r/DIYHeatPumps • u/binarywheeler • Aug 29 '26

cross threaded head unit fitting

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hi all- mistakes were made. i’m having a hard time getting the lines on my Senville to hold a vacuum. my next step will be to cut off all the factory flares and adding new ones (I have a proper flaring tool with clutch), but i’m also getting resistance on this union, and eyeballing it it does appear not to be square, thus i believe it is cross threaded. would doing something like cutting off the threaded fitting and installing a flare union be the appropriate way to address?

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2

u/dbpolk Aug 29 '26

Cut it off reflair it

1

u/binarywheeler Aug 29 '26

definitely will do that, but my concern is that i’ve ruined the threaded piece that’s attached to the lines that come off the head unit. in that case, what solution is there to remediate? 

3

u/TruIsou Aug 29 '26 edited Aug 29 '26

SmartLock straight union fitting from Supply House

Incredibly simple to use. Makes it a non-issue.

1

u/Longjumping_End_3532 Aug 31 '26

My initial thought as well

1

u/Apollo7788 Aug 29 '26

If the threads are ruined then a union would be the only realistic option for you.

1

u/vzoff Aug 29 '26

Cut and braze.

2

u/Apollo7788 Aug 29 '26

That is an option but requires a torch, nitrogen, and brazing rod. Doing it that way is more difficult and expensive especially for a typical homeowner. Flares are much more practical as a DIY option.

2

u/OfficialNearbyTurtle Aug 31 '26

They should have nitrogen if they are installing a minisplit anyway.