Soldering An HVAC Line Set Using Staybrite 8. STRONGER THAN BRAZING! 

Hey bro, just wanted to say thank you! My AC was been down for a month or so.. I called a company to diagnose the issue, and they ended up coming out and telling me it’s not worth the diag due to age (less the 9 year old system) they quoted $17k.. Studied your videos, and decided to tackle it my self.. I found a bad leak on the low side line under my house, at a 90 degree fitting. Used your videos to learn the recovery process, soldering with staybrite, charging, and checking pressures. AC going out used to be a huge stresser as a home owner, and I had doubts that could do it... but now that I have the tools and some knowledge.. it’s no big deal.. thanks from a now cold family in Florida❤️

In the HVAC field for 32 years I tried Staybrite on a few installations always tested with nitrogen and pulled a vacuum to below 500 microns had 2 installations leak after a few years never used it again. 15% silver and flow nitrogen

You are so thorough in your work performance and directives. I am a Plumber primarily and simply come here to learn (obviously) and simply enjoy your teaching. YOU are an absolute professional. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and expertise. God Bless you.

Used this and its going. I installed it myself 2019! Still keeping cool and learn alot about HVAC

Great soldering and nice video. I’m also saying big thanks for the very clear and well spoken communication. Cheers.

StayBrite...Perfect for dryers...I still cool the service valves while connecting, but use it there too...thanks for the video.

Awesome tools they make these days! What a change from when I played with this stuff ages ago.

Studying for my EPA 608. Can’t wait for the video. Thanks for the videos you make. 💯🔥🤙

Awesome video! Thanks so much for your hard work! Currently sitting upstairs and it’s ice cold!!

Safety tip have a spray bottle of water when soldering in an attic ,crawl space , or any confined area … Keep up the good work 👍

Going to be diy 2 mini splits in my motorcoach. Longtime plumbing soldered. Was dreading a ton of brazing because I have to custom build my hvac copper. The Staybrite 8 looks a little like a godsend to me, since I'll be working in the area of the diesel tank. Map Gas is so much easier than acetylene acetylene . Thanks for your instructional help

One of my favorite videos you've done!!! Great job, brother! God bless!

Thank you for showing proper temperature compensated pressure decay test and vacuum setup and vacuum decay test.

A huge thank you to you! Just switched out my hvac system - used staybrite 8 - worked great, saved thousands!

Been using stay bright 8 since 1985 works good

Put my Goodman unit in myself 3 years ago. Did everything but do the Brazing joints, including all the closet repair work and new Plenum Box, new Pad, and disconnect. Paid my neighborhood HVAC Tech to solder the joints and do a complete test and inspection of the entire system. He had a $1,000 Gage system had knew exactly how to use it. Charged me 2 hours for his time and expertise. He had the correct tools/parts which are difficult and expensive to buy locally. Tech made adjustments to my blower fan speed because the air was too cold coming out of my vents. Solder is NOT Brazing and this is not a copper water line. I can solder, braze and weld no problem. I have a roll of Staybrite 8 in my solder/brazing kit. I don't own a 3/4" copper tubing bender. Now my neighbor is my AC tech and does my annual check ups. My system runs great.

Dude you keep blowing my mind with how well your videos are! super super helpful. I've been in the HVAC world for two years now and I wished I would have found your videos and tools list sooner. I do mainly new construction but also do finish work.

So grateful to you pros sharing you knowledge and producing these videos. Mad respect for your skills bro

Thank you to all these newbies using this! 👍 Bc I Love that solder!!!! I Make ALOT of $$$ repairing them (w/ Harris 15% silver stick,) bc they ALWAYS Leak.

Been using Staybrite for 25 years and haven’t had an issue. I do sometimes hesitate using it on the hot gas side on some commercial equipment. Everywhere else 👍 especially Txv replacements,, perfect.

Incredible video, well explained with valuable information, thanks for sharing your knowledge!!👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

Thanks once again! Can’t wait for your next video! 👍

You soldered that pipe really amazing

I have had good results with Zero-Sil. It's a 15 % phosphorus copper alloy. Melting point is close to 1350 degrees f. And I always flow dry nitrogen or argon through the lines. Been using phosphorus bronze rods for over 35 years and never had an issue. The larger units I built had integral horsepower semi-hermetic Copelemetic compressor with VibSorb connectors at suction and discharge. I was designing and building dehumidifiers for low temperature lumber dry kilns. They worked well. Most used R290. 😊

I'm only 40, but learned the old school ways of brazing. I've tried HVAC Super Pro (no luck, too many blowouts, very particular about how you apply it), as well as Staybrite (doesn't like filling gaps - otherwise it can be handy) and crimping (expensive and I am not thrilled about o-rings). I'll probably braze until I die.

I love your RU-vid and thank you sharing your Soldering An HVAC Linest Using Staybrite 8.

Hey man! I just finished running a new line for my AC. Thanks for the videos and your very easy to understand explanations. The builder of the home undersized our unit so I had to run new lines for our new unit. It wasn’t hard, other than boring a hole through my basement wall. Long story short, the basement is finished and we didn’t want to demo the ceiling etc. so I went thru a small channel visible from the mechanical room all the way to the opposite side of the house, a real doozy! 😅😅 We are also replacing the furnace because it’s undersized too, plus the units are 30+ years old, so it was time for an upgrade. The most important part of this DIY project is the amount of savings, even with the special tools, new AC and furnace, I am way below my lowest quote of $9,000 just for an AC install. It’s crazy! I am close to $6,000, and I am getting a set of some new cool tools for my shop in the process. Thanks man! And keep the videos coming, they are exactly what us DIYers need.

Great video. I've been using Staybrite #8 for years.

One of the best narratives I have seen. Great job man !! Thanks

well explained professionally. Thank you so much.

video ,well done, I tried staybrite myself yesterday, absolutely would not stick to condenser tubing, followed your example exactly.

So, I've been a HVAC residential and commercial tech/installer/estimator for 35+ years, so hear me out. #1, always flow nitrogen through the line set while brazing. Now that being said, the low temp used here would probably not cause sever ash content inside the pipe. But it is critical that the line set stays completely clean, hence the flux used on the joint. I would think residue would find it's way into the pipe. #2- It's a good practice to evacuate the line set before you do a pressure test with the nitrogen, here's why. If the nitrogen is mixed with ambient air under pressure, the outdoor temp cane effect the pressure. Hotter it gets, pressure will raise in the line set. Evacuate first, watch the gauges for a few minutes to see if the pressure rises (possible leak under a vacuum), if all looks good, then add the nitrogen into the vacuum to the desired test pressure. Nitrogen is an inert gas, meaning it doesn't react to heat nearly as much as ambient air. This will give you a more accurate pressure test. Good luck

Great Training! Thanks for the details. The DIY HVAC Guy has the best videos on the WEB

ive been using Staybright 8 for 15 years or so and no leaks.. last year I took a system out I had replaced in 2009 which had never needed any refrigerant.. it got whacked by lightning so I puled it out but staybright 8 will fill the gaps and flow nicely if you hit the pipe evenly.. always rosebud for me... when repairing coils and piping inside a minisplit staynbright8 is a godsend as I dont have to heat that thin pipe so hot.. the chinese piping can be thin.. staybright melts at low temp so you can get it hot enough without trashing the fins on a coil.. I tried HVAC super pro years ago but it melted under the heating cycle of a heatpump and leaked...

Thank you so much for the videos. They are extremely helpful.

Excellent presentation thank you for sharing all of this.

Very clean and neat job I've never soldered my line sets but I now I would who would have thunk it but curious why not hang that line sets to rafters instead of the floor you do a very good job impressed

Nice vacuum setup.. as you said, best I have seen..

Soft solder for hvac, never realized. This is the only video I’ve found using it.

Another awesome video dude! Thank you for sharing Ability Refrigerants. I Just ordered a bottle of R22 and you saved me a bunch of money. You wouldn’t believe what the supply houses in California are charging for a 30lbs bottle. Thank you again.

Mapp gas with Staybrite 8 is where it's at. That said I'm a little hesitant to do so without the valves covered and the Schrader cores removed. I also feel better flowing some nitrogen but have no evidence that it is actually needed. I've also used a hand swaging tool instead of connectors so the tube I.D. and O.D. are tight.

I love StayBrite, it’s so convenient especially in an attic, no need to lug the big torches up there and heat up an already scorching hot attic. Only thing is there always needs to be a snug fit, don’t try to fill in big gaps like brazing, use proper fittings.

great video, very educative. Thanks for posting

Looks so much better also. Less heat involved

I'm not a Tech but I used this Staybrite 8 7- years ago when I installed a Complete A/C system and NG furnace. Until today has no issue 😂👍👍,...... I'm still Learning

Your right about the staybrite 8 but most codes require brazed joints. Also wanted to comment on the sloppy line set in the attic, really didn't think about service ability running that line like that infront of the furnace and taking up a bunch of storage space for the customer running it along the attic floor. Not trying to knock you bro, just something to think about. Also really dig your vacuum set up.

Very nice! Thanks for sharing. Keep em coming. I’m in the process of planning my system.

One small piece of advice. On the core remover, always shutoff and remove the pusher to verify the core is gone before removing the tool. Last thing you want is to assume it went it and you got liquid spraying out on you. Love your setup and organization.

I was taught that as a general rule its best to open the suction king valve at the condenser first so that when you start up the system all of the oil that left out into the suction line will quickly return to the compressor.

Thank Goodness for Goodman the BESTEST HVAC EQUIPMENT IN THE WORLD!!!!!

Great video. I would hire this guy in a microsecond!

Beautiful!!! Install, I couldn’t choose a different word. My bad😊

Great job!

Excellent video. You did the job just like I do except I am still using a corded vacuum pump and I lightly flux the female fittings with a Q-tip. The Trublu hose is at least 4 times faster. I have been using Stay-Brite 8 on new installs and new copper joints for many years. NO flowing nitrogen, NO hauling an oxy-acetylene rig under a house, in an attic, or on a roof, and NO leaks. If you are really competent at brazing then you can become competent using Stay-Brite 8 in under 15 minutes.

Make sure your reg is backed off and when you turn on that nitrogen bottle on make sure the reg screw is not pointing at you. If the regulator has failed on the inside it could shoot that screw out like a bullet.

Thanks for the video

Great Video man! Appreciate the info!

Hey!!!!! I just see your video. Good job bro I am gonna try it it’s might make the job easy.

Always open the suction valve first on a new condensing unit before opening the liquid line, the reason is the refrigerant in the condensing unit precharged by the manufacturer will be condensed in the compressor at the bottom of it typically, the compressor oil be separated from the refrigerant and sitting above it inside the compressor. Basically inside the compressor there will be a layer of refrigerant under the oil, and if you open the suction line first the refrigerant will change state and suck some of the oil out too into the suction line, and when you start the system for the first time will be sucked backed into the compressor. If you open the liquid line first the oil and refrigerant will go out into the liquid line and has to travel through all the piping and coil before it gets back to the compressor, and the compressor will more likely have less oil in it to lubricate it properly and could damage it. Always a good idea to remove service port shraeder ports, and protect the valves with a wet rag too. Staybrite would be illegal in my state of MA as it's not approved for R-410 systems due to higher pressures etc. From memory and someone else can look ip the specs (as I am to lazy too) brazing rod is good for something like 3000 psi, but after you heat it up and braze pipes something like only 1500 psi, Staybrite is something like 1200 psi max again from memory and I do like it and you don't get any oxidation inside the pipe unless you use way to much heat.

Awesome vacuum set up man! Also I noticed that you had the evaporator coil already installed by the time you checked to see if it was pressurized. I would recommend save yourself time and check to see if your coil has pressures prior to installation. Would hate to see an empty coil after it has been installed

Great video!!! Keep=on Keppin On!

been using it for yrs but have to make sure your joints a super clean even with 410 a

Thanks for this great tutorial All your Tutorials are great. So much controversy of brazing versus staybrite. I don’t know if staybrite can be used on the newer A2L systems or not? Are the compressors soldered or brazed from the manufacturers and if one were to replace a compressor with all the movement isn’t it better to Braze?

I love staybrite 8. I suck at brazing. Plus, it anneals the copper and can damage it too easily.

Awesome info 😎👍🏻

Man im glad you use copper coupling

You have a good material

Nice informative video of a very neat and clean installation. I am surprised though you didn't add any more refrigerant though. Goodman units come precharged for about 15feet of line set and from the video someone can see that just the rise (2 floors) is 16 feet. Therefore I expected to see you add more R410. In this Goodman set up with TXV the Subcooling should be 8 +-1 degree if the system is properly charged. Not sure if you missed those from the video due to time. Again this video should be an example of how to do a proper installation for several technicians out on the field. Thanks for sharing.

Standard charge is good for 15 feet of line set. You have way more than 15 feet of line. Additional refrigerant needs to be added at the rate of 0.6 oz per foot of line over 15 feet which I did not see addressed. I didn't see you check system pressures and adjust to subcooling which is what TXV's require. I can almost guarantee there is a low charge in the system causing the 22 delta at a vent which should be more in line with 18 or 19 at the vent. Delta should be taken at the coil, directly before the return air hits the coil and directly after the supply air exits the coil for best measurement. Too low a pressure at the coil can cause icing which hinders airflow. My own Goodman 3 ton calls for 11 degree subcooling and 21 degree delta which I get at the coil. I get 18 to 19 at the closest vent 3 feet from the coil. Hope this helps for future DIY'ers.

Thanks for sharing this video❤🎉

Looks good for all joints except compressor outlet through condenser input. Have you ever seen it used on compressor output? Not sure if I would trust it for approaching 300 degs F and lots of vibration stress on compressor high side outlet.

Excellent video

I got this same Goodman. and I used the same solder when I did mine. When the HVAC guy came out to replace my heat pump because Goodman would not sell me a new Heat pump, he seen I used solder he thought I used like the lead solder stuff and I showed him the roll and he was like ok that will work great. when he replaced my unite he said he can braze it or use my solder because it takes less heat with the solder and it sucks in better than brazing, and they hardly ever crack or leak, He said that brazing, likes to leak if the ends are not completely clean, and he said brazing likes to let in carbon when nitrogen is not used.

Love u videos...one of the best RU-vid teachers ,💯how often u need to renew the EPA..

Great job! Comment: I would isolate your micron gauge with another Appion tool to avoid potential oil contamination when you release the charge. Question: I was bummed when you didn't show the sub-cool adjustment and how the new TXV worked. I installed a Goodman TXV on a new system and had to manually adjust the TXV. The TXV failed to operate correctly so it was removed and the piston reinstalled. Did you have to manually adjust the TXV or was it holding properly at the correct sub-cool?

Thank you !

Brazing copper causes it to become annealed, which results in a reduction in the strength of the pipe. The pressure of the refrigerant causes pin holes and splits in annealed copper pipe.

Great work

Homeowner should get a lineset cover instead of strapping it. Can even order from the big box stores. Makes it look like a rain gutter and protects the insulation from weather. Annoying that Goodman put the drier inside the compressor, had a great opportunity to install it near the TXV and keep it out of the weather. On another note, I spent 2 hours looking for my nitrogen and finally realized I had put a length of 8" round duct over the bottle to keep it from being bumped around - so always check your ducts haha Any mechanics out there with a socket style torque wrench, you can use a flare crowfoot socket - as long as you are checking torque with the socket at 90 degrees to left or right, the torque will be accurate. If measuring lineset length to check amount of refrigerant to add, easier to subtract total length of lineset subtract length of each piece you cut off - vs trying to measure the actual lineset length. 25:00 also there's a position on the service valve that shuts off the ports!

This is like my first day at work

Nice job.

When you open the valve for the freon flow thru the line, be aware that the sensor vacuum reader gets wet with freon with that config, you should use another valve remover to close it before open the valve

Most excellent

You are an inspiring guy. And I guess others might have mentioned, but shouldn't you wear safety goggles (with tinting) while brazing with an acetylene torch?

I have used stay bright 8 for many years, so long can't remember back that far. ON issues.

Hey great video!!! but here's my Question.. We do alot of splits in mobile homes and from the jump they taught us to check out how many footage on line sets because we would add if needed freon to the system based on how many feet used????

The BEST AC LINE SET Video Online. I used the Stay Brite for my Ductless Mini Split install over 4 years ago and I had some extra long lines to couple together... and working Good! I did hand swaged the lines, and cut off the flare fitting where I coupled them together. I did have a couple of slightly loose joints, but I did use a Flux "Soaked" rag go into the Female end, but careful Not to Leave a build-up of Flux, It was easier to hold the solder in that way. And It sealed up very Nice even though it was a loose joint before. I did see a AC Tech use the Stay Brite on a Commercial Unit on the Coil, where it had about a 1/4" hole, and he used the Stay Brite to solder it together... and it held. Stay Brite is great stuff. Yea, I want to get my certificate.

Recently was trained on Bosch equipment and I was surprised that they actually recommend soldering with StayBrite 8 over brazing

Thanks for sharing. Sweet to use low temp soldering without need for nitrogen. It's same technique as soldering copper water pipe fittings. Will this Stay brite solder hold higher pressures of new freon types?

Very good nice explanatory

When you were running the vacuum pump I saw you removing the valve from suction line. Did u also remove it from liquid line when you placed the micron gauge or do u just leave it on the liquid line and remove it only on suction line. Thx

Great video

Your videos rock.

I notice you using it for new installation. Does Staybrite8 also works with repair that you just torch-remove since it might have old silver residue on them? Thanks for video I think it would be great for TXV install.

You didn't flow nitrogen through the lineset when you were soldering it. That causes the copper on the inside (where you can't see it) to oxidize (since there's oxygen there and not nitrogen) leaving contaminants in the system. If I got this wrong, please reply and let me know why it's OK to do it the way you did. I was trained that you should always flow nitrogen while brazing or soldering refrigerant lines.

Nice job well done. As far as (if) the system has a leak do you install some type of die to locate what area the system is leaking?

Nice video!!!!!! When soldering the condenser I always wrap the king valves and remove the valve cores just for general principle. Staybright is an excellent solder, however it' strength is subject to temperature. I don't use it on heat pumps, but, straight cool units are fine. On heat pumps I use 45% silver solder and solder with a turbo torch with a 1/4 tip. I am a mechanical contractor in Florida where heat is a big factor and have been in the business for over 45 years. Only one suggestion! Wrap or remove any components with neoprene seals as it will save any problems in the future. I do a lot of work with and for Lennox and one of my biggest problems is leaking king valves that have to be replaced because of over heating! One other suggestion, before soldering, practice with a scrap of copper as this will help you avoid overheating components. BTW, I am also an instructor and ran a company with 80 employees with 20 service trucks and 3 install trucks. Again, nice video, maybe just a couple tweaks would make it a little better!!!!!!!

Amazing explanation Regard

good stuff

Nice video was wondering with the long line set should of add refrigerant check sub cool.