AC is OUT - worst timing

[sclifrickson]

I vaguely recall someone on the forum who had a friend who was an HVAC tech who put a port in then successfully recharged their unit, so it can be done. No idea how much it would cost to pay a pro for this service, but a moot point if you can’t even find someone willing to try.

I’d be tempted to bargain the job thus, “If you can recharge it successfully I will gladly pay you full price of services plus a case of hopped beverage of your choosing. But if you can’t get a successful charge, then your fee will be what you learn from the attempt.” Worth a shot.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

Yes, I asked a friend who's an HVAC specialist about those very fittings. He told me he would not trust compression fittings on the refrigerant lines, and were he to try and add a port, he'd solder one in. I've no experience with refrigerant lines or the fittings, so I'll defer to his opinion.

I suppose then one should consider the difference between an ideal solution which is unavailable, and a workable solution which is available.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

I suppose then one should consider the difference between an ideal solution which is unavailable, and a workable solution which is available.

I guess that's true. One other factor though that caused me to just order the top unit and be done with it, was that the unit ran for some time without refrigerant, possibly damaging the compressor. I'd hate to figure out a way to repair the line and recharge, only to have the compressor go out the next time I need it.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

One other factor though that caused me to just order the top unit and be done with it, was that the unit ran for some time without refrigerant, possibly damaging the compressor. I'd hate to figure out a way to repair the line and recharge, only to have the compressor go out the next time I need it.

Good point... and valid even with a professionally soldered fitting.

It could also leak down again. The guy who recharged his was resigned to recharging annually (which would be easy with the port already in place), but was pleasantly surprised to find that unnecessary so far.

[Ron in BC]

Too late now but the add a charging port module has been around for a long time. I have one that I removed from an old fridge that had had a leak repaired and then was recharged.

It basically clamps over the line and pierces it. Worked fine for several years until the compressor died. Don't know why I saved it but it might come in handy.

Ron

[cpaharley2008]

I had similar type refrigerator ice making attachment that just pierced the water line, never trusted it so I installed the conventional attachment. But for the out side refer it should be no problem.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I had similar type refrigerator ice making attachment that just pierced the water line, never trusted it so I installed the conventional attachment. But for the out side refer it should be no problem.

We never install these cheap type water valves if supplied with anything. They are common with humidifiers. It only takes a few minutes and a couple bucks to install a properly spliced in 1/4" valve.

The problem with the piercing ones is they always fail and start leaking after a while and when they do there is nothing to do but replace them.

[Jim Bennett]

My A/C unit failed after just over a year losing all its coolant. Fortunately for me I was still inside Dometic's two year warranty. Sucks that it failed later for you, Robert.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

My A/C unit failed after just over a year losing all its coolant. Fortunately for me I was still inside Dometic's two year warranty. Sucks that it failed later for you, Robert.

I probably would have been within the 2 year period when it failed Jim, if I used the trailer more often like you do. Alas, too much work and not enough play.

[Ron in BC]

Certainly annoying that these reasonably pricey units are failing after relatively limited use when my 99 buck portable unit just keeps going year after year. And when it's not with the trailer it's used at home.

Ron

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

I probably would have been within the 2 year period when it failed Jim, if I used the trailer more often like you do. Alas, too much work and not enough play.

Despite the number of nights camping the air conditioning was probably used only 10 times.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

Certainly annoying that these reasonably pricey units are failing after relatively limited use when my 99 buck portable unit just keeps going year after year. And when it's not with the trailer it's used at home.



Ron

I find this cheapness is very common in most things Dometic.

[padlin]

I don't remember exactly who or when, But I think it was the mobile repair guy I called to swap out the fridge a few years back. The story was Dometic had laid off most of their experienced engineering staff as cost cutting measures last time the economy went sour. Quality may well have gone out the same window, I know it did where I worked.

[Mike Lewis]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

I find this cheapness is very common in most things Dometic.

From my experience with my fridge I'd agree with you, but I've been lucky so far with the A/C unit. I've used mine extensively, with it being on almost constantly for up to two weeks at a stretch (Hells Canyon), and so far it works fine. Knock on wood.

Of course, now you know what's going to happen.