagine it... NOT!!! Best techs/mechanics are OCD in their own way. Be proud of it and wear it as a badge of honor.
Just a side note, been using the fieldpiece probes, all of them for a few years now, you only have to sand before putting pipe clamps on if the pipe is real bad with buildup of some sort, or painted obviously. But if it's just tarnished, no need to sand. I will just put the clamp on and move it back n forth like 6 times and it makes its own little cleaned off marks on the pipe. Works great
beautiful work and especially taking the maintenance in to consideration with it needing that cleaning to bring the head pressure down. man I know that's satisfying when you clean the unit and see that pressure go to where it originally needs to be and able to improve the paste on getting you the full diagnosis.
I really appreciate your videos. I’ve been binge watching them at this point lol. I just graduated from a trade school still waiting to get picked up from a company but I hope to be good as you one day. Keep making videos i’m going to need more soon.
Don’t make assumptions,take your time and do your best. Thanks a lot for taking the time to make this videos and detail your work.
Good ole Trane. I've worked on some that was a triple coil. Good explanation to the other guys.
Thanks bud
I hope you changed the filters before you checked evaporator superheat.
The filters were checked and they were clean
For RTU's (Packaged units) if the coil has a curve there is a very good chance its a double condenser, if its a flat slab coil, it wont be. Quick tip
Another thing the exhaust fan in the side of the storage room behind this A/C, was an additional excess hose job that an informed tech has added sometimes in the past. Creating more negative pressure in the building, adding problem rather than solving anything.
1st time watching but i must say your tools are really professional grade nothing like having the right tools for the job makes it much easier and most importantly enjoyable.
Thanks bud
Hey man just want to say your videos have motivated me to become a better tech. I'm new to the industry and was lost until I found your videos. Keep up the great work and know you are really doing a service to technicians around the world.
Thanks for taking time to make the videos brother. I learn alot from you explaining things when your recording
Thanks for watching, I will be going live this evening 3/25/19 @5:PM (pacific time) on RUclips to discuss my most recent uploads come on over and check it out if you can... ruclips.net/video/Bqx-RSJsidY/видео.html
Still watching, lol. Not sure how I found this channel but here I am. I owned a restaurant for 15 years so maybe I can relate? Regardless these are fun to watch. Thanks for the content my man.
Thank you for making these videos! I have watched so many lately! I’m a Resi-Rat making his way into the commercial world! I love your mantra too “Do your Best! It’s not going to be Perfect”. I’m inspired to do my Best! Thank you dude!❤
The center bar on the contactor definitely looked like it had been overheating the way it was discolored. I had to laugh about your OCDing on the contactor cover. I'm one of the guys who removes them and leaves them off. I like to look at the points when I do P.M.s or as in the case of that carryover bar for signs of heat damage. I installed 2 1/2 ton, 13 SEER Ameristar (Trane) split system a couple weeks ago and it has a double pass coil in it. I didn't tear the unit apart to see if the coil could be split but on a unit like this, I would always try to look down through the fan guard to look to see if I could see the end bends on the coil to see how many rows were there. Many times the outer coil would look acceptable and the inner could be totally plugged. It's a series of pistons in the indoor coil, definitely not a cap tube system but if they get plugged you have no choice but to replace the coil or the unit as old as these are getting now.
Did not know that about the wires on trane units. I have noticed there was lettering but I never knew what it stood for.
I see a trane before the week is over, I'll take a peak at the schematic to see if it makes things simpler
I see a lot of hackery on older trane package units
Thanks for this tip, I might be able to get through some wires that look like bird's nests
I would say piston not cap tube. My first thought was overcharged but clearly splitting and cleaning the coil helped. Good video, thanks.
I kinda had the suspicion of overcharge first too, but the coil needed to be cleaned regardless so it all worked out! Thanks for watching
I remember the first time i learned to split the coils my mind was blown and then I had to split 18 of them...lol
Thank you for coming up with this channel. Great help.
1st year apprentice
Hi Chris; I have watched some of your videos and have been impressed with your knowledge and thoroughness. This is my first time commenting. I missed your delta T reading across the evap coil.
Low super heat might have been slight over charge, but also possible air flow problem. You said the filters
were clean. I assume the evap coil was clean. In my 45 years in the field I always look downstairs at the return air grills. Those grills could be plugged causing restricted air flow. Notorious culprits in restaurants
and convenient stores. Also, this system is more a cap tube type system, than a piston type. Cap tubes are
multiple metering devices, as opposed to 1 piston or one txv. You have multiple pistons which operate more
like cap tubes. I am also the inventor and patent holder of a product called "The Tank" vacuum pump oil change caddy marketed and sold by JB Industries. Maybe you heard of it.
Chris; I totally forgot to comment on the contacter. It was very telling that the middle contacts were more burned than the left and right ones. I would wonder why did this happen? Dirty condenser, check. Low super heat, check. What about loose connections on compressor terminals or loose connections in the disconnect box. I have also seen loose connections at the circuit breaker screws.
Thanks for watching William yeah I will have to re watch the video to remember everything, I will get back to you. About "THE TANK" that really cool I actually have a few of them at my company, I give them to all my guys. It really made draining the oil from the JB pumps so much easier, no more holding a cup under the pump!
I'm only in the few seconds of this video and I'm going to take a guess and it is a guess that the coils are dirty but in between the rows if this model has multiple rows of coils. I'm guessing it's off on high PSIG. I haven't heard the rest of this video so we'll see. I took a guess on a hunch.
They are fixed rate orifices therefore the charge is critical, and higher head pressure will also increase the flow of refrigerant to the evaporator, hence lower superheated. Overcharge is judged by excessive subcooling.
Why do I find this facinating and I'm not an HVAC guy, just a person who had a new Trane unit installed at his house and wants to learn all about it?
I will be going live on RUclips this evening 6/3/19 @ 5:PM (west coast time) to discuss my most recent uploads and answer questions from emails and the chat, come over and check it out. ruclips.net/video/A5ZEZ4P048I/видео.html
Should've explained the contributing cause of the contactor failing, most likely high amperage draw from the compressor due to the dirty condenser coil and I wouldn't doubt a defect in the contactor. I also have a touch of OCD and I always do the same thing with my contactor covers plate's.
Exactly, I was waiting for him to test the compressor terminals and resistance before replacing the contactor and getting the unit back on line, I have found loose terminals right at the compressor before, keep up the good work.
It due to the contact plating wearing out from arcing. The resistance builds in the connection between the contact surfaces which creates heat. Eventually the heat builds up enough to melt the contacts. Excessive amperage should in theory blow the fuse or breaker.
@@Discretesignals right, we understand that's what happens, my point if for diagnosis, the actual cause could be a failing compressor, therefore a resistance and megher/ ground test is needed, also I would check the operations and make sure the is no short cycling on the compressor, also any loose electrical connection, that's just my 5 cents. I try not to just replace parts, without further diagnosis, that will only lead to a call back, I am pretty sure many of us learnt it the hard way.
@@giosource08 I absolutely agree with you. I don't rely on resistance measurements when testing circuit integrity. I check wiring and connections by loading the circuit and doing voltage drop testing and wiggling. I'm an auto tech myself, but I enjoy learning about HVAC. It's interesting to see how our fields somewhat relate to each other, especially with computer controls. The premise of diagnosing problems is exactly the same in each field. Kind of cool.
@@Discretesignals That's pretty cool, I was a supermarket tech for almost 14 years, now a plant engineer in a medical facility, but same as you brother, enjoy different points of view from fellow techs on the field, that's a good way to keep on learning👍
Great videos!! Love that you thoroughly investigate every unit you come up to. Not just fix the problem and walk away. Can't wait to see more vids in the future! Keep it up
Thank you for the follow up on the Superheat being to low issue..I had noticed,and was going to ask you about that.Always appreciate your videos Sir. Your an Excellent Tech,Big Picture and Follow thru. Thanks !!
Awesome video your OCD just makes you a great technician
From what I understand from HVAC trade school, there's a difference between capillary tube and piston. I guess I'll have to go visit the class next time I get a day off during the week and ask.
The behavior is the same, the difference is one is easy to change and not as likely to fail.
That metering device coil type is referred to as a fixed header.
cap tube/ piston, they are both fixed orfice for the app and charging. That was funny with the contactor coil cover. After 25 years you will not flip them over. haha. Nice service work
Hello Chris - another good demonstration video. Really enjoy the SH and SC section.
Thanks for watching, I will be going live on RUclips this evening 5/13/19 @ 5:PM (west coast time) to discuss my most recent uploads and answer questions from the chat. Come check it out if you can ruclips.net/video/tQb9QK9LnH4/видео.html
Nice clean and repair C||C . Yep, back in galaxy far away there where Day & Night double row coils. Trane choo choo, seen them as went through factory many times in Tyler,Tx.MeasureQuick is great fit to tool bag.
You are not alone with the OCD.
FYI: as a Tab guy : " Orifice " allows me to Understand the meaning as I Know little about refrigeration !!! Piston means car piston to me
I would consider it to be a *fixed metering device.* Agreed that if target superheat is 5 degrees, 0 degrees actual superheat is not within range. The superheat table for fixed metering devices is calculated so you never slug liquid back into the compressor and never cook the compressor by starving it of cold gas under normal operating conditions. Unlike refrigeration, AC can have a very wide range of conditions and they could have had liquid slug back during a high wet bulb day. Also, they are very lucky the 3 phase compressor motor didn't burn out running on single phase operation. And remember that some compressors are rotation-sensitive. Reciprocating reed-valve compressors don't care what direction they are running in, but scroll compressors and compressors with mechanical valves *must run in one direction* or they will burn up quickly. So don't accidentally switch one of the three phase leads or it will run backwards and damage the scroll before you figure why the pressures aren't moving much.
Great videos bro! Those headers are something special for Shure lol. I really enjoy watching you work on refrigeration systems, low temp has been challenging for me and I don't get in front of it everyday. Thanks for making the videos!
Thanks for watching!