I am trying to repair an LG widow air conditioner. I took my stupid test and passed with flying colors and now I am trying to undo my mistake. I drilled into one of the copper refrigerant tubes and let all the magic gas out. I have taken the unit apart and was able to solder up the pin hole I put into it, but now I am faced with trying to get the magic gas back into the unit. It uses R22 refrigerant and after looking on line I see that there are equivlent refrigerants available that are compatible with the original R22 and are also eco freindlier. This is a sealed unit so I guess I need to install an access valve. The suction tube on this unit is a hair over 1/2", it actually measures .517", hopefully that is not a problem when I am looking for an access valve.
I guess my question is, is what I am trying to do even feasible, or should I just take it to shop to be recharged?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Larry

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Originally Posted by rplarry

I am trying to repair an LG widow air conditioner. I took my stupid test and passed with flying colors and now I am trying to undo my mistake. I drilled into one of the copper refrigerant tubes and let all the magic gas out. I have taken the unit apart and was able to solder up the pin hole I put into it, but now I am faced with trying to get the magic gas back into the unit. It uses R22 refrigerant and after looking on line I see that there are equivlent refrigerants available that are compatible with the original R22 and are also eco freindlier. This is a sealed unit so I guess I need to install an access valve. The suction tube on this unit is a hair over 1/2", it actually measures .517", hopefully that is not a problem when I am looking for an access valve.
I guess my question is, is what I am trying to do even feasible, or should I just take it to shop to be recharged?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Larry

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Take it to the shop... if you have to ask... you don't have the required equipment... and it would cost you hundreds to acquire it even used. Then you would have to know how to use them.

Like refrigerant scale to weigh the charge... manifold gauges to measure high and low side pressures.. vacuum pump to evacuate the air out of the system... replacement receiver/dryer, knowledge of pressures vs temperatures with that specific required refrigerant... not to mention the correct refrigerant for the system...

Something that claims to be LIKE R-22, doesn't mean it's a direct replacement FOR R-22 despite what the advertizing hype says. Blends are NOT as efficient nor do they behave like a single compound refrigerant. Blends should be outlawed for a number of reasons.

Thanks, I'll take your advice and check around at refer shops.
Larry