a few queshions...

[Çhrist0ph]

im not asking how to do this outright, so plz dont ask me to read through this section/stickies/etc., because i am and it is quite a bit of homework :p:

i just want to know a few things right now..

theoretically, can i just buy a window ac, hack off the evap. then braze on a suction line/approproiate cap tube length, and a new evap(direct-die of course)? Would that be a complete DIY phase change sys minus charge?

What refrigerants can someone who has exactly no exp. in refrigeration acquire? ive heard R134A in a can simply be bought at a car parts store, true?

[Gary Lloyd]

theoretically, can i just buy a window ac, hack off the evap. then braze on a suction line/approproiate cap tube length, and a new evap(direct-die of course)? Would that be a complete DIY phase change sys minus charge?


Yes.

[Çhrist0ph]

are gauges absolutely necessary to charge a system properly?

[chilly1]

NO but a temperature guage is and guages will make it easier...

[Çhrist0ph]

well, im in the process of selling off various watercooling parts to get a cheapo window ac from wal mart. Im sure ill have some more questions for ya'll later :)

also, is this a proven rule to follow when estimating cap tube size? this will be my first DIY phase change just for experience/learning and not xtreme performance, so ill probably use R134 or something likewise

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=29694&highlight=cap%2A+tube

[Blergo]

or you could use R290 (propane), would give lower temps than R134 i believe? and it is easy to get hold of.
owen

[Marci]

Yep, but flammable so high risk involved. Personal recommendation is despite it's availability avoid using it unless absolutely necessary. If the compressor in question isn't designed for r290 then you don't have the safety features to run it properly... slightest leak + slightest spark = disaster.

[stasiu]

I didn't realize how cheap it would be to buy an A/C unit and convert it untill after i started buying components. I've seen a bunch for $89.99, how can you go wrong. Granted the compressor isn't going to be as powerful, but if you're just gonna be using 134a you don't need anything more that a 1/4 hp anyway. To boot, you get a BIG ARSE condenser already with a fan.

[Gary Lloyd]

You just can't beat the little window A/C units for value. Using these allows me to offer custom chillers at a very reasonable price. You should use R22 in them, not R134a, unless you plan to remove the compressor and change the oil to POE.

[Çhrist0ph]

afaik, dont you need certain certifications to accquire R22? Someone told me once that he took some kind of exam online after studying refrigeration basics for an hour...now he can buy lots of the refrigerants that are restricted to us "civilians" :p:

[runmc]

Chilly was telling me last night that Lowes had some 6000btu window units for around $80.

To buy r-22 you need an EPA certifacation and in some states a state license. You can buy it online with an epa certifacation. I would find a place locally that gave the test and pick up a review book. It does take some studying IMHO.

[Çhrist0ph]

another q...

As for a vacuum pump, some guides say you can use another compressor. I have an air compressor that is the kind that can be used for pnuematic nail guns and whatnot....can this be used as a vacumm pump? I dont use it often and its pretty old so im not sure if it can.

[Omega1]

By compressor they mean refrigeration compressor not air compressor.

[Çhrist0ph]

yeah, thats what i suspected. But today im getting my hands on a mini fridge compressor to use as a vac pump. Hopefully it will work ok.

[kayl]

Originally posted by Marci
Yep, but flammable so high risk involved. Personal recommendation is despite it's availability avoid using it unless absolutely necessary. If the compressor in question isn't designed for r290 then you don't have the safety features to run it properly... slightest leak + slightest spark = disaster.




will R290 be ok to use in a older fridge compress that used r12
will r290 be ok in this application say with a 500 micron vacume to be safe, left for a day to see if loses pressure?

[Çhrist0ph]

Originally posted by kayl
will R290 be ok to use in a older fridge compress that used r12
will r290 be ok in this application say with a 500 micron vacume to be safe, left for a day to see if loses pressure?

good questions! I think this page might have answers, but i cant really tell.

http://www.wc101.com/guides/refridgeration/page4.php