Waeco Coolmatic CU55 not holding coolant

[unbusted67]

So I have a Coolmatic CU55 which is not holding coolant. I used the dye and it seems to be leaking from the connection terminal with the cold plate. The manual makes mention of this problem and says you have to send the unit in to the factory to get the connectors resealed because they are easily contaminated and will leak unless 100% hermetic. So I called Waeco and they told me to contact a local dealer, which for me is 300 miles away on long Island. I spoke with someone there and he told be I should just braise the connector to the unit. Wow, thanks for the advise....sooo, no, I won't be doing that. I'm sort of at a loss. Has anyone had a similar problem with these units?

Also, It's been a while since I've messed with it but I remember at some point pulling the shards of a mangled O ring from the connector but it wasn't altogether clear exactly where it was meant to be seated.

Any advise will be appreciated.

[Richard Kollmann]

Originally Posted by unbusted67

So I have a Coolmatic CU55 which is not holding coolant. I used the dye and it seems to be leaking from the connection terminal with the cold plate. The manual makes mention of this problem and says you have to send the unit in to the factory to get the connectors resealed because they are easily contaminated and will leak unless 100% hermetic. So I called Waeco and they told me to contact a local dealer, which for me is 300 miles away on long Island. I spoke with someone there and he told be I should just braise the connector to the unit. Wow, thanks for the advise....sooo, no, I won't be doing that. I'm sort of at a loss. Has anyone had a similar problem with these units?

Also, It's been a while since I've messed with it but I remember at some point pulling the shards of a mangled O ring from the connector but it wasn't altogether clear exactly where it was meant to be seated.

Any advise will be appreciated.

Most all refrigerant line connectors with the exception of Frigoboat systems only use the O ring on male side of fitting to prevent refrigerant loss when making initial line connection. When fitting has proper torque this line connection should never leak.

Recommended Action:

· I would Pressurize system with refrigerant and use a 50/50% water and liquid dishwashing soap to confirm that you have found leak area. Apply mixture with a one inch paint brush to suspect area then stab this spot with brush tips till it looks like shaving cream foam. I believe the top refrigerant line connection on condensing unit is high pressure line on Waeco 80 series units, so leak test this one with compressor running. And test bottom connecter with compressor at rest OFF for more than ten minutes. This type leak test will find a ½ ounce per year leak if you follow these procedures.
· If leak is detected at line connection use TWO wrenches to tighten connection slightly moving nut 1/8 of an inch. Recheck connection with soap foam again.
· If connection is still leaking remove refrigerant and separate connection so it’s internal seal can be inspected. If you do not find a grove for an O ring seal at tip of male fitting then the final seal is in bottom of female side or recessed in end of mail side.
· If it becomes necessary to replace or eliminate the line connector I would not recommend soldering these small line. Soldering is a tricky job and requires heating with a small flow of dry nitrogen flowing through copper tubing to prevent future refrigerant flow problems. The best way to eliminate these line connectors is by using Special refrigerant Flare nuts and a common flare to flare brass ¼ in union.

[unbusted67]

Thank you. This is great advise.