skip to main content

Heating & Air Conditioning

AC leaking coolant

15 years ago

Hi guys,

Hope you can help me out. I just bought a house this summer and had to have the central ac fixed already. The repair guy said it leaks coolant out the service ports on the outside of the house. He said the valves were damaged durring the installation process, got too hot durring the solder. Here is the part I don't believe. He told me that the whole unit needs to be replaced, not just fix the valves. I really do not want to buy a new outside unit that works fine besides the bad valves. Is he trying to pull a fast one on me or what?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

davidandkasie
15 years ago
it depends, if it leakerd all the refridgerant out and suck moisture in then it coudl very well be true.

i would call in another company or two and have them verify it. don't tell them what the other guy said, jsut tell them what it is doing and see what their diagnosis is. be prepared to pay their going rate for service calls too.
ryanhughes
15 years ago
Doubt it... most likely just the shraeder cores in the service valves that need to be replaced. Easy procedure and not uncommon. Call for another opinion--that would be my bet.
Related Discussions
Coolant Leak But From Where?
Q
Comments (12)
Thanks for the replies fellas. Haven't found a leak yet. Hoses are all good, heater core is not leaking, no coolant in the oil, water pump is not weeping or leaking. The only thing I can figure is that when the engine is at operating temp the coolant expands and escapes through the reservoirs overflow. I've put a small plastic bottle on the overflow to see if thats whats occurring. My Dad had an 87 Caprice that used to do that. Once the coolant found its level it ran fine and cool and didn't lose any more coolant. He ran it that way for years. Hopefully this is the same thing. If not, I'll keep on a lookin. Bucky
...See More
some wisdom about a/c coolant leaks
Q
Comments (1)
Hey, could be worse.......... could be R22!!!
...See More
Coolant leak in relatively new system? Really?
Q
Comments (1)
Well, the coil replacement labor seems typical. I'd ask them to credit the redundant service work they did (the leak test is a diagnostic that should be covered by the service call charge and their labor overhead on the coil replacement) and they shouldn't have gassed up the system without doing a leak test first as it's obviously a leak somewhere in such a new system. They should "recover" the refrigerant that's in the system already and there shouldn't be much of a residual to replace. Doesn't sound like a company I would recommend for future work!
...See More
Poor AC, help please. coolant leak?damaged coil?
Q
Comments (2)
Hard to tell by your photo but is there a copper tube inside the aluminum fins? I have seen some coils that did not have a copper tube in each area where it has the openings made for it. Look at the ends of the coil to see if there is a tube there. If there is a tube in that area i would say that you have found the most likely spot for a leak, The tubing is very thin and easily damaged, that appears to have been a fairly severe blow with a sharp edged object. You may want to have it recharged and leak tested to be sure that is your problem but your coil appears to exhibit classic signs of a low charge.
...See More
garyg
15 years ago
Time for a second opinion or two.

Good luck.

(Ryan: Happy New Year):)
tcgraham
15 years ago
If its a Nordyne the polyurathane in the lines that have to be solder have been melting.We've had a few that have had to be replaced with different ball valves. I was told that over 1000 coils had been sent back
wesleyswee
Original Author
15 years ago
Its a goodman unit, biggest pos I have ever had. Now the furnace heating elements have to be replaced. Don't ever buy this brand. Thanks for your help, I will definately get a 2nd opinion
brickeyee
15 years ago
If the Shraeder cores are damaged it is a very simple fix.

If the installer destroyed the seals on the condenser valves (they usually have a large cover over the actual valve stem on the side of the unit) then it may be possible to seal the covers over the shafts well enough to last many years.

Refrigeration lines are not soldered, they are brazed.
Soldering is a low temperature process.
Brazing is using a filler metal with a melting point above ~840F.

Related Stories

HOUSEKEEPING Lower Your Heating Bills With Some Simple Weather Stripping

By Buckminster Green LLC

Plug the holes in your house this winter to make sure cold air stays where it belongs: outside

DECORATING GUIDES Solve Privacy Problems With Window Film

By Lindsey M. Roberts

Let the light in and keep prying eyes out with an inexpensive and decorative window film you can apply yourself

MOVING Home-Buying Checklist: 20 Things to Consider Beyond the Inspection

By Laura Gaskill

Quality of life is just as important as construction quality. Learn what to look for at open houses to ensure comfort in your new home

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Dream Home a Labor of Love and Passion

By Mina Brinkey

An interior designer who’s also a boutique owner renovates a lavish home for her family in Florida

DECORATING GUIDES 10 Ways to Hide That Air Conditioner

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Feeling boxed in designing around your mini-split air conditioner? Try one of these clever disguises and distractions

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Add a Skylight or Light Tube

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

New project for a new year: Increase daylight and maybe even your home’s energy efficiency by opening a room to the sky

HEALTHY HOME Get Cleaner Indoor Air Without Opening a Window

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Mechanical ventilation can actually be better for your home than the natural kind. Find out the whys and hows here

REMODELING GUIDES The Hidden Problems in Old Houses

By Matt Clawson

Before snatching up an old home, get to know what you’re in for by understanding the potential horrors that lurk below the surface

HOUSEKEEPING What's That Sound? 9 Home Noises and How to Fix Them

By Mitchell Parker

Bumps and thumps might be driving you crazy, but they also might mean big trouble. We give you the lowdown and which pro to call for help

MATERIALS Insulation Basics: What to Know About Spray Foam

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Learn what exactly spray foam is, the pros and cons of using it and why you shouldn’t mess around with installation

Sponsored

AAE Bathroom Remodeler

Franklin County's Custom Kitchen & Bath Designs for Everyday Living

More Discussions

Navien tankless heater stopped heating water after electrical outage

2

Installing a powder room on main floor with hydronic radiant heat theo

3

windows replacement

3

humidifier for a furnace in a closet

0

Engineered vs. Solid Hardwood over radiant floor heating

7