[C320-list] Refrigerator question

[ptormey 4square.net]

If you lose refrigerant, it's likely a VERY slow leak. I could not find it with the recommended dye and black light. It's also much harder to find when the charge is low (Catch -22) 
I bought a conversion kit to convert the original equipment valves to the automotive type from AutoZone and used the canned refrigerant to recharge the system, which of course leaked. So, I bought a cheap ($29 Aprvtio Refrigerant Leak Detector) on Amazon and it detected that one of the original "Schrader" valves was leaking. That makes sense since they are the same thing in your car or bike tire's and depend on a rubber/plastic seal landing on a clean seat.

You can get a lifetime supply of valve cores from Amazon for $14
61 Pcs Air Conditioning Schrader Valve Cores for Car Home A/C Accessories

My frig specs say use "x" pounds of refrigerant and the cans are sold in by the quart with a pressure gage in PSI/BAR. So, I added just enough 'stuff" to get the chilling on the lower part of plate, then let it run for a few hours, then added a" dash and a half" more which brought it up to the automotive spec on the can's gage. Been running fine for 2 years BUT I do get an odd gurgling sound.

So, you can simply skip the testing and replace the most likely part with the auto conversion kit and maybe be out the $25 if it doesn't work.

Some of you might be wondering how I replaced the valve without letting any gas escape. Cuz that's bad for the environment and probably illegal. My answer is that I vacuumed it old stuff out, replaced the valve and reused it. Yep, that's my answer.
#1037

Pat
Pat Tormey
s/v Blues Skies
Newport RI

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Troy Dunn via C320-list
Sent: Monday, May 22, 2023 10:06 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Cc: Troy Dunn <troutwarrior at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Refrigerator question

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