Cruisair R417a - Evacuate and Recharge R22?

480ces

Member
Jul 14, 2011
417
Ontario
Boat Info
390 Motor Yacht
Engines
Cummins - 480CEs
Hello,

I have a split system (FX16C-P/M188-417SMX) that cools my bridge. The Condenser is marked R417a, while the air handler is marked R22.

I had a local HVAC guy out and the system is totally empty...we're pretty sure the leak was at one of the flare connections.

My problem now is R417a is TOTALLY UNAVAILABLE in Canada!

Can the system be evacuated and recharged with R-22? As I understand it the FX line was originally an R22 unit that was changed to R417a mid life cycle.

Thanks!
 
Hello,

I have a split system (FX16C-P/M188-417SMX) that cools my bridge. The Condenser is marked R417a, while the air handler is marked R22.

I had a local HVAC guy out and the system is totally empty...we're pretty sure the leak was at one of the flare connections.

My problem now is R417a is TOTALLY UNAVAILABLE in Canada!

Can the system be evacuated and recharged with R-22? As I understand it the FX line was originally an R22 unit that was changed to R417a mid life cycle.

Thanks!

R417a was a retrofit refrigerant for the phase out of R-22. At some point, some one probably charged the system and relabeled the unit. It is a drop in replacment meaning you didnt need to change the expansion device, oil, etc. Simply change the refrigeration drier and charge the unit with R-22.
 
Thanks,

That's what I was thinking, though this unit has only ever had R417a in it. The factory label spec’s R417a.
It’s a AB type lubricant so it’s R22 compatible as well, I see no reason why it can’t be evacuated and recharged with R-22.


Dometic stated to only charge it with R417a but I suspect its just their customer service people being overzealous on sticking to the book.

Has anyone else ran into this?






Why do you suggest changing the refrigeration dryer?
 
I am always amazed at how non availability and patent expiration go hand in hand with refrigerants. :huh:
 
You need a new AC guy. R417 was another misguided attempt to replace R-22. It was a blend of several different gases. One of it's differences is that it didn't seal as well as R-22 which may or may not mean something in your case. The first step is to find the leak...you mentioned it might be a flare fitting....is this confirmed? The reason I ask is that the gas issue is moot if the coil has corroded and has a hole(s) in it. If that is the case and the unit is 10 years old....repairing it may cost a lot more that it is worth. If he precharged it with Nitrogen and found the leak this would answer the big question. If it is just a loose fitting, all he had to do was tighten it, evacuate the unit, charge it with R-22 and call it a day.

R-22 is not cheap but it still is available in North America is you have a EPA license to buy it. I bought two big 30lbs. cans just to have them for repair work. They have doubled in price in the last 12 months.

John
 

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