AC Compressor Overheated Not Cooling Testing Windings/ Megging, Ohms Fixing HVAC System

The ac service call in this video is on first hot 90 degree weekend of the season. On call emergency service is different than standard service calls. The objective is do whatever can be done to make system work. On service call and I run into a compressor that has overheated. I checked the windings and find at the windings are opened. Therefore I have to cool off the compressor. After cooling off the compressor I mag out the compressor windings to verify the insulation is still good. Furthermore a check and verify that the compressor has closed its overloads and I have continuity and ohms on each winding.
Now that I’ve verified the compressor windings insulation is good. I start up the unit and find the system refrigerant charge is low on r-22. Not enough refrigerant returning to the compressor has cause it to overheat.
I let the homeowner know it is time to replace the system. They want me to recharge the system at first using only 3 pounds of our 22 since it’s expensive. I told him they were going to have to pay me what are the 3 pounds would fix their system or not. After putting 3 pounds of our 22 into the system, the pressure still we’re low. The homeowner told me to put another pound. Afterwards one more until the system was correctly charged. I put 5 pounds in and I charge the system back into operating correctly. The homeowners know they need to replace the system. Since R-22 no longer is in production. Yet with temps above 90 they just wanted relief from the heat.

[michaelkeller]

What a no Freon and without even looking for the leak he fills it with Freon. This guy has a lot of tools and no idea how to use them. I might have got a good charge... without pulling a vacuum or looking for a leak before just filling it with Freon I highly doubt it will last a week. Terrible service technician patting himself on the back for helping destroying the ozone layer. Way to go

[evilgoodness]

i saw some comments and im an industrial fitter, instrument tech, control tech and plc programmer.... its easy to say oh in school blah blah blah.... that's in a perfect world where everyone is rich and has unlimited income. in the real world, where you have to work with people who dont have a couple grand sitting around, you have to get em going cause its 120 degrees outside they have kids and grandma has dementia and thinks the heat is jesus . sometimes the best fix isnt the ideal fix.

[JP-zzrm]

Keep doing what you doing brotha! Just another day in the field.

[josedaniel]

After watching this video I just wish I didn't cause I am totally stoned now and I haven't even lit my lettuce yet😎

[alexsimms]

The youtube trained HVAC techs are up in arms, lol.

[Eddy]

Great little vid Hackster ... much appreciated ..👍👍👍

[Some_Dude]

What you did in the video was absolutely reasonable. A gas and go until a system change out can be done is perfectly reasonable . Ignore those people typing on there keyboard with nothing better to do.

[movietime]

I have fan 5sme39hl hf056 that got really wet and not running any more. Is there an easy replacement for that or do i need exact same motor? Thank you

[tptm]

I read some of these comments and I did not see anyone mentioning the recovering of R22 and doing a nitrogen test with some trace of the R22 left in the system to pinpoint the leaks . Even if a pump down was done first you could check the evaporator side and lineset before recovering and repairing or selling a new unit. I'm new so please give me a knowledgeable answer. Thanks

[AzizAziz-tpwd]

Good job this unit looks had a bad installation or it is old to leak check it they have to change leak check it and fixi what is leak came from depents on customer budget you are right good job

[edgarlezcas]

Great video amigo thanks 🙏 alot for your time

[sknight]

I have that same old megger on my van right now. It's my back up. My Fieldpiece is my go-to.

[thesetruths]

What is the typical operating temperature of a common kitchen refrigerator compressor? A modern one, less than 10 years of age.
Mine is running 125F when not running, and up to 170F when running a lot to restore fridge and freezer temps. Is this fine?

Thanks.

[jo]

Good job Bill, you saved it! Who knows how long it will last.

[desertxr]

I like the way they talk, like we all do that crap everyday. Houston we have a problem. 😅

[VannBergHVAC]

Awesome job saving that old Lennox. Personally I'd rather put $900 towards a new system and replace it, but it's their money. Great video

[gelguitarist]

Does anyone know if there’s any benefit to spraying a compressor down when it’s running on really hot days? We had a string of 108-109 degree days in Texas recently, and I felt compelled to go out and water the compressor through the grill a few times during those days. Does doing that make it less likely to break down if it’s operational?

[Brutis-]

Had a coworker looking at my mega ohm meter. One of the leads was touching his arm and he pressed the button. I got a laugh and a new meter

[murfdog]

"She's a leaker mama... oh yeah... she's a leaker!"

[gonehere]

So you charged it but what caused it to lose the charge doesn’t make sense