This is very impressive; after a few minutes it was clear that I do not have the hardware to do this repair myself but I kept watching because of how interesting this whole process was. Thank you for choosing to turn your repair into such a thorough tutorial.
Purchased: August 2022 - still works GREAT! th-cam.com/users/postUgkxxsUnXhGsSJLim_XnMHyQK0u3XVaW-CGn I live in a studio and during the summer it gets scorching hot - really old building with no ac units. I can’t express how EASY it was to install.This unit has been a life savior during the summer and some days during other seasons where it can still be a bit warm at night. In this small place is my friend, a husky, poodle mix and myself. We need AC - lolI don’t use the dehumidifier option - I’m not sure if it will leak in my house, since I did not install the small draining hose that came with it. May look into it late but I don’t worry about much humidity in the apartment.I don’t understand why the negative reviews since all things mentioned, I personally did not find issues with. Definitely worth it!
We bought a Media Dou inverter portable a/c it's SACC and regular BTU rating are just 2,000 BTU difference so it,s very efficient, It cools our bedroom to meat locker temperatures almost to were you can see your breath.
Many people dont understand that an older repaired unit might work better than a new one. Ive seen this with window ac units and rv rooftop units. Im not sure if its how they rate btu's nowadays but this is why i opt to repair alot of stuff. Nice video! You really helped me with my camper rooftop ac unit.
I was playing with the idea of rechargin my old portable AC unit with freon myself because i can't find anyone in my area that does repairs and recharges but after seeing your video I will go and look for a qualified person. DIY only goes so far. Thank for the video, still helps.
I appreciate the thoroughness and clarity of this how-to. Makes me feel like I could do it if I had all the tools! For now I think my AC is going to remain busted
Awesome video. As somebody that works on many mechanical things, this guy clearly knows what he's doing and has all of the right equipment. It is so refreshing to watch a quality TH-cam video going through all of the proper steps for the repair rather than half of the garbage on here posted and uploaded by some idiot just because they can. Great work, you can tell this guy is an experienced portable a/c repair tech.
I totally agree! I have not seen a video so clear and simple on something that seems to be quite complicated (HVAC). Most videos are so confusing as they dont take the time to record all the process and tend to say techinal language. For example, Iain saying: "brass connection that transforms refrigerant from liquid to gas", instead of some complicated explanation.
Wow - what a difference compared to the last video I watched. The other video left everything important up to the imagination, except for the model number of his unit. Your video was so much more practical and informative; just enough to let me realize I don't have what it takes to handle my own repair. Thank you!
With all those aluminum fins acting as a massive heat sink, can't expect too nice a weld. I learned a lot from this video. Thanks for teaching with clarity!
I agree with some of these other viewers, if i had the equipment, id love to be a technician like you brother. Wonderful work and terrific helpful very thorough video. You didn’t stutter or miss a beat when speaking. Impressed me, you did. 🖖🏻
I really appreciate the level of detail and clarity of the explanations. I now know for sure that I correctly diagnosed my unit and correctly assessed that I don't have the tools to do this. Conclusion: I have to buy a new one. No one fixes these things anywhere I know, and I am certain that if there were, they'd shake me down.
Now we know why there aren't many technicians that do repair portable AC, and if they do is very expensive. The problem is knowing the right technician like you , so we don't waste time and money in a sketchy job. Depending on the price , age , quality of the portable AC and finding a good trustable technician. Congratulations on the video , you took all precautions and right equipment to do a good job. Certainly is not job to play around.
You amaze me. That was so educational. I now know I will not play with my portable AC. The level of detail you gave was perfect. They should show your videos in classes for this stuff.
Alright. So after going through the video an the comments my conclusion is to repair or recycle my current portable air conditioner and replace it with a window unit ASAP, as those have less maintenance issues and are more commonly supported by shops.
I have a Forest Air A019-08KR - 2 years old with the same issue. Compressor is working but no frozen pipes or hot air so I guess there is a leak and I arrived on this video because I like to repair stuff but just at the piercing vice grip tool with a tube, I knew this was game over for me!! "simple huh?" XD Very nice video, I didn't know it was such a delicate processus and I enjoyed it through the end even if I can't do anything with it hehe Thanks for your time!
Very good video - now I know that I cannot do this . I don’t have the tools , skills , or knowledge . You have pointed me in the direction I need - I’ll buy a new window unit . Thanks again
@@geerstyresoil3136 Just like light bulbs. It is called planned obsolescence and it is a necessary evil in todays world. If the manufacturers make products to last lifetimes, they go out of business since no one needs to replace anything. At which point, you would not be able to buy one because no one makes one. Such an economic catch 22.
Very much enjoyed watching. As an Hvac tech myself i couldn't stop watching. Please if at all possible do as many leak finding videos as you can. I find it is the hardest part of this field. I do more of the larger coolers and Multi ton ac systems. The small stuff is exciting to me.
i am a universal technician type I,II,III with 20 years experience so just some other tips for your viewers,"great job by the way" but Before you go after the fly with the bazooka use a leak detector and check before you assume the system is low on charge, if you don't have one check for any restriction on the discharge exhaust line , or if the pipe is 2 long (if your not using factory provided one .They always rott out from uv sunrays on older systems )second check your evap or condenser coils for clogging .you can easily use a water hose to clean out but keep water away from electrical control box and watch the water psi or you'll flatten the fins and then have to get coil rake to fix.good luck all .9 out of 10 time when I serviced some ones ac in window or on wheels it just needed a good cleaning
My Portable Honeywell Air Conditioner knocks while walking. Then the fan starts. The cold air turns off. The fan runs for a while without cool air. After a while the cool air starts again.
@@iainportalupi My Portable Honeywell Air Conditioner knocks while walking. Then the fan starts. The cold air turns off. The fan runs for a while without cool air. After a while the cool air starts again.
Well stated, easy to follow, slow enough to get it, great videoing nice and clear. More answers and things to look for that were not known prior to watching! All in all well done and most useful!!! Thank You very much!!!
So you need equipment that nobody besides an AC repairman is going to have to do this. Got it. Still did a great job of explaining and showing the process for anyone who can use this though.
Dude... you seriously know your stuff, I wondered if it is possible to recharge these things, but by the time I bought all the equipment to do it its more cost effective to buy a new one. Its a shame they don't make these easier to recharge i.e. at least put a service valve on the thing for a start. I watched the entire video anyway as it was really interesting and its always fun watching a craftsman / technician (I say carftsman as you need to be able to braze well!) who knows his shizz, do their shizz! Well done to you sir but I will buy a new one when the time comes, shame you don't live near me as this could be quite a lucrative service / business.
You can fix anything but a broken heart! I found the soap kids use to blow bubbles with works great for leak detection and it only cost a buck or two. Good video.
I don't know if the poster will see this, but induction heaters have come down in price somewhat and you can get "U" shaped induction coils for them. This avoids having an open flame and they can get the tubing right up to the same temps. Induction heaters are what many manufactures are using who make these coils. The other thing I've noticed, is a trend of guys in the industry that are now using "Stay-Brite #8" silver bearing solder to do a lot of these repairs instead of brazing with "Sil-Fos". This avoids the oxidation issue inside the tubing as the temperatures are a lot lower. The plus is there is no need to flow nitrogen. It is an HVAC specific engineered product that is a tin/silver alloy. Very strong, tight bonds that are rated for high pressure applications. The advantage is that the temperature needed is only about 550 F for it to go liquid, so the issue of annealing the copper, which weakens it, is eliminated. The fittings do have to be cleaned bright to assure a good flow and bond. The only "down side" is that it does require it's own special flux, but you only use a VERY thin coating of it on the male portion of the fittings. This eliminates the issue of introducing any flux into the system. Might look into it.
Right at about the 15:00 mark after you remove the refrigerant to the recovery tank you then do a system vacuum . What are you pulling from the system and are you venting what ever that is into the atmosphere ? This is a very well done video from a person that has really great skills . I would love to gain the knowledge to do this but the cost of the equipment would make it not feasible if only working on your own households appliances . No doubt this is why repair services charge what most consider excessive . Again , well done and thank you .
That is a really good question. Because the system had a leak I’m only required to pull the system down to 0psi during recovery. This is to prevent ambient air from being pulled into the system through the leak. This ambient air could contaminate the recovered refrigerant. In order to braze the service valve on I needed to purge the system with nitrogen gas. To get the gas into the system and I needed to pull a proper vacuum on it. The vacuum pump did vent the trace amounts of refrigerant that remained in the system but that lost is unavoidable.
This video did the trick. When I pulled off the cover, the top coils were about 80 clogged and the bottom coils were about 30 percent clogged with a layer of gunk. My living room opens to my kitchen with a pass-thru and, even though I have a fan over my range, I suspect the gunk on my coils contained oils contained in kitchen odors. I removed all of the gunk and my unit is much more efficient In the past, I had cleaned my removable filters by vacuuming them, spraying them with Fantastic, rinsing them and drying them. QUESTION: Is there a safe way to remove kitchen gunk from the coils? (I vacuumed and brushed them to remove dust and gunk but I imagine there might be some residue covering the coils that can only be removed by a solvent.)
This is beyond any of us couch potatos can do, it was amazing watching you and learn how ac works, Well i came to conclusion that i will give mine away free and byt new unit , thanks for make this tutorial.
Thanks for the awesome video. So, I can either buy all of the tools to maybe fix my broken portable AC and then spend several hours doing the work, or I could spend probably about the same amount of money as the tools cost on a new portable AC unit and only take two minutes to order it? Amazon, here I come!!!
Nice video. I have a magnovox portable unit that I only used one season and now doesn't cool. Unfortunately I don't have the equipment to properly service the unit so I am looking for someone to fix it. Most people I've spoken to don't work on these types of air conditioners. Any recommendations?. Thanks for the excellent video.
Thank you for this great tutorial. I am preparing myself to try and refill my portable AC unit. One question, can I seal the system with some of the commercial stuff like the "Leak Saver: Direct Inject" or do you suggest something else? Thank you!
Nice detail of the repair process. But still maybe worth doing if you're in the business and doing your personal unit: a manufacturing process problem resulted in the pin hole at the bend so it's likely other pin holes are going to occur.
The braze looks great I’m not used to doing it this way I do it differently at work so I don’t feel confident enough even tackle this I thought I scored this a/c but I’m bummed because they didn’t know how complicated of a repair it would be. Your amazing I’m luckily only out 50 bucks but I’m disappointed I won’t be .able to repair my a/c.
Like I'm really going to do this at home. Not practical for the common home owner cause how many have this setup stowed away. Interesting? Yes!... Can I do it? I know I could... But if I need this done, I'm sure I could take it somewhere and have them do it. Thanks for a very interesting and educational video....
Very well described, but I can't do that myself, don't have the tool. Is it true that it would be cheaper to buy a new one vs getting someone to come and repair it?
Excellent tutorial. Great explanation on the lack of airflow with the cover off which will come on handy this afternoon when I replace the compressor on my AC. I will rig something to preserve the airflow. I laughed when you caught the foam on fire. I learned years ago when sweating copper pipe in walls that aluminum foil is really helpful. I
Also, I wouldn't use the recovered refrigerant since the sealed system was exposed to the atmosphere causing possible contamination. Use the fresh. I'd also add a drier.
There are makes and models that make disassembling to repair / replace the fan motor(s) so incredibly hard and convoluted, (OR) you can not get replacement parts, some people that can afford it just buy a new, better made quality unit. Black and Decker is generally such a quality make, there are of course others.
I am going to take my $600 air conditioner that I bought 14 years ago to the dump tomorrow because I have been looking all day for someone to fix mine and nothing! No one works on these. I guess it is too much work. They say it’s not worth it. Throw away society. Crazy. So I have to go out and spend $700 for a new one. Where are you located? I will hire you! 😊
Peggy Johnson I’m in New England. Unfortunately it’s been very hot this past week and I’m suddenly swamped with more air conditioners and dehumidifiers in need of repair than I know what to do with.
Iain Portalupi I bet you are! Thanks for the video but I think it might cost almost as much to get them fixed as buying another one. Mine was getting louder too. It seems really complicated to fix them too.
Peggy, you and I have the same problem, R-22 refrigerant. It's no longer (legally) available and there is no (legal) substitute. It's also not possible to "change over" to the new "ozone friendly" refrigerants. I have a $1400 Friedrich with the water that drips onto the condenser and make it the most efficient window A/C ever made. I'll have to PAY to dump it. BTW, your new $700 A/C won't last half of 14 years. I paid to dump a 3 year old certain well-known two-letter brand in May. 16 days after the warranty was out...
Excellent job and video. What are your feeling on the fact these units have to allow outside air in as it exhausts? Wonder why they are not concentric hoses. Perhaps another hose to an input to condenser air in? Still not bad for a basement in summer. Bet your deltaT is 25-30 degrees F now.
Thanks! These portables have their place if you have a situation where you physically can’t fit a window unit in. However I personally don’t like portable air conditioners for the very reason that they pull the air it just cooled out of the room. Some of the better ones coming out now have 2 hoses. (This one only has one and if it was mine I’d modify it to have an intake hose) However even the two hose ones are not as efficient as a window unit since the exhaust hose isn’t insulated so it radiates some heat back into the room . They also tend to be noisier than window air conditioners since the compressor and the condenser fan are located inside the room instead of hanging out a window.
@@iainportalupi When I compare my 8000BTU EER 11 1000 watts window unit to my central air 3 ton 13 SEER 36000BTU 3000 watts it's 50% more efficient. The hit is airflow or lack thereof, the compressors running either way and you just don't get 500CFM per ton it seems on window or portables. And enough coil both evap and condensor.
@Iain Portalupi My Portable Honeywell Air Conditioner knocks while walking. Then the fan starts. The cold air turns off. The fan runs for a while without cool air. After a while the cool air starts again.
Thanks for the well explained video. I have had a Commercial Cool 10000BTU portable air conditioner for 5 years. It served me for those summer periods. But the problem now is that it doesn't cool again. It only blows fan. Could the issue be that the Freon is low? Or it has reached the end of its life cycle? Thanks.
the right answer why you put the cilinder upside down is it has differend types of refrigerants in it so you put the right amount of all the type refrigerants in the system.
Good video. But was hoping this was something I could do. And if I was an HVAC tech, I might have the tools to do this. And to have it done by an HVAC tech, probably cost as much as a new portable AC.
If you're having problems with your portable AC blowing cold, or compressor short cycling, I HIGHLY recommend you clean your filters, but even more importantly, clean your coils! You'll need to take the covers off to properly access the coils (of course unplug AC unit from wall!), use a stiff brush and strong vacuum (and/or blower) to carefully clean both coil sets of coils, being careful to keep fins on the coils vertical and intact. If you want to take it one step further, use a commercial coil cleaning foam and rinse with a stray bottle of warm water. Wet vac up the foam/water run-off, reassemble, and enjoy FAR better cooling and compressor operations. Do this at least once a year, and with a little luck your portable AC unit will provide affordable, effective cooling for many years!
Nice video I know in this case it won’t make to much of difference but r410a it’s a zeotropic blend and shall not be reused form the system that had leak in it also it should be charged as liquid other wise you will get different composition as one gas will evaporate early and other will stay as a liquid
Good Stuff from You Sir. Yea it helps having a second Wrist and elbow some times. Nitrogen is your friend. LOTS and Lots of Nitrogen. Dries things out most well. A little jewelers torch would have been handy. Micro Torch.
This is very impressive; after a few minutes it was clear that I do not have the hardware to do this repair myself but I kept watching because of how interesting this whole process was. Thank you for choosing to turn your repair into such a thorough tutorial.
Purchased: August 2022 - still works GREAT! th-cam.com/users/postUgkxxsUnXhGsSJLim_XnMHyQK0u3XVaW-CGn I live in a studio and during the summer it gets scorching hot - really old building with no ac units. I can’t express how EASY it was to install.This unit has been a life savior during the summer and some days during other seasons where it can still be a bit warm at night. In this small place is my friend, a husky, poodle mix and myself. We need AC - lolI don’t use the dehumidifier option - I’m not sure if it will leak in my house, since I did not install the small draining hose that came with it. May look into it late but I don’t worry about much humidity in the apartment.I don’t understand why the negative reviews since all things mentioned, I personally did not find issues with. Definitely worth it!
We bought a Media Dou inverter portable a/c it's SACC and regular BTU rating are just 2,000 BTU difference so it,s very efficient, It cools our bedroom to meat locker temperatures almost to were you can see your breath.
Figured out 10 minutes into this video that repairing AC is over my head. Stuck around to watch the rest all the same. Great video
Thanks!
did a similar thing. concluded i dont have enough of the equipment for this endeavour to be worth it
😂😂😂😂😂😂
Many people dont understand that an older repaired unit might work better than a new one. Ive seen this with window ac units and rv rooftop units. Im not sure if its how they rate btu's nowadays but this is why i opt to repair alot of stuff. Nice video! You really helped me with my camper rooftop ac unit.
Many of the environ safe freons of today are less efficient in heat transfer.
The most thorough troubleshooting I’ve seen for Portable AC so far …. Thanks for your time and effort sharing it to us…. Keep it up
Thanks!
I was playing with the idea of rechargin my old portable AC unit with freon myself because i can't find anyone in my area that does repairs and recharges but after seeing your video I will go and look for a qualified person. DIY only goes so far. Thank for the video, still helps.
I appreciate the thoroughness and clarity of this how-to. Makes me feel like I could do it if I had all the tools! For now I think my AC is going to remain busted
Thanks!
instaBlaster
Exactly my case too!
F f. J. V b B b n v??
Awesome video. As somebody that works on many mechanical things, this guy clearly knows what he's doing and has all of the right equipment. It is so refreshing to watch a quality TH-cam video going through all of the proper steps for the repair rather than half of the garbage on here posted and uploaded by some idiot just because they can. Great work, you can tell this guy is an experienced portable a/c repair tech.
I totally agree! I have not seen a video so clear and simple on something that seems to be quite complicated (HVAC). Most videos are so confusing as they dont take the time to record all the process and tend to say techinal language. For example, Iain saying: "brass connection that transforms refrigerant from liquid to gas", instead of some complicated explanation.
I never thought I'd say this, but I'll just buy a new one
This superseded my skillset about 35 seconds into the video.
Geez!! Too much man!!
@@neilyaremchuk6798 lol noob. I made it all the way to 2:29. edit: ok I lied. I gave up at 1:35. Interesting video though. =P
All that equipment! Buying a new one is definitely cheaper, lol
@@maggiebohoslawec2008 THATS A FACT
This is beyond my skillset and available tools, but even at 2am, I had to watch the whole thing. Well done and explained.
Thanks!
What are the odds I’m watching this 1 year after your comment at 2:09am
Vvvvv@@iainportalupi
Good job bud, I'm an A/C tech and your diagnostics and procedures were flawless. Thanks.
Thanks!
Wow - what a difference compared to the last video I watched. The other video left everything important up to the imagination, except for the model number of his unit. Your video was so much more practical and informative; just enough to let me realize I don't have what it takes to handle my own repair. Thank you!
With all those aluminum fins acting as a massive heat sink, can't expect too nice a weld. I learned a lot from this video. Thanks for teaching with clarity!
I agree with some of these other viewers, if i had the equipment, id love to be a technician like you brother. Wonderful work and terrific helpful very thorough video. You didn’t stutter or miss a beat when speaking. Impressed me, you did. 🖖🏻
Thanks!
I really appreciate the level of detail and clarity of the explanations. I now know for sure that I correctly diagnosed my unit and correctly assessed that I don't have the tools to do this. Conclusion: I have to buy a new one. No one fixes these things anywhere I know, and I am certain that if there were, they'd shake me down.
Now we know why there aren't many technicians that do repair portable AC, and if they do is very expensive. The problem is knowing the right technician like you , so we don't waste time and money in a sketchy job. Depending on the price , age , quality of the portable AC and finding a good trustable technician. Congratulations on the video , you took all precautions and right equipment to do a good job. Certainly is not job to play around.
Thanks!
You amaze me. That was so educational. I now know I will not play with my portable AC. The level of detail you gave was perfect. They should show your videos in classes for this stuff.
I love how thoroughly you explain each step and the why of it all. Thanks!
Thanks!
I learned so much from this video on top of the fact that I'm screwed. Thank you so much! Subscribing
Youre saving lives with this tutorial (hottest summer yet. Folks literally cooking in apts.) Your service is appreciated. Love from Canada
Alright. So after going through the video an the comments my conclusion is to repair or recycle my current portable air conditioner and replace it with a window unit ASAP, as those have less maintenance issues and are more commonly supported by shops.
Thank God this task is so easy. Thought I was going to have to by new tools and equipment for this job.
Don’t forget the license for buying refrigerant.
I have a Forest Air A019-08KR - 2 years old with the same issue. Compressor is working but no frozen pipes or hot air so I guess there is a leak and I arrived on this video because I like to repair stuff but just at the piercing vice grip tool with a tube, I knew this was game over for me!! "simple huh?" XD
Very nice video, I didn't know it was such a delicate processus and I enjoyed it through the end even if I can't do anything with it hehe Thanks for your time!
Very good video - now I know that I cannot do this . I don’t have the tools , skills , or knowledge .
You have pointed me in the direction I need - I’ll buy a new window unit .
Thanks again
Made me laugh. I'm getting a window unit instead also.
Yep sadly these are disposable and poorly built (designed to fail) imho.
@@geerstyresoil3136 Just like light bulbs. It is called planned obsolescence and it is a necessary evil in todays world.
If the manufacturers make products to last lifetimes, they go out of business since no one needs to replace anything.
At which point, you would not be able to buy one because no one makes one.
Such an economic catch 22.
Very much enjoyed watching. As an Hvac tech myself i couldn't stop watching. Please if at all possible do as many leak finding videos as you can. I find it is the hardest part of this field. I do more of the larger coolers and Multi ton ac systems. The small stuff is exciting to me.
i am a universal technician type I,II,III with 20 years experience so just some other tips for your viewers,"great job by the way" but Before you go after the fly with the bazooka use a leak detector and check before you assume the system is low on charge, if you don't have one check for any restriction on the discharge exhaust line , or if the pipe is 2 long (if your not using factory provided one .They always rott out from uv sunrays on older systems )second check your evap or condenser coils for clogging .you can easily use a water hose to clean out but keep water away from electrical control box and watch the water psi or you'll flatten the fins and then have to get coil rake to fix.good luck all .9 out of 10 time when I serviced some ones ac in window or on wheels it just needed a good cleaning
you are very clear and precise. You should be an instructor and help a lot of young people needing a great profession and income.
Great video Iain, you kept more stuff out of the land fill and taught us all a good lesson, new subscriber now.
Thanks!
One of the best videos on the internet. PERIOD.
Louis Johnson thanks!
@@iainportalupi do you offer this service to the public?
@@iainportalupi My Portable Honeywell Air Conditioner 14000 BTU.
knocks while walking. Then the fan starts. Turn off the cool air. Suggest a solution.
My Portable Honeywell Air Conditioner knocks while walking. Then the fan starts. The cold air turns off. The fan runs for a while without cool air. After a while the cool air starts again.
@@iainportalupi My Portable Honeywell Air Conditioner knocks while walking. Then the fan starts. The cold air turns off. The fan runs for a while without cool air. After a while the cool air starts again.
Thank you for making the video. You are amazing on your exact details on the proper service. Also using proper tools.
Thanks for watching!
I feel like I could be HVAC certified after watching this. Very detailed nice job . I learned a lot
Thanks!
Very detailed tutorial on the best way to do this.
Thanks!
Well stated, easy to follow, slow enough to get it, great videoing nice and clear. More answers and things to look for that were not known prior to watching! All in all well done and most useful!!! Thank You very much!!!
So you need equipment that nobody besides an AC repairman is going to have to do this. Got it.
Still did a great job of explaining and showing the process for anyone who can use this though.
Exactly!!
I learned a lot in this video. Not just how, but why.
Thank you for posting.
libertyauto thanks for watching!
Best of the best video on repairing A.C
This was a very entertaining and educational vid. Well done.
@@richardlittle8543 thanks!
Thanks for sharing this INFORMATION! Can’t find a place to work on the portables & window units in 2024!
Dude... you seriously know your stuff, I wondered if it is possible to recharge these things, but by the time I bought all the equipment to do it its more cost effective to buy a new one. Its a shame they don't make these easier to recharge i.e. at least put a service valve on the thing for a start. I watched the entire video anyway as it was really interesting and its always fun watching a craftsman / technician (I say carftsman as you need to be able to braze well!) who knows his shizz, do their shizz!
Well done to you sir but I will buy a new one when the time comes, shame you don't live near me as this could be quite a lucrative service / business.
Thanks!
You can fix anything but a broken heart! I found the soap kids use to blow bubbles with works great for leak detection and it only cost a buck or two. Good video.
Lee Barnhart thanks! The kid’s bubble soap is a great idea I’m going to use that next time.
that's what I always used.you cant run out cause there's a Walmart every mile.
Tell that to a Cardiac surgeon.
I don't know if the poster will see this, but induction heaters have come down in price somewhat and you can get "U" shaped induction coils for them. This avoids having an open flame and they can get the tubing right up to the same temps. Induction heaters are what many manufactures are using who make these coils.
The other thing I've noticed, is a trend of guys in the industry that are now using "Stay-Brite #8" silver bearing solder to do a lot of these repairs instead of brazing with "Sil-Fos". This avoids the oxidation issue inside the tubing as the temperatures are a lot lower. The plus is there is no need to flow nitrogen.
It is an HVAC specific engineered product that is a tin/silver alloy. Very strong, tight bonds that are rated for high pressure applications. The advantage is that the temperature needed is only about 550 F for it to go liquid, so the issue of annealing the copper, which weakens it, is eliminated. The fittings do have to be cleaned bright to assure a good flow and bond. The only "down side" is that it does require it's own special flux, but you only use a VERY thin coating of it on the male portion of the fittings. This eliminates the issue of introducing any flux into the system. Might look into it.
Sir, you are an artist!! WHAT A JOB!!
Thanks!
This is fantastic, just a bummer I have none of the tools 😩
Right at about the 15:00 mark after you remove the refrigerant to the recovery tank you then do a system vacuum . What are you pulling from the system and are you venting what ever that is into the atmosphere ? This is a very well done video from a person that has really great skills . I would love to gain the knowledge to do this but the cost of the equipment would make it not feasible if only working on your own households appliances . No doubt this is why repair services charge what most consider excessive . Again , well done and thank you .
That is a really good question. Because the system had a leak I’m only required to pull the system down to 0psi during recovery. This is to prevent ambient air from being pulled into the system through the leak. This ambient air could contaminate the recovered refrigerant. In order to braze the service valve on I needed to purge the system with nitrogen gas. To get the gas into the system and I needed to pull a proper vacuum on it. The vacuum pump did vent the trace amounts of refrigerant that remained in the system but that lost is unavoidable.
this is really interesting video , every thing was done as by the book , i think you should have been a teacher as vocation
@@Pierrus60 thanks!
Best video out there on this subject! Thanks.
Great tutorial!
@@lindabedow6343 thanks!
This video did the trick. When I pulled off the cover, the top coils were about 80 clogged and the bottom coils were about 30 percent clogged with a layer of gunk. My living room opens to my kitchen with a pass-thru and, even though I have a fan over my range, I suspect the gunk on my coils contained oils contained in kitchen odors. I removed all of the gunk and my unit is much more efficient In the past, I had cleaned my removable filters by vacuuming them, spraying them with Fantastic, rinsing them and drying them. QUESTION: Is there a safe way to remove kitchen gunk from the coils? (I vacuumed and brushed them to remove dust and gunk but I imagine there might be some residue covering the coils that can only be removed by a solvent.)
Very thorough and very helpful, thank you!
Thanks for watching!
I applaud you for fixing!
Thanks!
Oh yes, the classic coil repair. I've done this many times.
Great video, I learnt so much.
A big thank You ! ! !
Glad to hear it!
Love the helpful people who contribute to TH-cam.
Hate the censorship & commercials.
😔 you have to take the good with the bad.
No commercials with premium subscription...
You're absolutely great in your explanation on everything. What brand is the vacuum pump?
Thanks. The vacuum pump is the 2.4 cfm Harbor Freight one.
Thank you for this.
Now I know why I can't find anyone to fix mine! Bloody annoying as it cost over $1,000.
David Shields thanks for watching! Yeah, most shops around here won’t touch these or dehumidifiers.
David Shields They don't know how to modified a charging valve on it. Expert level needed haha
26:36 " . . .Simple . . ."
Not for a beginner, but it's very interesting and very good video.
This is beyond any of us couch potatos can do, it was amazing watching you and learn how ac works,
Well i came to conclusion that i will give mine away free and byt new unit , thanks for make this tutorial.
Thanks for the awesome video. So, I can either buy all of the tools to maybe fix my broken portable AC and then spend several hours doing the work, or I could spend probably about the same amount of money as the tools cost on a new portable AC unit and only take two minutes to order it? Amazon, here I come!!!
Just make sure to recycle your old one properly so someone else can make use of it.
Nice video. I have a magnovox portable unit that I only used one season and now doesn't cool. Unfortunately I don't have the equipment to properly service the unit so I am looking for someone to fix it. Most people I've spoken to don't work on these types of air conditioners. Any recommendations?. Thanks for the excellent video.
Great now I want all these new interesting tools!
Thank you for this great tutorial. I am preparing myself to try and refill my portable AC unit. One question, can I seal the system with some of the commercial stuff like the "Leak Saver: Direct Inject" or do you suggest something else? Thank you!
Nice detail of the repair process. But still maybe worth doing if you're in the business and doing your personal unit: a manufacturing process problem resulted in the pin hole at the bend so it's likely other pin holes are going to occur.
And for those of us that don't have the equiptment. Take it to a authrised service person.
Soon as nitrogen got mentioned I realised I won’t be doing this myself
very good .. i actually learned something today .
Very informative. If I had all the gauges and tools I would attempt it.
Very informative detailed video, would like to see more diy videos from you.
keith lance thanks, there’s more where that came from.
The braze looks great I’m not used to doing it this way I do it differently at work so I don’t feel confident enough even tackle this I thought I scored this a/c but I’m bummed because they didn’t know how complicated of a repair it would be. Your amazing I’m luckily only out 50 bucks but I’m disappointed I won’t be .able to repair my a/c.
That was very interesting and incitefull thank .
@@jburba21 thanks for watching!
I really enjoyed the video.
Thanks!
Brilliant video! I really appreciate your attention to detail 😊. I shall take on board your guidance when it comes to my AC fixes! Subscribed as well!
bio10155 thanks! I should have some more refrigeration videos coming out soon.
.............. Simple huh!? Amazing video!
Steemium thanks for watching.
Like I'm really going to do this at home. Not practical for the common home owner cause how many have this setup stowed away. Interesting? Yes!... Can I do it? I know I could... But if I need this done, I'm sure I could take it somewhere and have them do it. Thanks for a very interesting and educational video....
Nice work!
Thanks!
A decay test might have been interesting with the leak.
Very well described, but I can't do that myself, don't have the tool. Is it true that it would be cheaper to buy a new one vs getting someone to come and repair it?
to come and start + tools 110 euro, 1u 60euro, 1kg refrigerant 120euro, in België
Classic...not getting cold 👍
Amazing. I called about 25 repair shops and NOBODY knows how to fix these. The manufacturer is absolutely zero help.
It’s getting harder and harder to find real repairmen these days. Everybody just swaps parts.
I wish I would have read less Shakespeare and had more hands on tech classes.
To fix or not to fix, that is the question:
Agreed!!!
learnt heaps, thanks mate!
Great video and your explanation but I don't have most of the equipment to do this. Thanks
Excellent tutorial. Great explanation on the lack of airflow with the cover off which will come on handy this afternoon when I replace the compressor on my AC. I will rig something to preserve the airflow. I laughed when you caught the foam on fire. I learned years ago when sweating copper pipe in walls that aluminum foil is really helpful. I
Alex Chliwnyj the foam smelled nice. What brand compressor was the old one?
Unfortunately the only person doing this fix is the one already with the equipment. But it still was good info.
Very good, detailed video, great stuff, looking forward to see more of your work, thank you for this video.
Cay Rome thanks and thank’s for watching!
Also, I wouldn't use the recovered refrigerant since the sealed system was exposed to the atmosphere causing possible contamination. Use the fresh. I'd also add a drier.
There are makes and models that make disassembling to repair / replace the fan motor(s) so incredibly hard and convoluted, (OR) you can not get replacement parts, some people that can afford it just buy a new, better made quality unit. Black and Decker is generally such a quality make, there are of course others.
Awesome Video! Very Informative & easy to understand! Thx!
would have liked to see it put back together and give it a thermal test
I am going to take my $600 air conditioner that I bought 14 years ago to the dump tomorrow because I have been looking all day for someone to fix mine and nothing! No one works on these. I guess it is too much work. They say it’s not worth it. Throw away society. Crazy. So I have to go out and spend $700 for a new one. Where are you located? I will hire you! 😊
Peggy Johnson I’m in New England. Unfortunately it’s been very hot this past week and I’m suddenly swamped with more air conditioners and dehumidifiers in need of repair than I know what to do with.
Iain Portalupi I bet you are! Thanks for the video but I think it might cost almost as much to get them fixed as buying another one. Mine was getting louder too. It seems really complicated to fix them too.
Peggy, you and I have the same problem, R-22 refrigerant. It's no longer (legally) available and there is no (legal) substitute. It's also not possible to "change over" to the new "ozone friendly" refrigerants. I have a $1400 Friedrich with the water that drips onto the condenser and make it the most efficient window A/C ever made. I'll have to PAY to dump it. BTW, your new $700 A/C won't last half of 14 years. I paid to dump a 3 year old certain well-known two-letter brand in May. 16 days after the warranty was out...
Great video. I just wish I had the brains to do what you did!
Can you come fix mine?
Excellent job and video. What are your feeling on the fact these units have to allow outside air in as it exhausts? Wonder why they are not concentric hoses. Perhaps another hose to an input to condenser air in? Still not bad for a basement in summer. Bet your deltaT is 25-30 degrees F now.
Thanks! These portables have their place if you have a situation where you physically can’t fit a window unit in. However I personally don’t like portable air conditioners for the very reason that they pull the air it just cooled out of the room. Some of the better ones coming out now have 2 hoses. (This one only has one and if it was mine I’d modify it to have an intake hose) However even the two hose ones are not as efficient as a window unit since the exhaust hose isn’t insulated so it radiates some heat back into the room . They also tend to be noisier than window air conditioners since the compressor and the condenser fan are located inside the room instead of hanging out a window.
@@iainportalupi When I compare my 8000BTU EER 11 1000 watts window unit to my central air 3 ton 13 SEER 36000BTU 3000 watts it's 50% more efficient. The hit is airflow or lack thereof, the compressors running either way and you just don't get 500CFM per ton it seems on window or portables. And enough coil both evap and condensor.
A D I’m not surprised since they probably have to make all kinds of design compromises for the smaller units to fit in the required form factor.
@Iain Portalupi
My Portable Honeywell Air Conditioner knocks while walking. Then the fan starts. The cold air turns off. The fan runs for a while without cool air. After a while the cool air starts again.
Knocks while walking, that will get you caught... supposed to run after knocking.. thats cool.. and yes is hot when you run..
Thanks for the well explained video. I have had a Commercial Cool 10000BTU portable air conditioner for 5 years. It served me for those summer periods. But the problem now is that it doesn't cool again. It only blows fan. Could the issue be that the Freon is low? Or it has reached the end of its life cycle? Thanks.
the right answer why you put the cilinder upside down is it has differend types of refrigerants in it so you put the right amount of all the type refrigerants in the system.
Good video. But was hoping this was something I could do. And if I was an HVAC tech, I might have the tools to do this. And to have it done by an HVAC tech, probably cost as much as a new portable AC.
Nice video, did anyone else notice there at the end of the brasing that the unit was catching fire and melting.?
I noticed.
@@iainportalupi highly informative video tho.
If you're having problems with your portable AC blowing cold, or compressor short cycling, I HIGHLY recommend you clean your filters, but even more importantly, clean your coils!
You'll need to take the covers off to properly access the coils (of course unplug AC unit from wall!), use a stiff brush and strong vacuum (and/or blower) to carefully clean both coil sets of coils, being careful to keep fins on the coils vertical and intact. If you want to take it one step further, use a commercial coil cleaning foam and rinse with a stray bottle of warm water. Wet vac up the foam/water run-off, reassemble, and enjoy FAR better cooling and compressor operations. Do this at least once a year, and with a little luck your portable AC unit will provide affordable, effective cooling for many years!
If I had the tools needed for this job I probably wouldn't need the video. Great tutorial though.
Nice video I know in this case it won’t make to much of difference but r410a it’s a zeotropic blend and shall not be reused form the system that had leak in it also it should be charged as liquid other wise you will get different composition as one gas will evaporate early and other will stay as a liquid
Awesome video 📹
Good Stuff from You Sir. Yea it helps having a second Wrist and elbow some times. Nitrogen is your friend. LOTS and Lots of Nitrogen. Dries things out most well. A little jewelers torch would have been handy. Micro Torch.
pulesjet nitrogen makes everything better in refrigeration systems!
@@iainportalupi The Stuff is magic being used in Piles of ways. Drying lines out just one way. And it's easy to obtain.
pulesjet and it’s dirt cheap too!