[C320-list] Refrigerator question

[Troy Dunn]

Just a few quick thoughts.

1). There’s no such thing as "it just needs a recharge".  If it's low on
refrigerant then you have a leak, and it either needs to be repaired or
replaced.
2) A qualified repair person would know number 1 above and at a minimum
fill with a dye to find the leak once your refrigerant leaks out again.
3) A non qualified repair tech may not know how to properly charge your
system.  Over filling with refrigerant can cause icing of the compressor
return line in capillary tube metered devices (like small fridge
compressors).  This can eventually lead to compressor failure.

Suggest you grab a black light and start looking for dye in somewhat
darkened spaces with the system shut down for a day or so.   Also if dye
wasn’t put in the system you can look for oil staining which also can show
up under black light but is harder to detect.

Thermostat replacement  is also a good idea.

Leaks are usually found near things like the dryer, pressure test ports,
and where the capillary tube is installed.

On the other hand…how much time/money would you sink into trying to repair
a 25 year old home fridge?

FWIW

T