Is my fridge knackered

[andy59]

The compressor is very noisy and the cooling fan seems to need a push start . I am hoping to be able to repair rather than replace as a replacement is over £1000

 

[superheat6k]

The compressor is very noisy and the cooling fan seems to need a push start . I am hoping to be able to repair rather than replace as a replacement is over £1000

Is the inlet pipe (larger lower) getting cold and the discharge (smaller higher) getting hot. Might simply be out of gas. The cooling fan might be controlled by the discharge pressure, so if this doesn't increase (lack of gas) it doesn't start.

Do you have any more details of your unit e.g. a wiring diagram.

What gas ?

Any oily stains around pipes, joints etc - this is a telltale sign of a leak.

These little compressors are almost bullet proof, so the fact it runs suggest to me something else, and loss of gas is the commonest problem on these small systems. They only hold a cupful of refrigerant so a small leak will see it gone remarkably quickly. If it is a leak it must be found and fixed. If the gas has gone it has leaked.

 

[andy59]

Hi Trevor , thanks for looking. All the pipes seemed hot but the fridge/freezer box is working but seems to run constantly . The gas is R134a . The noise is much louder in the last week or so . Could you recommend a company that i could take it to ? .

 

[QBhoy]

If it is knackered, you'll soon know...
If the compressor keeps running, it's generally an indication and also a fire risk.
If you are keen as mustard, an old school way of detecting a leak of freon or r134a is to hold a lighter to the pipes and it will light up green where the leak is....if there is any gas left.
If you are a real cheap skate and you find the leak...seal it and get a charging kit that pierces the system on the suction LP side of the compressor.
Probably just best to buy a shiny new fridge though. eBay deals currently have a cracking weaco 50l fridge for a bargain price...

 

[andy59]

The existing fridge is integrated with a matching cherry door , and because the new model of the existing is fractionally bigger its worth trying to fix , otherwise i will have to start altering surrounding cupboards . If the new model was an exact drop in replacement it would be on its way to me now .

 

[NormanB]

Does not sound great - but before splashing out on a replacement it is definitely worth a shot of getting a HVAC technician in. If your boat is accessible I would try one of the mobile chappies for autos. Of course best is you have all the compressor plate details before you ring. Do you have charging connections on the HP/LP side? Not common on small units but useful for the tech to know either way before he comes.

 

[Plum]

The compressor is very noisy and the cooling fan seems to need a push start . I am hoping to be able to repair rather than replace as a replacement is over £1000

My fridge recently went wrong, the compressor ran constantly and the compartment did not get very cold. A local chap who repairs domestic appliances and has all the kit to re-gas confirmed that it was low on gas but said i would be wasting my money paying him to re-gas it as it wil only leak out again and it is extremely difficult to find and fix leaks. I bought a new fridge.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[andy59]

Going down to the boat later to test , apparently if you connect an led between the small + and the D terminal it will flash a fault code .

 

[dj43]

Andy cannot help with the fault, but more than happy to store your beers in a nice cool place , if that helps

 

[andy59]

Thanks Merlyn , thank god its only the main fridge , the beer fridge is still working