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Refrigerant gauges

Dave0176
Dave0176 Member Posts: 1,177
Wondering, I know winters coming but I've been thinking about that Testo 550 to replace all my gauges, or should I just keep the old analogs?? Currently have a set of 12/22/502, set of 134a/404/507, a set of 134a automotive gauges and a set of 410a. The old 12/22/502 are a pain as they just seem to leak which makes a real pain to leak test a system.
DL Mechanical LLC Heating, Cooling and Plumbing 732-266-5386
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Comments

  • Bob Bona_4
    Bob Bona_4 Member Posts: 2,083
    I've been happy with my Fieldpiece SMAN3's. Leak testing is so easy, superheat and subcooling at a glance. I had used analogs for decades, got tired of gages falling apart. I saw another tech using the SMAN3 a couple years ago and that was it.
  • Dave0176
    Dave0176 Member Posts: 1,177
    Hmm I've been very happy with my Testo 320 combustion analizer, so thats why I'm thinking of the 550s. Testo makes some quality equipment.
    DL Mechanical LLC Heating, Cooling and Plumbing 732-266-5386
    NJ Master HVACR Lic# 4630
    Specializing in Steam Heating, Serving the residents of New Jersey
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    I cannot force people to spend money, I can only suggest how to spend it wisely.......
  • unclejohn
    unclejohn Member Posts: 1,833
    I find if you put a dab of caulk on the screws on the back of the gauge and the screws that hold on the handles they don't fall apart as much.
    Empire_2
  • Bob Bona_4
    Bob Bona_4 Member Posts: 2,083
    edited October 2015
    Great idea! And that's always been a source of irritation for me :) Dave, if that tech had Testo, and I liked what saw, I may have gone that way. I do have a Testo combustion analyzer.
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,583
    edited October 2015
    I've only done stuff on the side, my best is a set of Yellow Jacket Brute II's. Has anyone had those "fall apart" ?

    http://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Jacket-46013-Charging-Manifold/dp/B004JRXK0M


    For my monitor tops a gauge set is useless as all I ever use is a Yellowjacket micron gauge. I rarely use them but when I do I've never had any complaints about the Brute II's but they're far from cheap.


    Here's the micron gauge I use.

    http://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Jacket-69086-Hand-Held-Vacuum/dp/B0015A14QI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1444047220&sr=8-1&keywords=Yellowjacket+Micron

    I'm kind of a Yellowjacket fan I guess.


    @Dave0176 I hope you haven't been only using a manifold set to vacuum systems with? The small vacuum range of the typical analog gauge is almost useless IMO.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • Dave0176
    Dave0176 Member Posts: 1,177
    ChrisJ said:

    I've only done stuff on the side, my best is a set of Yellow Jacket Brute II's. Has anyone had those "fall apart" ?

    http://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Jacket-46013-Charging-Manifold/dp/B004JRXK0M


    For my monitor tops a gauge set is useless as all I ever use is a Yellowjacket micron gauge. I rarely use them but when I do I've never had any complaints about the Brute II's but they're far from cheap.


    Here's the micron gauge I use.

    http://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Jacket-69086-Hand-Held-Vacuum/dp/B0015A14QI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1444047220&sr=8-1&keywords=Yellowjacket+Micron

    I'm kind of a Yellowjacket fan I guess.


    @Dave0176 I hope you haven't been only using a manifold set to vacuum systems with? The small vacuum range of the typical analog gauge is almost useless IMO.

    No Chris I actually bought the yellow jacket vacuum kit with the manifold to go on the vac pump with two 36" heavy duty black 3/8s hoses, and I use Yellow Jackets micron gauge too, kinda wish I would've bought the Blue Vac gauge though, which I understand their making the same gauge for yellow jacket now rebranded.
    DL Mechanical LLC Heating, Cooling and Plumbing 732-266-5386
    NJ Master HVACR Lic# 4630
    Specializing in Steam Heating, Serving the residents of New Jersey
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    I cannot force people to spend money, I can only suggest how to spend it wisely.......
    ChrisJ
  • Dave0176
    Dave0176 Member Posts: 1,177
    I do like some Field Piece stuff I got their digital manometer/static pressure tester that comes with the pressure sensor tester. Really nice tool. I also got a old school Yellow Jacket water manometer.
    DL Mechanical LLC Heating, Cooling and Plumbing 732-266-5386
    NJ Master HVACR Lic# 4630
    Specializing in Steam Heating, Serving the residents of New Jersey
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/dl-mechanical-llc

    https://m.facebook.com/DL-Mechanical-LLC-315309995326627/?ref=content_filter

    I cannot force people to spend money, I can only suggest how to spend it wisely.......
  • Bob Bona_4
    Bob Bona_4 Member Posts: 2,083
    The SMAN has the micron gauge built in, and temp clamps as well. One stop shopping.
  • SWEI
    SWEI Member Posts: 7,356
    We're at the dawn of a revolution in gauges. Check out the iManifold -- there are also several competitors about to hit the market.
  • Bob Bona_4
    Bob Bona_4 Member Posts: 2,083
    Whoa, that's pretty tricked out. Think I'll sit it out for a while and see how that goes. Heck, after 24 years of analog, I'm light years ahead with the SMAN :)
  • njtommy
    njtommy Member Posts: 1,105
    edited October 2015
    I'm not sure about the digital gauges. I keep going back and forth on getting a pair, but I keep hearing guys having problems with them. Just don't want to shell out that kind of money.
  • Harvey Ramer
    Harvey Ramer Member Posts: 2,239
    I've been using the I-manifold ever since they became available. It's the toughest manifold I have ever owned and I really like all the features. Intelligent diagnostics.

    I give it a big thumbs up.
    RobGZman
  • ratio
    ratio Member Posts: 3,615
    I've got the SMAN4 & I think it's great. The only complaint I have is about the k-type clamps - they don't last very long. Fortunately, any k-type clamp will work. I like the UEIs, but the cable is short. I'm also experimenting with leaving a k-type permanently attached to systems. We'll see how long they last.

    The latest edition of the SMAN4 shows all the numbers on the screen at once, sc, sh, saturation & line temps, the works. Another feature is that it will communicate wirelessly with a number of other Fieldpiece instruments & give you a live target superheat. Fun!

    Bob Bona_4
  • njtommy
    njtommy Member Posts: 1,105
    That's part of the problem is clamps. What size copper do they go up to? I'm assuming the make straps to for the bigger tonnage equipment?
  • Dave0176
    Dave0176 Member Posts: 1,177
    Bob Bona said:

    The SMAN has the micron gauge built in, and temp clamps as well. One stop shopping.

    I think the Testo 570s have the integrated micron gauge, but these gauges go for about $500 bucks.
    DL Mechanical LLC Heating, Cooling and Plumbing 732-266-5386
    NJ Master HVACR Lic# 4630
    Specializing in Steam Heating, Serving the residents of New Jersey
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/dl-mechanical-llc

    https://m.facebook.com/DL-Mechanical-LLC-315309995326627/?ref=content_filter

    I cannot force people to spend money, I can only suggest how to spend it wisely.......
  • Dave0176
    Dave0176 Member Posts: 1,177
    I'm surprised no one has any experience with the Testos, did I mention I love my 320 combustion analyzer.......lol
    DL Mechanical LLC Heating, Cooling and Plumbing 732-266-5386
    NJ Master HVACR Lic# 4630
    Specializing in Steam Heating, Serving the residents of New Jersey
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/dl-mechanical-llc

    https://m.facebook.com/DL-Mechanical-LLC-315309995326627/?ref=content_filter

    I cannot force people to spend money, I can only suggest how to spend it wisely.......
    Bob Bona_4
  • ratio
    ratio Member Posts: 3,615
    @njtommy, they claim IIRC 1-3/8, but one of the problems I've run into is that the spring is strong enough to stress-fracture the hinge point after a year of light usage. The other thing I've run into is the mini connector becoming intermittent internally, although that might have been caused by my little buddy putting it back into it's storage bag without unplugging them - only once though! I replaced the connector a few days ago & it seems to be working fine now.

    WRT the UEI clamps, they have a little metal strain relief on the connector, makes me think they're built a lot stouter compared to the molded connectors on the Fieldpiece. They also have one that has a Velcro attachment that fits up to something like 2-5/8. The cords are short though. I picked up some female connectors, I'm going to try some extension cables.

  • njtommy
    njtommy Member Posts: 1,105
    @ratio thanks for the input. Will be looking into the testos and Smans.
  • ratio
    ratio Member Posts: 3,615
    I'm gonna plug the four-port manifolds too. I sucked down a warehouse cooler with a 140 lb receiver to under 500 microns in just a few hours using a Imperial four port manifold & a 1/2" vacuum house attached to my 7 cfm vac. All three of the other hoses were nippled onto the system - I had to go on both sides of the head pressure control valve, so I was going to end up with a four port anyway. It's analog, in fact I just replaced the gauges on it. I'm pretty pleased with that one too. I use the charging port to attach my micron gauge when I'm working on splits. You just gotta shut the vac port to get a real micron reading.
  • njtommy
    njtommy Member Posts: 1,105
    I have 2 sets of 4 port analog gauges and absolutely love them, but I leave them on units overnight a lot to on the pump. I wouldn't leave a set a digital gauges on over night. Lol.

    Today's job two copeland swap outs
  • ratio
    ratio Member Posts: 3,615
    Nice. The afore mentored cooler, came with a brass shaving inside the suction king valve. For free! The supplier couldn't get a factory replacement in a timely manner, so I had to change the flange out too - 2-5/8. Took a 32 tip on a B tank, & I had to get pissed off too before it came off!

    I don't leave my digitals overnight either, but I let my guys use them from time to time.

  • Bob Bona_4
    Bob Bona_4 Member Posts: 2,083
    You know pretty darn quick if you have a leak with the digitals, vs the analog :)
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,583
    Bob Bona said:

    You know pretty darn quick if you have a leak with the digitals, vs the analog :)

    You know pretty darn quick on an SO2 unit in the complete dark without gauges. :p
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
    Bob Bona_4SWEI
  • Dave0176
    Dave0176 Member Posts: 1,177
    njtommy said:

    I have 2 sets of 4 port analog gauges and absolutely love them, but I leave them on units overnight a lot to on the pump. I wouldn't leave a set a digital gauges on over night. Lol.



    Today's job two copeland swap outs

    Nice big Copeland, I'm used to the big 6 cylinder Carlyle's, in Carrier A/Cs.
    DL Mechanical LLC Heating, Cooling and Plumbing 732-266-5386
    NJ Master HVACR Lic# 4630
    Specializing in Steam Heating, Serving the residents of New Jersey
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    I cannot force people to spend money, I can only suggest how to spend it wisely.......
  • njtommy
    njtommy Member Posts: 1,105
    edited October 2015
    null

    Micron gauge too. Some times leaks really mess your home day up. It really sucks when you can't find them and you know it's there somewhere.
    Bob Bona_4
  • njtommy
    njtommy Member Posts: 1,105
    Another job from this summer. Oil pump failure as you can see.
  • njtommy
    njtommy Member Posts: 1,105
    Like this one @Dave0176
  • njtommy
    njtommy Member Posts: 1,105
    Here is some copper plateing for you @Dave0176
  • Dave0176
    Dave0176 Member Posts: 1,177
    edited October 2015
    Yes sir, speaking of which, I'm working on a 30 ton Carrier split condenser with a Carlyle 06E, there is some cooling and I found the compressor for what ever reason to keep cycling on the unloader, my head was only 225, but then it cyles down and head drops to like 175?? Also the second condenser fan wasn't running but givin the cool temps its not supposed to run.
    DL Mechanical LLC Heating, Cooling and Plumbing 732-266-5386
    NJ Master HVACR Lic# 4630
    Specializing in Steam Heating, Serving the residents of New Jersey
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/dl-mechanical-llc

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    I cannot force people to spend money, I can only suggest how to spend it wisely.......
  • njtommy
    njtommy Member Posts: 1,105
    Is it electronic unloader or mechanical?
  • Dave0176
    Dave0176 Member Posts: 1,177
    This is a mechanical unloader.
    DL Mechanical LLC Heating, Cooling and Plumbing 732-266-5386
    NJ Master HVACR Lic# 4630
    Specializing in Steam Heating, Serving the residents of New Jersey
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/dl-mechanical-llc

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    I cannot force people to spend money, I can only suggest how to spend it wisely.......
  • Dave0176
    Dave0176 Member Posts: 1,177
    Maybe its weak??
    DL Mechanical LLC Heating, Cooling and Plumbing 732-266-5386
    NJ Master HVACR Lic# 4630
    Specializing in Steam Heating, Serving the residents of New Jersey
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/dl-mechanical-llc

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  • njtommy
    njtommy Member Posts: 1,105
    Is set by your suction pressure. I would recheck your charge as by there chargeing chart and recheck you suction pressure and super heat. This time of year your going to cycle a bit between loaded and unloaded. Is this on a VAV system to?
  • njtommy
    njtommy Member Posts: 1,105
    edited October 2015
    You can adjuste them but you need to look at the total system.
    What's your return air
    Supply air
    Super heat
    subcooling

    What is set point by the controller or controls? If it's a VAV system it's normally 55 supply air set point. Maybe 60 in the winter.
    Does this also have Hot gas bypass?
  • Dave0176
    Dave0176 Member Posts: 1,177
    No VAV just a regular single speed AHU. I did notice a lot of oil around the liquid line solenoid valves. Can't seem to find any leaks though.
    DL Mechanical LLC Heating, Cooling and Plumbing 732-266-5386
    NJ Master HVACR Lic# 4630
    Specializing in Steam Heating, Serving the residents of New Jersey
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/dl-mechanical-llc

    https://m.facebook.com/DL-Mechanical-LLC-315309995326627/?ref=content_filter

    I cannot force people to spend money, I can only suggest how to spend it wisely.......
    njtommy