You and your videos have rubbed off on me and I want to thank you. My value as a technician has dramatically improved, I am much more thorough, clean, efficient, fewer call backs etc. My job has gotten easier and my work has proven more and more satisfactory within the last 3 years just by watching these videos and applying the little gems of knowledge you give. Never quit man you are a legend.
@@HVACRVIDEOS from what I could tell, he's inspired by you doing the big picture diagnosis jobs rather than just be more like "just cut to the chase and tell me what the problem is"
Always loved that you don't just fix it and end it. You take the time to do preventative maintenance wherever you can. You organize and clean the work units when others would skip it. And most of all you take the time to answer "why". Why did it fail, what caused it and how to prevent it. That's something that not many seem to do and it's so intriguing and informative.
Why am i watching this video? What a TH-cam rabbit hole? As a side note my dad was a refrigeration technician for yearsss, he died last year... Somehow reminded my of my childhood... Running around restaurants where he did the same work... Going the same logical way, finding the same root problems. Thanks for the closing words
Huge respect for technicians like you. "... I don't want to go out there at 9 o'clock at night but I have to because it's an emergency." & "I'll do what i can while I'm up there, to make the equipment last longer." Society needs more people that take such responsibility and professionalism in their jobs. Not many people think about their HVAC, plumbing, electrics... , let alone the people repairing and installing such systems. But you guys deserve major respect for what you do and how you do it. Thank you. Great work.
Personally I would argue the other way around, we need less people like him BECAUSE of how shitty society is to the trades in general, they don't remember the HVAC guy or the Plumber until they have an issue, on the other hand the average people value the likes of artists and sportsman a whole lot more even when society could live on without them, would certainly be a lot more boring but compared to not having piped water in your house? Priorities are crearly skewed in the wrong direction.
You were right, T.O.D. is Copelands "Therm-O-Disc", typically trips around 290°F and blows discharge gas on Internal Overload to get it to shut off. Sounded to me it was stuck open when you got it fired up.
@@JorgeMorales-gx5it You can't. It's supposed to reset. If you whack it with something you might be able to reset it but if it don't, then the compressor is done. So... "try whacking it real good up on top of the roof." lol
That recip definitely sounded like death in a can. Another big picture repair done correctly. Text book is for labs and is seldom realistic. I really respect your real world approach to things. Always look forward to your videos
I highly agree with that statement. After working in the field for roughly a year and a half, I’ve learned (and keep learning as I go) that the textbook “by the book” logic taught in school is a far cry from the reality of what actually goes on in the real world out in the field. The school wasn’t wrong, but there is so freakin much that the school doesn’t (and probably can’t) teach you.
Absolutely the best channel to watch if you work in commercial AC and refrigeration. Recently moved from residential and I watch this guy a lot because he shows you how to troubleshoot.
I agree fact the 3 phase piston compressor doesnt matter rotation only when is new. But if it turns 10k hours in one direction it is not good idea change rotation direction because bearings and side of pistons are worn only on specific areas.
I totally agree. I have seen it where recip Compressors that have been there for a period of time won’t work in the opposite direction to make a nasty noise.
@@750kv8 they are all just splash lubricated by that spiral picking up oil? Then all compressors are 100% directional since the spiral is directional and wont pick the oil up If its running backwards.
@@alouisschafer7212 - Yes, in that case they are directional, and the compressor will not get proper lubrication if it's spinning in the wrong direction. In some old fridge compressors there's no spiral vane inside the hollow shaft, only a small pressed in metal cap or funnel etc. at the bottom end, with a hole in its center, so they can work in either direction. It is only partly a splash lubrication. There are lubricanting holes on the main and excentric shaft for the slip bearings, so the oiling is more direct in those points.
You just need a line on the invoice: "You could have saved an estimated $$$$ if you did PM instead of this emergency repair." (I guess it's not profitable to reveal such info, lol.)
I know absolutely nothing about commercial AC units. I work in the I.T. field but for some reason your videos came up on my feed and are incredibly interesting. Your quality of work, depth of knowledge and cool tools have me watching many of your videos.
I would've probably put in all new refrigerant in that system. Being that low with a potential leak like that, the refrigerant will be fractionated and the blend that is left in the receiver may not have the correct ratio of refrigerants in it. I know refrigerant is expensive and it will usually work just fine if you put the recovered refrigerant back in, I just wouldn't want to chance it with a new compressor in the system. I've had it bite me in the ass before. I wouldn't feel comfortable putting in back in unless I took it over to United (or whatever wholesaler you have) and have them analyze it first. Just nit-picking with a little constructive criticism. Great job on the repair. Love the videos. Keep it up.
Agree. Would NEVER reuse refrigerant pulled from a failed compressor. Then seeing when it was tore apart…no way. Refrigerant is cheap compared to another failed compressor. My money…knowing most techs are clueless..I’m sure another company had been there and pulled out gas due to high head pressure measured. Can never verify pressures with a stopped up condenser. Great video bro! Fellow tech/owner I know the struggles. Nobody is doing PMs. 🤦🏻♂️
This randomly popped up and I clicked it. I work on semiconductor equipment- it’s always neat to see different fields get into some troubleshooting. Pretty cool, thanks.
Love watching guys who go above and beyond. I'd work for free just to learn. I have seen so many techs half ass cooler/freezer repair. You go over the top bro.
This video is 8 months old, so you won't see this comment, but when the produce walk in short cycles at 3:00, your reaction made me laugh harder than I have in a long time. That feeling of "you've got to be kidding me," is so universal.
I try to respond to comments even on older videos.... and your observation was correct..... likely I was thinking " great now I've got another problem to deal with"
Could hear the internal head pressure bypass relief valve stuck in the open position on that overheated compressor. Sometimes a couple of hard blows with a hammer can get it unstuck.
I am super proud that you take so much pride in your work and your company that you go above and beyond to make it easier for yourself and your customers. Others would just say " its their problem when it breaks" i will come out again and earn more money from these idiot customers.
Chris man, I love your critical thinking. Even without the videos our trade would be so much farther ahead with many more successful techs if a guy/girl had you as their mentor. You really do care about your craft. It’s not in and out; now it’s running who cares. You always follow up and search for cause of failure. Equipment actually has a chance of survival when you get your hands on it.
Love the videos been watching for about a year now. Trying to get into the field. I have zero experience but talked to a company they're willing to take me on. Excited to hopefully get into the field !
The most-important part to me is VRF VAF and the inverter troubleshooting as this is future due to energy requirements. HVACR has some very nice intros and field example calls.
VRF will be seen as a flash in the pan after another decade or so. Much better to put the money upfront for a chiller, vavs or other new tech than that garbage. Perhaps I will be wrong but var refer flow is the old way of spending less now and paying a LOT later.
@@kaptaintrips Cost is not a concern, energy consumption and GWP of each refrigerant is. VRF and VAF are inevitable and as electricity triples $$$ in 10 years these will be more-attractive.
@@SovereignTroll Think you're right about how things will go in the near future but it still doesn't seem to me like the right choice for long term energy management. I suppose Im just an old guy that doesn't really see the viability of vrf right now. I do hope it gets better and more reliable but by then I sure better be retired leaning about it vicariously.
@@kaptaintrips I am 64. However was retired Chemist before HVAC in a lab so we designed and tested refrigerants. Inverter tech was speciality. For all techs, educate yourself in inverter, pulse and frequency-shaping tech. Not only for HVAC, but you also can work with solar and power storage tech. $$$$ for demand!
Sounds like the internal high discharge pressure bypass got stuck open. Had that happen to me when the condenser fan motor went out and the compressor kept running and bypassing. It never reset and had to replace the compressor.
I’ve left the coil off and used a magnet, powered unit, what a mess, it melted inside a black mess, couldn’t charge for replacement, live and learn, don’t rush
You're like the "Quincy, M.E." of HVAC doctors. I like your post mortems on the broken devices. Also, you have what many lack in the way being so conscientious about your work. It's like watching one of those Sherlock Holmes shows where Sherlock just by observation can tell you everything about a person/situation etc. Great SHOW!!
All I can say is Wow! First thing.....the breakdown of you taking apart the failed components is beyond awesome! A little about me......I have been doing this trade for 39 years. I have been called an expert in my field and I started and ran my own business in the Chicago area for 20 years. I am currently a technician and a consultant. I am going to direct people to your youtube channel. Great job I am going to point out the obvious. If the equipment was maintained and the customer would have listened to recommendations, you would have never been there doing this. With that said, I cannot stress that a high quality PM including pressure washing is imperative. You are doing what I started doing a few years back on this youtube channel, but a divorce and losing my business took the front seat while I was being undermined and terminated employee(s) took my customers while I was distracted.......thats another story in this insane industry. Regardless........GREAT JOB, keep it up. we need more people like you in this industry. Thank you for the insight. I will share your videos when I need to make a point....like how important a PM is on customers equipment.
Watching from Australia, Very thorough repair, I have just retired after 45 years in the game of refrigeration and air conditioning. Always changed contacters, relays, capacitors, overloads on every compressor change. Did you consider a burnout dryer on the suction line? Great video. Great work.
Wow man I really liked this video. I for sure wished I was an apprentice working under you cause I learned a lot just in this 40 min video. Keep it up man and keep bringing in those videos!! They are 🔥
Haven't watched in a while. This felt like one of your old videos. More to the point, more hands on, less after talk because you covered it at the repair site. Even did autopsy on compressor and looked at contacts. Great depth to the video. This is the good stuff that had people watching before. not 5 minutes of repair and 40 minutes of after talk. Wish you could have pulled the rotor to check the bearings but I don't think it mattered at that point. Would have been fun to see. I've left shop towels wadded up and hanging out of refrigerant lines, briefly, even though it's dry just to prevent any air flow and possible moisture contamination. Yeah, probably won't but it's dry and doesn't leave fibers and I can quickly stuff a piece and yank it out before brazing. Made me wonder about silicon caps but I mean how often does that even happen anyways. You usually swap right there.
I'm an apprentice on refrigeration but I have been doing residential and commercial air condition for years would like to learn refrigeration and your videos are very instructing
I really respect your patience, working diligently troubleshooting, doing a thorough inspection in the entire process. Working for a contractor, I have them on me constantly wanting to know when I’m going to get it fix. Pressure is on I had to tell them more than a few times to back off this process takes time. I don’t want to come back because I over looked something that I had the chance to. Really good diagnosis.
Great video. Valves should come very close to your adjustment of superheat from the factory. Quarter turn meaning about 1 degree of superheat change. 8 degrees seems way out unless the txv does multiple tonnage coils
Thanks for all these videos .. watching from up North in Canada and I totally get your point on big restaurant chains vs PM’s ont the equipment! Cheers !!
If you don't replace a 3 pole contactor and one pole loses connection it can kill the compressor.. even if it's just been a few hours since you replaced it..
@@Bryan-Hensley that hasnt been my experience and ive replaced a fair amount of compressors . I dont replace the contactor but i will replace the filter drier and the cap depending on the condition. We do pms every 3 months they haven’t gone bad yet
to make sure you check relief pressure,connect high side before the drier,it could have been plugged.but most likely compressor was bad.thanks for sharing great crew.
Steve Lavimoniere in Massachusetts records every job he does. He explains that it's his documenting everything he discovers, his methodology in pursuing the root problem and everything else which may effect the system, and all that he did to perform his repairs. I've watched your videos and enjoy every aspect of what you do - great job, keep 'em coming. Those "switches" you might be looking for are actually thermistors. Thermistors are available for various temperature ranges from places other than AC parts houses. I believe you might be able to find them elsewhere - maybe.
Oh man, I didn't know how cool cooling systems are. Thanks TH-cam for showing me this channel 😅 Nice how you explain things - normally I am on the side in a restaurant that calls you to fix the machines 🤗
The way you panned over to the other unit kicking on and off said that’s a whole another problem made me bust out laughing and I lost it when you said what the heck was that about. 😂😂😂
This is satisfying to watch in the cool 62 degrees of this room. Almost therapeutic. Thanks for the lugging all that camera equipment around. The videos are cool and informative. Hope you wear sunscreen.
You are right ,this type of business always wait until the system is giving them problems .and most of the time the result is that something is broken due a lack o maintinance. Like your videos ,i watch them from Venezuela.
I’m an IT guy but both fields of work are so similar…something broke, get called to a job. Has anything changed? Anything look out of place? Do an initial diagnosis based more so on prior experience. Find the main issue but fix big picture things at the same time to save time and money down the track (and hope the customer is on the same page!) Love watching all your videos keep up the great work 🇦🇺
Cool stuff, I never knew how much goes into these things. My company bought a old McDonald’s meat factory and it was all refrigerated and had ton of these units to keep it all frozen. Just ripped a bunch out to clean up the ceiling of junk so we didn’t hit it with the fork lift. We now print labels in there.
Fantastic walkthrough, you are knowledgeable and skilled tradesman that I can tell cares about his craft. Also your video resolution quality is fantastic. Do you film with a go-pro?
Nebraska winter, 5 deg. F outside, parka on. Sale on beer, walk into the liquor section of grocery store and the walk-in 35 deg. F cooler, saying, "Ooooo nice and toasty warm in here".
Nice video. I can only imagine that the bills must be very high on this repair. Three guys and two our travel each way. That would give most small restaurant owners a heart attack. We charge 125.00 a hour and our customers always want a price before we work on anything. Having the second day working on the defrost and other issues is a lot of extra time . This could cost a refrigeration contractor money if he gave a bid with out knowing that the unit had a defrost problem and evaporator fan motor issue.
Maybe the system was actually overfilled with coolant? LOL. High pressure tripping, system cools down, turns back on, rinse repeat? (Just a guess.) It seems like someone didn't know what they were doing with coolant maybe? Possibly an armchair AC repairman? (An enthusiastic employee or manager? Heh...)
@@fitybux4664 I heard stories of refrigeration mechanics in Cuba during the Cold War not being able to get replacement hermetic compressors as most of them were made in America so they would cut them open, fashion up some replacement parts locally, repair the compressors and then weld them back together.
Hi. I'd reccomend you to use closed contactors, so dust and sand couldn't affect contacts. Also you can pay attention that contactors may have a really big difference in materials of contacts. It have big inpact in lifespan of contactor. Also you can install three phase control relay after contactor and use it's built-in relay like a safety switch for entire system. I don't remember if you have such relays in US, but in europe we get a lot of them. But we have a 400volts of voltage between each of 3phases and i don't remember any of 3P voltage control relays which can be manually set to control such a low voltage as 200-220v. We got such voltage only betwen P and N conductors, so if we got 240v between 2 phases that's mean there's something bad happened with one phase. Advantage of this relay- you can choose (and manually tune it) a timered switch on. I remember one case... I metred 920volts between two phases (normally 400v +/-10%) and all three-phase equipment are already dead. Customer's choose to use one phased equipment only... Bravo!!! And of course there's a solid states relays on the market. Why still using old fashioned defrost timing relay? Why not using controller such as eliwell 974?
Refurbishing a few contactors to keep as emergency spares makes sense to me, but it also makes perfect sense to replace with new equipment when you're replacing the core of the system - the compressor. For that matter, keeping a few _compressors_ around when replacing older systems makes sense. (When you've replaced a compressor, then replaced the whole unit six months later. Replace the oil, pump down lightly to remove moisture, then seal)
Hola te escribo desde Argentina (Córdoba)...Sos un gran profesional y sigo tus videos, soy un fanatico de tus videos, seguí así.Aprendemos mucho de vos y estoy muy agradecido ! Que tengas salud y mucha vida.Fuerte abrazo a la distancia !!!.-
Dude....I am reading the comments.....some are being critical. The only thing I can say that I would not do is use a flare drier, sweat is always better. I would be proud of your job and would be extremely impressed if you were working for my company as a technician.
I remember having endless problems when I worked at a place with one here in Florida. We're by a lot of different water sources so we hardly get out of the 90s but all that water and humidity keeps the temp high well into the night. Right now it's 85*F at 11:30pm and I'd consider that cool for a late August night.
This are amazing and very educational videos definitely changing my ways of approaching equipment since I, been doing residential and light commercial installs and now jumping into refrigeration. Thank u again a fan fo eva. Can anyone call u for tech support? 😃
I have always found that TDR's that are adjustable are a lot more adaptable than the fixed time devices, but, hey, save a $$$$ whenever possible, right??
nice video, I always tell younger techs at my work watching TH-cam videos like this is one of the best ways to learn the trade, schooling doesn't give you good information like this. Do you have any videos on how to understand according to desired box temp, what saturated suction temperature you want to see in a system?
Great video, super thorough, if this hasnt been said before when you retire from the field you really should consider teaching at a tech school, you have alot to offer and seem to be a damn good educator.
Suction check valves work better than time delay for short cycling when getting out of defrost. Look it up and you'll see better amps and more life on compressors
This reminds me, I still have a blower motor and condenser fan motor sitting in my garage that I need to take apart to see what went wrong with them. 😀
Not every electrical connection problem is a shorted line, sometimes contactors, limit switches, motors, and power cabling fail open. Everyone just tends to call any electrical issue a short circuit, when it's not... :) Good content sir! thanks.
Great video once again, guru. I always enjoy watching your on the field classes out here in south africa, very informative. Quick question, is it normal for the txv(danfoss t2) and distributor to ice up?
How do you know so much with how different units can be? Always impresses me when fields like this and automotive can look at "a car" , or "a unit" and know what to even do. Like cars it seems these all have similar parts yet at the same time are absolutely different which forces the "insert job tittle here" to understand thousands of different little pieces, and parts which are only for certain models, years etc. Baffles my mind.
I did that screwdriver trick, and burned a solenoid. its not a good trick to do while you recover, its only worth doing if youre doing a quick check on the valve. The solenoids are really sensitive :O
All you need to do…pull one side of coil power off of contractor…turn disconnect on and solenoid will be powered and evaporator coil open. Obviously compressor would not run. No burned up solenoids. 😎
I did not see any compressor crankcase heater. Why one of my favorite thing is putting a thermostat on the crankcase heater set the temperature. It does matter in seasons
This is why we don't fit auto reset hp switches When condensers get plugged or fan packs up You don't then have compressors failing Customer pays for a call out and the works to fix the discharge issue not paying out for a new compressor
Just ran across this on a wine unit/cabinet for a homeowner (thermal overload)... luckily they replaced the whole outdoor unit...these videos have taught me a lot but still have questions about your methods...I work in the Coachella Valley so any tips would be appreciated!!
![ร้อยพ่อพันแม่ - WanMai [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XY2pNYASEbg/mqdefault.jpg)
You and your videos have rubbed off on me and I want to thank you. My value as a technician has dramatically improved, I am much more thorough, clean, efficient, fewer call backs etc. My job has gotten easier and my work has proven more and more satisfactory within the last 3 years just by watching these videos and applying the little gems of knowledge you give. Never quit man you are a legend.
Huh? I don't really know what your trying to do here but if it's attention you wanted well you got it.....
@@HVACRVIDEOS from what I could tell, he's inspired by you doing the big picture diagnosis jobs rather than just be more like "just cut to the chase and tell me what the problem is"
@@HVACRVIDEOS It's called a compliment.
@@HVACRVIDEOS Why so rude dude,...
@@lautarobarchi3057 I believe he is just kidding, trying to sound bashful about the comment
Always loved that you don't just fix it and end it. You take the time to do preventative maintenance wherever you can. You organize and clean the work units when others would skip it.
And most of all you take the time to answer "why". Why did it fail, what caused it and how to prevent it. That's something that not many seem to do and it's so intriguing and informative.
Why am i watching this video? What a TH-cam rabbit hole? As a side note my dad was a refrigeration technician for yearsss, he died last year... Somehow reminded my of my childhood... Running around restaurants where he did the same work... Going the same logical way, finding the same root problems.
Thanks for the closing words
Huge respect for technicians like you. "... I don't want to go out there at 9 o'clock at night but I have to because it's an emergency." & "I'll do what i can while I'm up there, to make the equipment last longer." Society needs more people that take such responsibility and professionalism in their jobs.
Not many people think about their HVAC, plumbing, electrics... , let alone the people repairing and installing such systems. But you guys deserve major respect for what you do and how you do it. Thank you. Great work.
Personally I would argue the other way around, we need less people like him BECAUSE of how shitty society is to the trades in general, they don't remember the HVAC guy or the Plumber until they have an issue, on the other hand the average people value the likes of artists and sportsman a whole lot more even when society could live on without them, would certainly be a lot more boring but compared to not having piped water in your house? Priorities are crearly skewed in the wrong direction.
You were right, T.O.D. is Copelands "Therm-O-Disc", typically trips around 290°F and blows discharge gas on Internal Overload to get it to shut off. Sounded to me it was stuck open when you got it fired up.
How would you get that “unstuck” ?
@@JorgeMorales-gx5it You can't. It's supposed to reset. If you whack it with something you might be able to reset it but if it don't, then the compressor is done. So... "try whacking it real good up on top of the roof." lol
that or the discharge tube is cracked/broken inside the case. either way the game is over for that compressor.
The pressures would equalize?
You're a top-notch HVAC tech; but more importantly, you have a very balanced outlook on life. That is your greatest value contribution.
That recip definitely sounded like death in a can. Another big picture repair done correctly. Text book is for labs and is seldom realistic. I really respect your real world approach to things. Always look forward to your videos
Just the bypass stuck open
I highly agree with that statement. After working in the field for roughly a year and a half, I’ve learned (and keep learning as I go) that the textbook “by the book” logic taught in school is a far cry from the reality of what actually goes on in the real world out in the field. The school wasn’t wrong, but there is so freakin much that the school doesn’t (and probably can’t) teach you.
Absolutely the best channel to watch if you work in commercial AC and refrigeration. Recently moved from residential and I watch this guy a lot because he shows you how to troubleshoot.
Thanks bud
I agree fact the 3 phase piston compressor doesnt matter rotation only when is new. But if it turns 10k hours in one direction it is not good idea change rotation direction because bearings and side of pistons are worn only on specific areas.
Besides, the oil pump may also prefer one direction, for example if there's a spiral 'vane' thing inside the shaft for one.
I totally agree. I have seen it where recip Compressors that have been there for a period of time won’t work in the opposite direction to make a nasty noise.
@@750kv8 they are all just splash lubricated by that spiral picking up oil?
Then all compressors are 100% directional since the spiral is directional and wont pick the oil up If its running backwards.
@@alouisschafer7212 - Yes, in that case they are directional, and the compressor will not get proper lubrication if it's spinning in the wrong direction. In some old fridge compressors there's no spiral vane inside the hollow shaft, only a small pressed in metal cap or funnel etc. at the bottom end, with a hole in its center, so they can work in either direction. It is only partly a splash lubrication. There are lubricanting holes on the main and excentric shaft for the slip bearings, so the oiling is more direct in those points.
Always cheaper to throw out spoiled product and do emergency repairs than do PM, right?
🤣
You just need a line on the invoice: "You could have saved an estimated $$$$ if you did PM instead of this emergency repair."
(I guess it's not profitable to reveal such info, lol.)
What's a pm?
@@NeighborhoodDada PM = Preventative Maintainance
(I assume)
@@pennyjim5671 Some companies utilize what is known as PMS contracts. That simply stands for Preventive Maintenance Service. Not the other acronym...
"That's a whole other issue"... story of HVAC when you working on one thing and notice something else is not operating correctly. Lol
I know absolutely nothing about commercial AC units. I work in the I.T. field but for some reason your videos came up on my feed and are incredibly interesting. Your quality of work, depth of knowledge and cool tools have me watching many of your videos.
I really like when you tear stuff apart and show what's going on.
It is so cool that he explains everything about compressors and acs in general, he gives us tips and works really hard. Great work!
I've been watching for a year and not in the field. Your teaching, communication skills are excellent and engaging which is why I keep coming back.
I would've probably put in all new refrigerant in that system. Being that low with a potential leak like that, the refrigerant will be fractionated and the blend that is left in the receiver may not have the correct ratio of refrigerants in it. I know refrigerant is expensive and it will usually work just fine if you put the recovered refrigerant back in, I just wouldn't want to chance it with a new compressor in the system. I've had it bite me in the ass before. I wouldn't feel comfortable putting in back in unless I took it over to United (or whatever wholesaler you have) and have them analyze it first. Just nit-picking with a little constructive criticism. Great job on the repair. Love the videos. Keep it up.
Agree. Would NEVER reuse refrigerant pulled from a failed compressor. Then seeing when it was tore apart…no way. Refrigerant is cheap compared to another failed compressor. My money…knowing most techs are clueless..I’m sure another company had been there and pulled out gas due to high head pressure measured. Can never verify pressures with a stopped up condenser. Great video bro! Fellow tech/owner I know the struggles. Nobody is doing PMs. 🤦🏻♂️
This randomly popped up and I clicked it. I work on semiconductor equipment- it’s always neat to see different fields get into some troubleshooting. Pretty cool, thanks.
I really like that you dissasemble everything and show how it looks. Really gives a deeper understanding how stuff works
Love watching guys who go above and beyond. I'd work for free just to learn. I have seen so many techs half ass cooler/freezer repair. You go over the top bro.
This video is 8 months old, so you won't see this comment, but when the produce walk in short cycles at 3:00, your reaction made me laugh harder than I have in a long time. That feeling of "you've got to be kidding me," is so universal.
I try to respond to comments even on older videos.... and your observation was correct..... likely I was thinking " great now I've got another problem to deal with"
Could hear the internal head pressure bypass relief valve stuck in the open position on that overheated compressor. Sometimes a couple of hard blows with a hammer can get it unstuck.
2:50 - I actually jumped when that unit first came on, it was right about the time you put the meter's lead on the compressor connector.
I am super proud that you take so much pride in your work and your company that you go above and beyond to make it easier for yourself and your customers. Others would just say " its their problem when it breaks" i will come out again and earn more money from these idiot customers.
Chris man, I love your critical thinking. Even without the videos our trade would be so much farther ahead with many more successful techs if a guy/girl had you as their mentor. You really do care about your craft. It’s not in and out; now it’s running who cares. You always follow up and search for cause of failure. Equipment actually has a chance of survival when you get your hands on it.
Love the videos been watching for about a year now. Trying to get into the field. I have zero experience but talked to a company they're willing to take me on. Excited to hopefully get into the field !
The most-important part to me is VRF VAF and the inverter troubleshooting as this is future due to energy requirements. HVACR has some very nice intros and field example calls.
VRF will be seen as a flash in the pan after another decade or so. Much better to put the money upfront for a chiller, vavs or other new tech than that garbage.
Perhaps I will be wrong but var refer flow is the old way of spending less now and paying a LOT later.
@@kaptaintrips Cost is not a concern, energy consumption and GWP of each refrigerant is. VRF and VAF are inevitable and as electricity triples $$$ in 10 years these will be more-attractive.
@@SovereignTroll Think you're right about how things will go in the near future but it still doesn't seem to me like the right choice for long term energy management.
I suppose Im just an old guy that doesn't really see the viability of vrf right now. I do hope it gets better and more reliable but by then I sure better be retired leaning about it vicariously.
@@kaptaintrips I am 64. However was retired Chemist before HVAC in a lab so we designed and tested refrigerants. Inverter tech was speciality.
For all techs, educate yourself in inverter, pulse and frequency-shaping tech. Not only for HVAC, but you also can work with solar and power storage tech. $$$$ for demand!
Sounds like the internal high discharge pressure bypass got stuck open. Had that happen to me when the condenser fan motor went out and the compressor kept running and bypassing. It never reset and had to replace the compressor.
Did you whack it will a rubber hammer or a piece of wood? Sometimes they'll reset
I’ve left the coil off and used a magnet, powered unit, what a mess, it melted inside a black mess, couldn’t charge for replacement, live and learn, don’t rush
Same! Now I put a screwdriver or something through them every time I pull one off. A 11-1 normally fits perfect.
Lol.... Story of my life. I went from technician to garbage man. I totally enjoyed your video , nice to see good diagnostic procedures in action.
You're like the "Quincy, M.E." of HVAC doctors. I like your post mortems on the broken devices.
Also, you have what many lack in the way being so conscientious about your work.
It's like watching one of those Sherlock Holmes shows where Sherlock just by observation can tell you everything about a person/situation etc.
Great SHOW!!
All I can say is Wow! First thing.....the breakdown of you taking apart the failed components is beyond awesome! A little about me......I have been doing this trade for 39 years. I have been called an expert in my field and I started and ran my own business in the Chicago area for 20 years. I am currently a technician and a consultant. I am going to direct people to your youtube channel. Great job I am going to point out the obvious. If the equipment was maintained and the customer would have listened to recommendations, you would have never been there doing this. With that said, I cannot stress that a high quality PM including pressure washing is imperative. You are doing what I started doing a few years back on this youtube channel, but a divorce and losing my business took the front seat while I was being undermined and terminated employee(s) took my customers while I was distracted.......thats another story in this insane industry. Regardless........GREAT JOB, keep it up. we need more people like you in this industry. Thank you for the insight. I will share your videos when I need to make a point....like how important a PM is on customers equipment.
I love the videos, and it helps give a service perspective into some of the equipment I design. I wish we had more service techs like you.
I would pay for a plane-ticket just to learn under him!
Man, you are a BADASS service tech. I wanna be like you bro. 👍
Watching from Australia, Very thorough repair, I have just retired after 45 years in the game of refrigeration and air conditioning.
Always changed contacters, relays, capacitors, overloads on every compressor change. Did you consider a burnout dryer on the suction line?
Great video.
Great work.
Wow man I really liked this video. I for sure wished I was an apprentice working under you cause I learned a lot just in this 40 min video. Keep it up man and keep bringing in those videos!! They are 🔥
Great job and excellent information. Your the man.
Haven't watched in a while. This felt like one of your old videos. More to the point, more hands on, less after talk because you covered it at the repair site. Even did autopsy on compressor and looked at contacts. Great depth to the video. This is the good stuff that had people watching before. not 5 minutes of repair and 40 minutes of after talk.
Wish you could have pulled the rotor to check the bearings but I don't think it mattered at that point. Would have been fun to see. I've left shop towels wadded up and hanging out of refrigerant lines, briefly, even though it's dry just to prevent any air flow and possible moisture contamination. Yeah, probably won't but it's dry and doesn't leave fibers and I can quickly stuff a piece and yank it out before brazing. Made me wonder about silicon caps but I mean how often does that even happen anyways. You usually swap right there.
Thank you for sharing learned a lot every time brother God bless you always
I'm an apprentice on refrigeration but I have been doing residential and commercial air condition for years would like to learn refrigeration and your videos are very instructing
I really respect your patience, working diligently troubleshooting, doing a thorough inspection in the entire process. Working for a contractor, I have them on me constantly wanting to know when I’m going to get it fix. Pressure is on I had to tell them more than a few times to back off this process takes time. I don’t want to come back because I over looked something that I had the chance to. Really good diagnosis.
Very interesting videos, I'm don't anything about HVACs but I enjoy the videos. Thanks for posting.
Your videos help me get back into commercial work
Nice job of finding, your problem on the defrost board follow up the next day or so.
Great video.
Valves should come very close to your adjustment of superheat from the factory. Quarter turn meaning about 1 degree of superheat change. 8 degrees seems way out unless the txv does multiple tonnage coils
Thanks for all these videos .. watching from up North in Canada and I totally get your point on big restaurant chains vs PM’s ont the equipment!
Cheers !!
I was always taught to replace the contactor with the compressor. I like the videos, keep up the good work.
And the capacitor. And the dryer
@@Bryan-Hensley and the txv just to be super safe.
Unless the customer wants you to be proactive on repairs you shouldnt quote anything that isn’t actually broken/dysfunctional.
If you don't replace a 3 pole contactor and one pole loses connection it can kill the compressor.. even if it's just been a few hours since you replaced it..
@@Bryan-Hensley that hasnt been my experience and ive replaced a fair amount of compressors . I dont replace the contactor but i will replace the filter drier and the cap depending on the condition. We do pms every 3 months they haven’t gone bad yet
to make sure you check relief pressure,connect high side before the drier,it could have been plugged.but most likely compressor was bad.thanks for sharing great crew.
Steve Lavimoniere in Massachusetts records every job he does. He explains that it's his documenting everything he discovers, his methodology in pursuing the root problem and everything else which may effect the system, and all that he did to perform his repairs. I've watched your videos and enjoy every aspect of what you do - great job, keep 'em coming. Those "switches" you might be looking for are actually thermistors. Thermistors are available for various temperature ranges from places other than AC parts houses. I believe you might be able to find them elsewhere - maybe.
Oh man, I didn't know how cool cooling systems are.
Thanks TH-cam for showing me this channel 😅
Nice how you explain things - normally I am on the side in a restaurant that calls you to fix the machines 🤗
I think it's a good practice that every time you change compressor you must change the contactor, relay and capacitor too.
The way you panned over to the other unit kicking on and off said that’s a whole another problem made me bust out laughing and I lost it when you said what the heck was that about. 😂😂😂
Hey Chris, I had a performance at my school today and I went home early, hope you’re doing good
This is satisfying to watch in the cool 62 degrees of this room. Almost therapeutic. Thanks for the lugging all that camera equipment around. The videos are cool and informative. Hope you wear sunscreen.
You are right ,this type of business always wait until the system is giving them problems .and most of the time the result is that something is broken due a lack o maintinance. Like your videos ,i watch them from Venezuela.
Chris your tech videos are the tops..you keep it up we'll keep watching!
Amazing how much I am learning about big air con systems. Quite fascinating! Really!
I’m an IT guy but both fields of work are so similar…something broke, get called to a job. Has anything changed? Anything look out of place? Do an initial diagnosis based more so on prior experience. Find the main issue but fix big picture things at the same time to save time and money down the track (and hope the customer is on the same page!) Love watching all your videos keep up the great work 🇦🇺
Cool stuff, I never knew how much goes into these things. My company bought a old McDonald’s meat factory and it was all refrigerated and had ton of these units to keep it all frozen. Just ripped a bunch out to clean up the ceiling of junk so we didn’t hit it with the fork lift. We now print labels in there.
Nice troubleshooting/maintenance/repairs videos of cooling systems. All the Best to You.! :)
Nice job with the screwdriver. I never knew that
Fantastic walkthrough, you are knowledgeable and skilled tradesman that I can tell cares about his craft. Also your video resolution quality is fantastic. Do you film with a go-pro?
No I film with my phone in 4k I use the Samsung S22 phones
3:08 "That's a whole another problem" LOL
The moment you realize you will spend the next 6 hours at that location...
Nebraska winter, 5 deg. F outside, parka on. Sale on beer, walk into the liquor section of grocery store and the walk-in 35 deg. F cooler, saying, "Ooooo nice and toasty warm in here".
Excellent tear-down. Thanks for this one Chris.
As a new hvac/R business owner. Very nice video.
Nice video.
I can only imagine that the bills must be very high on this repair. Three guys and two our travel each way.
That would give most small restaurant owners a heart attack.
We charge 125.00 a hour and our customers always want a price before we work on anything.
Having the second day working on the defrost and other issues is a lot of extra time .
This could cost a refrigeration contractor money if he gave a bid with out knowing that the unit had a defrost problem and evaporator fan motor issue.
Did you ever end up looking at that other unit that was cycling on and off? I thought that was an interesting one
Maybe the system was actually overfilled with coolant? LOL. High pressure tripping, system cools down, turns back on, rinse repeat? (Just a guess.)
It seems like someone didn't know what they were doing with coolant maybe? Possibly an armchair AC repairman? (An enthusiastic employee or manager? Heh...)
Makes me so happy to see compressors cut open and properly diagnosed. Good on ya bud
It did make me wonder, could it be welded back shut by someone less fortunate? Hah. (Are compressors ever rebuilt with success?)
@@fitybux4664 I heard stories of refrigeration mechanics in Cuba during the Cold War not being able to get replacement hermetic compressors as most of them were made in America so they would cut them open, fashion up some replacement parts locally, repair the compressors and then weld them back together.
Hi. I'd reccomend you to use closed contactors, so dust and sand couldn't affect contacts. Also you can pay attention that contactors may have a really big difference in materials of contacts. It have big inpact in lifespan of contactor.
Also you can install three phase control relay after contactor and use it's built-in relay like a safety switch for entire system. I don't remember if you have such relays in US, but in europe we get a lot of them. But we have a 400volts of voltage between each of 3phases and i don't remember any of 3P voltage control relays which can be manually set to control such a low voltage as 200-220v. We got such voltage only betwen P and N conductors, so if we got 240v between 2 phases that's mean there's something bad happened with one phase. Advantage of this relay- you can choose (and manually tune it) a timered switch on.
I remember one case... I metred 920volts between two phases (normally 400v +/-10%) and all three-phase equipment are already dead. Customer's choose to use one phased equipment only... Bravo!!!
And of course there's a solid states relays on the market.
Why still using old fashioned defrost timing relay? Why not using controller such as eliwell 974?
I love the squirrel moment when the other system was short cycling. “Ugh stuff”
Great video!!!!! Great work ethic!!!!! You know your stuff!!
Thanks for sharing!!
Refurbishing a few contactors to keep as emergency spares makes sense to me, but it also makes perfect sense to replace with new equipment when you're replacing the core of the system - the compressor. For that matter, keeping a few _compressors_ around when replacing older systems makes sense. (When you've replaced a compressor, then replaced the whole unit six months later. Replace the oil, pump down lightly to remove moisture, then seal)
Hola te escribo desde Argentina (Córdoba)...Sos un gran profesional y sigo tus videos, soy un fanatico de tus videos, seguí así.Aprendemos mucho de vos y estoy muy agradecido ! Que tengas salud y mucha vida.Fuerte abrazo a la distancia !!!.-
Thanks for making these vids!! They really help me learn
Thanks for sharing your video I'm very much interested
Man when I heard that other unit cycling on and off I had the same feeling lol
Dude....I am reading the comments.....some are being critical. The only thing I can say that I would not do is use a flare drier, sweat is always better. I would be proud of your job and would be extremely impressed if you were working for my company as a technician.
I just wanna say your my favorite technician.
I remember having endless problems when I worked at a place with one here in Florida. We're by a lot of different water sources so we hardly get out of the 90s but all that water and humidity keeps the temp high well into the night. Right now it's 85*F at 11:30pm and I'd consider that cool for a late August night.
Very good Job 👍 the kind of tech someone would be privileged to learn from
This are amazing and very educational videos definitely changing my ways of approaching equipment since I, been doing residential and light commercial installs and now jumping into refrigeration. Thank u again a fan fo eva. Can anyone call u for tech support? 😃
I have always found that TDR's that are adjustable are a lot more adaptable than the fixed time devices, but, hey, save a $$$$ whenever possible, right??
keep up the good work man ! you don't even know how any people i told about your chanel ! great education !
nice video, I always tell younger techs at my work watching TH-cam videos like this is one of the best ways to learn the trade, schooling doesn't give you good information like this. Do you have any videos on how to understand according to desired box temp, what saturated suction temperature you want to see in a system?
Great video, super thorough, if this hasnt been said before when you retire from the field you really should consider teaching at a tech school, you have alot to offer and seem to be a damn good educator.
This is true
Suction check valves work better than time delay for short cycling when getting out of defrost. Look it up and you'll see better amps and more life on compressors
Very thorough diagnostic 👍👍
Those caps pop when the valve is bad. Sometimes working the valve down then back open with a new cap will fix it.
This reminds me, I still have a blower motor and condenser fan motor sitting in my garage that I need to take apart to see what went wrong with them. 😀
Not every electrical connection problem is a shorted line, sometimes contactors, limit switches, motors, and power cabling fail open.
Everyone just tends to call any electrical issue a short circuit, when it's not... :) Good content sir! thanks.
Great video once again, guru. I always enjoy watching your on the field classes out here in south africa, very informative. Quick question, is it normal for the txv(danfoss t2) and distributor to ice up?
Yes, sir I would love some delicious sorbet for desert and my wife will have the ice cream with extra frost burn. Thank you!
Great job Chris from start to finish hvacr at its best 👌
How do you know so much with how different units can be? Always impresses me when fields like this and automotive can look at "a car" , or "a unit" and know what to even do. Like cars it seems these all have similar parts yet at the same time are absolutely different which forces the "insert job tittle here" to understand thousands of different little pieces, and parts which are only for certain models, years etc. Baffles my mind.
I did that screwdriver trick, and burned a solenoid. its not a good trick to do while you recover, its only worth doing if youre doing a quick check on the valve. The solenoids are really sensitive :O
Well he did say help, not prevent entirely lol
All you need to do…pull one side of coil power off of contractor…turn disconnect on and solenoid will be powered and evaporator coil open. Obviously compressor would not run. No burned up solenoids. 😎
@@smoover yeah or just use the magnets and unwire the coil if that's easier also
@@smoover ay ay captain! Thats what ive been doing. This were a rookie mistake 5years ago
I did not see any compressor crankcase heater. Why one of my favorite thing is putting a thermostat on the crankcase heater set the temperature. It does matter in seasons
This is why we don't fit auto reset hp switches
When condensers get plugged or fan packs up
You don't then have compressors failing
Customer pays for a call out and the works to fix the discharge issue not paying out for a new compressor
Thanks Chris its always very very informative videos keep coming 👍
Just ran across this on a wine unit/cabinet for a homeowner (thermal overload)... luckily they replaced the whole outdoor unit...these videos have taught me a lot but still have questions about your methods...I work in the Coachella Valley so any tips would be appreciated!!
I’m surprised you didn’t change out the dual pressure control at the same time of the compressor change out.