Commercial HVAC Tech Help

[SS MAYFLOAT]

I've been doing this work for over 25 years and it always seems as if I run across stuff I've never encountered before. The below picture is the distribution tubes going to the evap coil. Notice that the second stage liquid line is the color of normal copper. Now notice the 1st stage line coming out of the filter drier on the liquid line. The color of the copper definitly shows signs of getting super hot. Even the capillary lines from the distribution tubes to the evap is just as discolored like in the pic.

The tech at my wholesaler has never seen anything like it as well as the other techs that was in the store at the time.

The 1st stage compressor is shorted from L2 to L3 (3 phase compressor). I did an acid test and it was positive for acid. Any thoughts?..........Thanks .... SS

 

[cpubud]

Re: Commercial HVAC Tech Help

could the discolor be due to the fact that when the compressor shorted electrically, that the discoloring is from the voltage to the refrig oil ? Or could someone have replaced the dryer and the discolor be from not wiping it down after. thats what it looks like to me being that the flare nut is not discolored.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Commercial HVAC Tech Help

According to my records, I installed the compressor in June of 2000. It was a burn out at that time. I flushed the system, added acid neutrilizer, installed an inline liquid filter, and a suction filter as well. Each year I check all my rooftop units for acid. During spring, this unit did not show any signs of acid.

The line in the picture was just as clean and normal as the 2nd stage in the pic. I had my helper clean the blower compartment about 2 months ago and he said it wasn't like it is now. Just odd to say the least. Tomorrow, I'm going to pump the system down and open up that line to see if there is any scale or sludge in the line. It is going to be a real pain if I have to sweat out those 8 capillary lines off the evap coil. I hope they are not plugged and not have to remove them.

 

[mike243]

Re: Commercial HVAC Tech Help

looks like somebody thought it was froze up & throwed some heat ,cant tell you how many times i have went to work on something & have to follow behind others,sometimes $ gets tite & somebody promises them a deal

 

[j_martin]

Re: Commercial HVAC Tech Help

Compressor shorted to frame, which was not properly grounded and mounted in rubber shocks. Only path to earth was through said copper line. It's been red hot.