i used to install the caps the same way. i had a old timer show me how it can roll the tops and then, the schrader tool definitely won’t work. i now give a slight snug with a wrench. for what ever it’s worth. same guy showed me a few years back to loosen the tool a little cause the ole wring will squish and not let the schrader out. thank you for all your content i actually have a guy that works for me and we watch you and learn and critique. it helps pass some days. thanks again.
Great TH-cam craftsmen like yourself are so refreshing. I don’t want to be a DIYer but the new ownership at my long standing HVAC fired all the senior techs who refused to stop doing repairs or maintenance on R22 systems. A couple of these guys served me for years and were always treated to a generous tip I thought they earned. I wish I could find out who they work for now. I really hate to be in a position to helicopter around, but I have been lied to just enough times to feel the need to evaluate the work of anyone I do not know. Where have all the good guys gone? Signed: Harry Homeowner Cap Bandit.
Love that you don’t mind telling us your view on government intrusion into our lives. We need more professionals like you to speak up and let them know they are just making things worse. And on aluminum… it fatigues and cracks far more easily than copper and then all that refrigerant is released into the air anyway 🤦♂️
At least they are going back to lower pressure refrigerants, 410a was just pushing harder pressure on systems that never got regular maintenance, which in turn caused even more leaks, ontop of gov efficiency regulations, so I totally agree that going to 410 leaked way more refrigerant in its time than something like r22 did in all the amount of the time its been around. As for your core removal tool, i've found many of mine the forks will spread a little out and not grab the core and hold onto it, a very, slight pinch with plyers have always fixed that for me. Love the idea of using an old pressure gauge to find small leaky cores is awesome!
I believe years ago you help me through a issue I had with my package unit on my double wide ended up being a bad blower motor and you were the only one that had the one that I needed I believe back in 2017 or 18 and I had it shipped and you saved my butt
The HVAC industry needed better lobbyists. You're exactly right - if the GAS is what they were trying to regulate, then they should have demanded consumer units have leak warranties to encourage more robust systems or demanded consumer or commercial units come built in with pressure sensors that would go off if the system had an obvious leak. Why not have a gauge set built in somewhere? These are supposed to be closed-system machines. It doesn't make sense to regulate the gas in a closed system machine. They got rid of the HFC aerosols and maybe rightfully so. They made it best practice to recover charge. Rightfully so. But it didn't make sense to push systems harder for energy efficiency reasons with worse and worse performing refrigerants. How much energy does a unit save if it only lasts 5-10 years?
5:55 - I like this trick _a lot_ better than the one I learned: keep a service valve cap with a tiny hole drilled in it handy and use leak reactant to check for bubbles. With your method there is no chance of contaminating the system. Thanks for sharing that with us!
Briefly open the ball valve on the VCRT all the way and that core will come shooting out like a rocket. Also, over tightening the tool can squish the o-rings and block the core.
You could leave the valve depressor in the gauge and use the core tool to act as the no depressor adapter. I have also run into the core removal tools find that the remover stem itself does not grab the core. Usually it is either due to the stem itself spreading too far apart or the core has smooth sides that the tool can not grab.
I’m a semiretired HVAC&R tech/contractor I spent 45+ years and had never seen that leak check gauge setup, I wish I’d seen it 45 years ago. Have been using those schrader tools for most of my career showed them to many techs. Thanks usually find your videos interesting, sometimes disagree with you
Most government mandated ideas are not all that bright. The Schrader testing tool is an excellent tool and will save time in the long run! I’ve got a fireplace like that I’m afraid to use actually. Might get the wife to try this
I use that gage method and it works great. I also use the Appion core tools other than automotive applications. Those I use the cheapy Chinese stuff. I don't do work for anyone but myself these days but I want the right stuff when I do! Never tried the Yellow Jacket tool...
It depends how fast the leak is to find it on a coil. I always would give it a day or 2 of run time with dye in system. Gives it plenty of time to circulate throughout system
The leak wasn't where the pin was bent or the obvious gasket that seats in the fitting. It was at the gasket under the little 'umbrella' at the other end of the pin.
Government hasn’t got a clue what their talking about when it comes to most industries. They follow the leads that the big contributors to their parties give them. Theodore it’s always about the money. No different up here in Canada.👍👍🇨🇦
the "el-cheapo" core tool doesn't always grab the core tip, sometimes the old core springs are too weak and it just keeps depressing them instead. it has a little rubber ring down inside that grabs onto the core tip also, the core tool tip likes to unthread off the stem, especially if the core is very tight and that can get you into a mess real fast. so double check that it's tight or even pull apart and apply thread locker.
your lucky the core didn't stick the ball valve open when you cracked it slightly. I've seen that happen before, it wouldn't shut and was spraying liquid and oil out as they tried to put the tool stem back on risking refrigerant burn. I yelled NO, yank the valve wide open and close it again, they did and the core went ricocheting around the room, problem solved. you really should do it with system off and pressure equalized, so you're dealing with gas and not liquid. assuming that's possible to do. 😬
Also if the tools ends are smooth you can take a small file & inside 2 ends make the indentions to hold core, after many uses they wear out or ends get beveled.
I could hear it leaking on cam "hissing" and it changed when you put thumb over it, I still have good hearing and can usually hear things like that in person, which is also good for vacuum leaks in automotive/other gasses. just caught a schrader leaking on the high side the other day, right after removing hoses, I could hear it gently hissing over triple condenser fans and the compressor all in the same spot. it wasn't leaking beforehand, but wouldn't seal again even with fiddling and cycling it, valve core tool for the save! I'm guessing it was a core from around 2016? the tiny gasket on the end was just shot. (R-404A/POE oil)
If you take the valve core remover tool The part that holds the valve core & close (bend) the very end just enough with pliers to hold valve core & when core is in unit and you go to take core out you will feel a little snap of the tool snapping on core and then when you unscrew core it will stay on the end as long as the core tool oring or seal is not swollen making the hole for core to come out to small. Also turn the tool while pulling it out. Great job though.
I was in a similar valve core situation about a month or so ago and it took me more than a few tries to get the old core out. It also took me a few tries to get the new core in. In hindsight I should have shut that circuit or the whole unit off. Then again it was 100+ out and I needed to keep the chiller running as much as I could.
This is why I have never had my pressures checked. An old timer told me if the system is working never let anybody check it. They will destroy the valves and if it's an older system it doesn't take much to destroy the valve.
The part of the core removal tool that holds onto the core may need to be crimped with a pair of pliers. I had a tool with this problem and a little squeeae with a pair of pliers fixed it. Test it with a spare core and see if it holds onto the core as it should.
Mr Ted I had a condenser one time and the valve on discharge line was like that! We took them out before sweating the copper line sets and couldn’t get the discharge side valve core out. Wound up recovering all the charge and installing a new valve. That was a bummer but it can happen and when you think you’ve seen it all that happens and was about 2 hours away from the parts store.
Over tighten flare caps will screw flare. When I saw a flare cap. Or nylon caps I'd use the brass with the oring seal. Don't back wrench those valve you'll be over tighten.
I have an 80 year young a/c guy. He is great. His nephew is great. The other guys that work for him stink. He doesn't send them to my people anymore. You do great work you old longhair. From an old, ugly longhair. LOL
Mehanic in Cold Canada for some 37 years and shrader caps are notoriously bad.Should be replaced every couple of years because of shrinkage in the rubber cap gasket,!! Yes SHRINKAGE!! GEORGE 🇨🇦😁
No criticizing. I always worry (probably too much) about a fractionated charge with leaks on the low side in particular. I’m assuming you were comfortable with the pressures and temps. Thanks for the video!
I would have guessed it was leaking when you shined the light on it! You add dye to low side,how did it get all over a high side port,unless it was leaking.Thx for the video
I was just thinking about making a gauge as you used to test the Schrader valve. To get a gauge I was thinking about an old obsolete unit I have somewhere and then it occurred to me. I have a new gauge set and why not just close all the valves hook up the hose to the shrader port with no depressor and see if it reads anything on the low pressure gauge. Maybe I am missing something but that seems like it would be the same thing so I won't be making the gauge after all since I already have one.
I enjoy watching your videos a lot. I just made one of your inventions for myself ie valve leak testing tool! Excellent idea. Thank you TED , P.S. Politics has no place in your business, I see AC companies with campaign stickers on their bumpers. Even if it’s my choice I wouldn’t call them. So keep your political opinions to yourself. It’s bad for Business!
I sure like that UV flashlight you’ve got, works real good in the daylight. Would you mind telling where you got it. And boy? We most certainly surely agree on the governments participation in another area that they know nothing about. Doing nothing, but nothing costing people way more money than ever before to have air conditioning. All in the name of saving money on energy, ha ha ha ha ha ha. And I seem to have the same problems with the valve core tools. Atta boy for doing a good yob!
Are Schrader valves the universal world-wide standard for HVAC purposes? Because Presta valves are often used in bicycle tires, although Schrader valves have also previously been used on bicycle tires.
The one with a yellow quarter turns is from China I bought two of those in a pack for around 20 or $25 they are handy in certain places but I have to agree I love the yellow jacket
It's not about the environment, It's about the politically connected making money from changes in whatever industry, whether it be pharma, plumbing, electrical, auto, etc.
50 dollar tool a couple years ago but since bidenomics, its around 70 for a C&D valve removal tool. i literally just got another one for back up friday.
That valve leak testing tool you created is a must have.
i used to install the caps the same way. i had a old timer show me how it can roll the tops and then, the schrader tool definitely won’t work. i now give a slight snug with a wrench. for what ever it’s worth. same guy showed me a few years back to loosen the tool a little cause the ole wring will squish and not let the schrader out. thank you for all your content i actually have a guy that works for me and we watch you and learn and critique. it helps pass some days. thanks again.
i like how thorough you went about in pinpointing the source of the leak. No second guessing, or try this or that.
Great TH-cam craftsmen like yourself are so refreshing. I don’t want to be a DIYer but the new ownership at my long standing HVAC fired all the senior techs who refused to stop doing repairs or maintenance on R22 systems. A couple of these guys served me for years and were always treated to a generous tip I thought they earned. I wish I could find out who they work for now. I really hate to be in a position to helicopter around, but I have been lied to just enough times to feel the need to evaluate the work of anyone I do not know. Where have all the good guys gone? Signed: Harry Homeowner Cap Bandit.
I'm using that tip to contact my Professor and help build out a lab session to troubleshoot bad shrader valves. You're a genius.
Love that you don’t mind telling us your view on government intrusion into our lives. We need more professionals like you to speak up and let them know they are just making things worse. And on aluminum… it fatigues and cracks far more easily than copper and then all that refrigerant is released into the air anyway 🤦♂️
At least they are going back to lower pressure refrigerants, 410a was just pushing harder pressure on systems that never got regular maintenance, which in turn caused even more leaks, ontop of gov efficiency regulations, so I totally agree that going to 410 leaked way more refrigerant in its time than something like r22 did in all the amount of the time its been around. As for your core removal tool, i've found many of mine the forks will spread a little out and not grab the core and hold onto it, a very, slight pinch with plyers have always fixed that for me. Love the idea of using an old pressure gauge to find small leaky cores is awesome!
I had a valve stem that would not come out with all 5 of my valve core removers. I gave up and put a new cap and called it a day😊
I love the fireplace. Totally not what I was expecting to see, but icing on the cake.
good test, but also you usually don't have a depressor on the yellow hose. you can just use your regular gauges and the center yellow hose.
I believe years ago you help me through a issue I had with my package unit on my double wide ended up being a bad blower motor and you were the only one that had the one that I needed I believe back in 2017 or 18 and I had it shipped and you saved my butt
The HVAC industry needed better lobbyists. You're exactly right - if the GAS is what they were trying to regulate, then they should have demanded consumer units have leak warranties to encourage more robust systems or demanded consumer or commercial units come built in with pressure sensors that would go off if the system had an obvious leak. Why not have a gauge set built in somewhere? These are supposed to be closed-system machines. It doesn't make sense to regulate the gas in a closed system machine. They got rid of the HFC aerosols and maybe rightfully so. They made it best practice to recover charge. Rightfully so. But it didn't make sense to push systems harder for energy efficiency reasons with worse and worse performing refrigerants. How much energy does a unit save if it only lasts 5-10 years?
5:55 - I like this trick _a lot_ better than the one I learned: keep a service valve cap with a tiny hole drilled in it handy and use leak reactant to check for bubbles. With your method there is no chance of contaminating the system. Thanks for sharing that with us!
Briefly open the ball valve on the VCRT all the way and that core will come shooting out like a rocket. Also, over tightening the tool can squish the o-rings and block the core.
You could leave the valve depressor in the gauge and use the core tool to act as the no depressor adapter. I have also run into the core removal tools find that the remover stem itself does not grab the core. Usually it is either due to the stem itself spreading too far apart or the core has smooth sides that the tool can not grab.
You have to pull back slowly and rotating when the core valve is loose.. I have the Appion and thats how it works for me.
Well done Ted, its now a reliable A/C unit now 👍 Au
Now that was really cool!!! Side note. GO DAWGS!!! great stuff as usual Mr. Ted!!
That custom made for leak detection is a great idea! 👍🏼
Detective Lt. Cook solves another one; very nice work. 😎
Now I am curious about the winter scene she puts in. Need a winter follow-up on this video
I’m a semiretired HVAC&R tech/contractor I spent 45+ years and had never seen that leak check gauge setup, I wish I’d seen it 45 years ago. Have been using those schrader tools for most of my career showed them to many techs.
Thanks usually find your videos interesting, sometimes disagree with you
Most government mandated ideas are not all that bright. The Schrader testing tool is an excellent tool and will save time in the long run! I’ve got a fireplace like that I’m afraid to use actually. Might get the wife to try this
Spraying A little bit of soap on the stems would’ve verified the leak as soon as the predator blood was visible 🤷🏻♂️
That is such a great idea with the gauge missing the pin to test for leaking schrader valve!
I use that gage method and it works great. I also use the Appion core tools other than automotive applications. Those I use the cheapy Chinese stuff. I don't do work for anyone but myself these days but I want the right stuff when I do! Never tried the Yellow Jacket tool...
It depends how fast the leak is to find it on a coil. I always would give it a day or 2 of run time with dye in system. Gives it plenty of time to circulate throughout system
JB is just as big as yellow jacket we have both in the north east love the gauge trick will make one tomorrow 😊
The leak wasn't where the pin was bent or the obvious gasket that seats in the fitting. It was at the gasket under the little 'umbrella' at the other end of the pin.
It is cool when you put two adjustable wrenches on a fitting and both are put on backwards.
Government hasn’t got a clue what their talking about when it comes to most industries. They follow the leads that the big contributors to their parties give them. Theodore it’s always about the money. No different up here in Canada.👍👍🇨🇦
the "el-cheapo" core tool doesn't always grab the core tip, sometimes the old core springs are too weak and it just keeps depressing them instead. it has a little rubber ring down inside that grabs onto the core tip
also, the core tool tip likes to unthread off the stem, especially if the core is very tight and that can get you into a mess real fast. so double check that it's tight or even pull apart and apply thread locker.
your lucky the core didn't stick the ball valve open when you cracked it slightly. I've seen that happen before, it wouldn't shut and was spraying liquid and oil out as they tried to put the tool stem back on risking refrigerant burn. I yelled NO, yank the valve wide open and close it again, they did and the core went ricocheting around the room, problem solved.
you really should do it with system off and pressure equalized, so you're dealing with gas and not liquid. assuming that's possible to do. 😬
More cities need guys like Ted 👍 in the HVAC industry.
Same thing happened to me the other day. The expensive tool didnt work the cheap one did the job.
when you was touching the shrader vale i could hear it leaking!that was crazy!
Also if the tools ends are smooth you can take a small file & inside 2 ends make the indentions to hold core, after many uses they wear out or ends get beveled.
I could hear it leaking on cam "hissing" and it changed when you put thumb over it, I still have good hearing and can usually hear things like that in person, which is also good for vacuum leaks in automotive/other gasses.
just caught a schrader leaking on the high side the other day, right after removing hoses, I could hear it gently hissing over triple condenser fans and the compressor all in the same spot.
it wasn't leaking beforehand, but wouldn't seal again even with fiddling and cycling it, valve core tool for the save! I'm guessing it was a core from around 2016? the tiny gasket on the end was just shot. (R-404A/POE oil)
Love the gauge trick. Gonna use that one
Excelente trabajo y conocimientos saludos desde mexico . gracias por compartir.
If you take the valve core remover tool The part that holds the valve core & close (bend) the very end just enough with pliers to hold valve core & when core is in unit and you go to take core out you will feel a little snap of the tool snapping on core and then when you unscrew core it will stay on the end as long as the core tool oring or seal is not swollen making the hole for core to come out to small. Also turn the tool while pulling it out. Great job though.
I was in a similar valve core situation about a month or so ago and it took me more than a few tries to get the old core out. It also took me a few tries to get the new core in. In hindsight I should have shut that circuit or the whole unit off. Then again it was 100+ out and I needed to keep the chiller running as much as I could.
This is why I have never had my pressures checked. An old timer told me if the system is working never let anybody check it. They will destroy the valves and if it's an older system it doesn't take much to destroy the valve.
The part of the core removal tool that holds onto the core may need to be crimped with a pair of pliers. I had a tool with this problem and a little squeeae with a pair of pliers fixed it. Test it with a spare core and see if it holds onto the core as it should.
Outstanding work sir. Thank you for sharing.
Mr Ted I had a condenser one time and the valve on discharge line was like that! We took them out before sweating the copper line sets and couldn’t get the discharge side valve core out. Wound up recovering all the charge and installing a new valve. That was a bummer but it can happen and when you think you’ve seen it all that happens and was about 2 hours away from the parts store.
Good video Mr. Ted. Watched with my wife, I appreciate no f-bombs like you know who's videos.
Over tighten flare caps will screw flare. When I saw a flare cap. Or nylon caps I'd use the brass with the oring seal. Don't back wrench those valve you'll be over tighten.
I have an 80 year young a/c guy. He is great. His nephew is great. The other guys that work for him stink. He doesn't send them to my people anymore. You do great work you old longhair. From an old, ugly longhair. LOL
Mehanic in Cold Canada for some 37 years and shrader caps are notoriously bad.Should be replaced every couple of years because of shrinkage in the rubber cap gasket,!! Yes SHRINKAGE!! GEORGE 🇨🇦😁
No criticizing. I always worry (probably too much) about a fractionated charge with leaks on the low side in particular. I’m assuming you were comfortable with the pressures and temps. Thanks for the video!
I would have guessed it was leaking when you shined the light on it! You add dye to low side,how did it get all over a high side port,unless it was leaking.Thx for the video
Nice work.
Another good video, keep up the good work and I’ll keep watching them, thank you 👍
If something is beneficial and the public wants it, a mandate is not required. If you have to mandate something, it isn’t wanted.
That elcheapo tool was probably purchased at Harbor Freight.
Not luck, skill and smart tool!
I was just thinking about making a gauge as you used to test the Schrader valve. To get a gauge I was thinking about an old obsolete unit I have somewhere and then it occurred to me. I have a new gauge set and why not just close all the valves hook up the hose to the shrader port with no depressor and see if it reads anything on the low pressure gauge. Maybe I am missing something but that seems like it would be the same thing so I won't be making the gauge after all since I already have one.
You should make a video series of all those tricks that you know
I enjoy watching your videos a lot. I just made one of your inventions for myself ie valve leak testing tool! Excellent idea. Thank you TED , P.S. Politics has no place in your business, I see AC companies with campaign stickers on their bumpers. Even if it’s my choice I wouldn’t call them. So keep your political opinions to yourself. It’s bad for Business!
Nice people are a joy to help. 100% agree about the government mandates.
What about checking the condenser coil for leaks
Great find
I was singing Whitesnake- Slide It In the whole time. 😎👍
Looks like you were spinning the schraeder the wrong way!
"We must become one with the Schrader core" .....
Good video Ted!
Don’t over torque flare caps. Otherwise you’ll cave in the opening.
Great job.
Another good video!
I sure like that UV flashlight you’ve got, works real good in the daylight. Would you mind telling where you got it.
And boy? We most certainly surely agree on the governments participation in another area that they know nothing about. Doing nothing, but nothing costing people way more money than ever before to have air conditioning. All in the name of saving money on energy, ha ha ha ha ha ha.
And I seem to have the same problems with the valve core tools. Atta boy for doing a good yob!
Finally a long video thank you
I thought the shrader valve look bent when you spin it with your fingers.
Why don't they use copper on the new high SERR machines? To save money?
Are Schrader valves the universal world-wide standard for HVAC purposes? Because Presta valves are often used in bicycle tires, although Schrader valves have also previously been used on bicycle tires.
Nice job Ted ... Thx
El Cheapo for the win!
I like the gauge trick
Hey Uncle Ted, you don't have a Fieldpiece valve core tool???
great video
The one with a yellow quarter turns is from China I bought two of those in a pack for around 20 or $25 they are handy in certain places but I have to agree I love the yellow jacket
Why do you open and close the suction on the gauges? Just curious.
Nice job!
Enjoy your troubleshooting! An engineer without a degree. Wish degreed people today knew how to analyze and question, understand.
Unless of course you use Lennox with copper coils and have enough steel and aluminum to cause galvanic corrosion and cause leaks. 😂👍
What about an unbalanced blend with the leak?
Can you give a brand name of that uv light please
It's not about the environment, It's about the politically connected making money from changes in whatever industry, whether it be pharma, plumbing, electrical, auto, etc.
I ask a unpopular question in the HVAC industry and it gets deleted. Not the person I thought I wager.
What was your question ?? I usually only delete foul language etc… sorry if I made a mistake. Please ask your question again?
50 dollar tool a couple years ago but since bidenomics, its around 70 for a C&D valve removal tool. i literally just got another one for back up friday.
Can"t stop a Trane
Sorry but not ur finding the right spot on the stn valve to unscrew it
The tool is the problem
FJB
6s ago
Our government is trash, we need some serious changes that unfortunately are not gonna come anytime soon
took to long to change a little core
Aluminum coils and the government 👎👎 J U N K!!! COPPER COILS ❤❤👍👍🫲 Thanks for your educational video. Be safe Big Ted Big Bad Ted!!!!
Cool beans 🫘, good find........