Mini-Split Charging help please

MustangStudFarm

MustangStudFarm

Well-Known Member
cbdprospector said:
I assume it leaked out because it's not blowing cold but when I used the leak detector - it detected the presence of 410a. If there is any in there, it shouldn't be much. I already have an 11.5 lb can of 410a sitting here - bought it off the net.
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Find a large scale and weigh it. Take total weight of canister and subtract your charge weight... Nothing complicated
 
cbdprospector

cbdprospector

Active Member
MustangStudFarm said:
Find a large scale and weigh it. Take total weight of canister and subtract your charge weight... Nothing complicated
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Yeah, that's my plan. I have it on the vacuum now, I can't wait to have it back. I'm in a hot and humid state and have been fighting the heat - this thing just iced the area without a sweat.
 
MustangStudFarm

MustangStudFarm

Well-Known Member
cbdprospector said:
That's true, I got them with the unit and with the extra lineset I ordered.



It's 50ft - I'm running 33



There's enough for a 16ft lineset - which they ship with the unit. Here are the specs:
View attachment 3414611 View attachment 3414613

Thank you for all your replies!
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Here is what I got from your chart. The units have enough charge for a 16ft lineset. The maximum distance that the lineset can be is 50ft. You are @33ft. Subtract 33ft-16ft=17ft. You will need to add .22oz per ft. 17ft x .22oz=3.74oz extra that you will add... What size btu do you have? I will be able to give you a final weight, MAYBE. lol.
 
MustangStudFarm

MustangStudFarm

Well-Known Member
If you have a 12000btu. It would come with a 2.25lb charge= 2lbs4oz. 2lbs 4oz + 3.74oz= 2lbs 7.74oz. I am sure that you could talk to tech support. You dont have to tell them that you installed it yet.
I am sure that you could round it to 2 1/2lbs
 
cbdprospector

cbdprospector

Active Member
It's the 12000 btu. You are right, it comes with 2.25 lbs of precharge, I have 33ft of lineset (33 x .22 = 7.26 lbs) 7.26 + 2.25 = 9.51 lbs to go in.
 
MustangStudFarm

MustangStudFarm

Well-Known Member
The 2.25lbs cover the 16ft lineset. You will have 17ft unaccounted for. It is .22oz per foot, ounces not pounds. 16oz per pound right.
 
MustangStudFarm

MustangStudFarm

Well-Known Member
Have you taken any algebra classes since high school? Not being rude, but I did a lot conversions in chemistry class. This is much like a chemistry exam question.
 
MustangStudFarm

MustangStudFarm

Well-Known Member
I dont think that your system will hold close to 9lbs!!! Call tech support. I want to see you happy with your Pioneer because I possibly want to order one also.
 
MustangStudFarm

MustangStudFarm

Well-Known Member
cbdprospector said:
Yeah - I was totally adding this wrong. Thank you for being persistent - I would have trashed this thing at 9 lbs.
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I just want to see you happy with your unit... Nobody else is talking to me about Pioneer brand. I am torn between Pioneer and Senville. They are both on back-order right now!!!

You possibly could have ruined your compressor! Its cool man, at least your trying to figure it out. Many people would have trashed their system and come on here saying that Pioneer is B.S.
 
Merkin Donor

Merkin Donor

Well-Known Member
If your first vac was actually good you don't need to evac and re-pull. A manifold is useless on mini splits, all you need if you're very careful is a hose with a shut off valve and the right adapter to connect for mini's (5/16) and a good thermometer. Your system may have a mode to enter into to add refrigerant so check the stickers on the service cover of the condenser (outside unit). Set mode or turn system on high cool. Connect everything, bottle upside down and purge air out of hose at service port connection . Then open the valve on the hose for 3-4 seconds then close it and check temp at the head. Keep doing this until you output temp is 55-58 degrees F. Just remember to only add a tiny bit then check, easier to do with two people. Make sure the bottle is closed before disconnecting, keep system on when removing the hose and do it quickly so you don't lose refrigerant.
 
cbdprospector

cbdprospector

Active Member
Merkin Donor said:
If your first vac was actually good you don't need to evac and re-pull. A manifold is useless on mini splits, all you need if you're very careful is a hose with a shut off valve and the right adapter to connect for mini's (5/16) and a good thermometer. Your system may have a mode to enter into to add refrigerant so check the stickers on the service cover of the condenser (outside unit). Set mode or turn system on high cool. Connect everything, bottle upside down and purge air out of hose at service port connection . Then open the valve on the hose for 3-4 seconds then close it and check temp at the head. Keep doing this until you output temp is 55-58 degrees F. Just remember to only add a tiny bit then check, easier to do with two people. Make sure the bottle is closed before disconnecting, keep system on when removing the hose and do it quickly so you don't lose refrigerant.
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So I could do this on a complete refill? I assume I would have to still weigh it and monitor the temperature as I get close to the weight. I didn't see a mode to put it in, so I'll do high cool - I can remotely monitor the temperature as I add the freon.

Thank you for your help!
 
Merkin Donor

Merkin Donor

Well-Known Member
"on a complete refill" if the system has only leaked down to the point that it hasn't stopped cooling then yes this method will work. If it has lost 100% of the charge and air/moisture has gotten into it then you will have to pull a vacuum and then add the initial factory charge. You will need a scale that accurately displays ounces, this is what I use. http://www.fieldpiece.com/products/detail/srs2c-wireless-refrigerant-scale/refrigerant-scales/
Not sure what "remote" method you are going to use but it needs to be accurate. I wish I could walk you through it over the phone because this stuff can go south fast and you can easily give yourself frostbite and a bunch of other bad things but given our industry you know the rest.
Not sure where you are but most places won't sell R410a to anyone without an EPA cert, if you have someone getting it for you maybe they know a local person who would help you fix your "grandma's" system.
 
cbdprospector

cbdprospector

Active Member
My grow area is rigged with environmental control that I monitor from remote, I have a temperature sensor I could stick on the output to monitor the temp. Seems like a good way to double check the refill. I have it on a vacuum, just need a scale - a cheap one since I will only be using it once. As for the refrigerant, I already have some 410a - got it right off the internet with no problem. The frostbite risk would be from purging the lines? I have some leather gloves I can use.
 
Merkin Donor

Merkin Donor

Well-Known Member
I've seen people panic and refrigerant is going everywhere. Do you have a digital micron gauge? On a small system like that you should be able to pull that down to under 100 microns easily. If it holds below 300-500 for an hour I'd be happy with it. Once it's stable just dump your initial charge under vacuum and slowly work your way up by temp. There is no subcool, superheat or pressures to hit on mini's. Error on the low side when putting in the initial charge so you don't over charge it because of scale accuracy. Make sure the system is running when you disconnect the hose and you will be on the suction side of things so you won't get a high pressure blast of 410.
 
cbdprospector

cbdprospector

Active Member
Merkin Donor said:
I've seen people panic and refrigerant is going everywhere. Do you have a digital micron gauge? On a small system like that you should be able to pull that down to under 100 microns easily. If it holds below 300-500 for an hour I'd be happy with it. Once it's stable just dump your initial charge under vacuum and slowly work your way up by temp. There is no subcool, superheat or pressures to hit on mini's. Error on the low side when putting in the initial charge so you don't over charge it because of scale accuracy. Make sure the system is running when you disconnect the hose and you will be on the suction side of things so you won't get a high pressure blast of 410.
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Thanks again for your continued advice - I really appreciate it. I don't have a digital micron gauge but will look for one, and I need a scale ....
 
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