Ain't heard nothing about it.
Goodman has a service bulletin out on this. The problem happens at low temps when the service valves are opened too far. Goodman recommends stopping before the valve stem contacts the retainer.Hey guys, I dont see alot of activity here?
How about this.
Since Aug 07 we have installed several air conditioners and heat pumps that seem to loose all of their refrigerant every time the temp drops below zero deg F.
Only happening on Amana/Goodman units.
Distributer says they are kinda, pretty, sorta, certian that the problem is with the service valves, however we are also apperantly the only dealer to be having this problem. (good for the self esteem)
Tried all the standard leak detection and even some unconventional and no leaks show up.
My thought is that the valves are cast and under extreme cold situations the refrigerant leaks right through the cast body of the valve.
Well, any body hear of anything like this befor?
Scooter
Regretfully Nordyne and Goodman do not use the same quality valves they used to. That's part of the prob. The other on was the old model valves would not warp if over heated a bit.What irks me is that when a contractor brings this up to the support people at Goodman in Houston, they are berated for not reading the instructions that tell you to only open the valves to within a sixteenth of an inch of backseated. Well, how the heck are you supposed to know when to stop unless you hit resistance? Just a stupid way to deal with a known issue if you ask me.
Then again, if the service valve caps are properly installed, one sixth of a turn past tight, the leak will be confined withing the valve and won't be a problem as far as lost refrigerant.
Nordyne and other brands of equipment also use those valves and have the same issues.
I agree. Why these manufacturers keep making better equipment only to screw the pooch with lower quality parts is beyond me. It just seems that if a brand has less issues, it continues to sell better. My Goodman heat pump has some cheapo Chinese valves on it. You best believe I wrapped those valves before brazing.Regretfully Nordyne and Goodman do not use the same quality valves they used to. That's part of the prob. The other on was the old model valves would not warp if over heated a bit.
I found that I have to heat sink the new style valves even more an i still got a jammed LL valve that would not open.
These are the Parker valves. I have seen it happen to four other contractors at various times I was at the wholesaler.
I agree. Why these manufacturers keep making better equipment only to screw the pooch with lower quality parts is beyond me. It just seems that if a brand has less issues, it continues to sell better. My Goodman heat pump has some cheapo Chinese valves on it. You best believe I wrapped those valves before brazing.
I would never consider even putting a vacuum pump on a system if I were not using a micron gauge to know what is going on.Dig it.
Ok I am a self confessed Nordyne Head with Goodman/Amana as my second.
Nordyne stopped putting full-flow- quarter turn suction valves. i really liked them.
Hey Robin, what micron gauge you like? Assuming you use one i mean.
I would never consider even putting a vacuum pump on a system if I were not using a micron gauge to know what is going on.
I believe my old micron gauge is an ICP. I was using micron gauges when they were all analog. Since I don't do very much field work any longer, I don't keep up on the nifty toys that are available.
Can you tell me where i can get a copy of the service bulletin? We just came across a new Goodman unit installed last year that has lost all its charge and no leak could be detected. Now I have to explain to the homeowner why her new a/c unit needs to be re-charged. And thanks for this thread, I may have thought someone was huffing the customers refrigerant, LOLGoodman has a service bulletin out on this. The problem happens at low temps when the service valves are opened too far. Goodman recommends stopping before the valve stem contacts the retainer.
Let her continue to think it is refrigerant huffers and charge her for an anti huffing device. If she's cute, tell her you have it on good authourity her husband or boyfriend is the huffer and you are their for her in her time of grief and despair.Can you tell me where i can get a copy of the service bulletin? We just came across a new Goodman unit installed last year that has lost all its charge and no leak could be detected. Now I have to explain to the homeowner why her new a/c unit needs to be re-charged. And thanks for this thread, I may have thought someone was huffing the customers refrigerant, LOL