Isotherm fridge failure.

[Allan]

Just a thought, you have nothing to lose here. Buy a cheap can of gas plus a pipe to go to the 1/4” bsp inlet fitting that should be on your compressor or near to it. Undo the quick connects, check the O rings, if they are bad, change them, I have a box from Lidl of various sizes. Then connect the gas bottle, let a bit escape to purge the line and then let it go in with the compressor running. If it starts to cool then good. Let it run, let a bit of gas in at a time. Vyvs website gives good info on how to check the frost line as it starts to cool. If it works its a bonus and shiuldnt have cost you more than £20. If it lasts for a bit longer its a bonus, but be prepared to fit a new efficient system! Dont bother with the leak stop stuff, Ive never been impressed with it!

Thanks again Mr Heckler, I had thought that's pretty much how to proceed. The leak stopper does say it 'conditions seals and o rings' so I may give it a try. From the measurements I took of the fitting I believe it to be 5/16".
Allan

 

[Tintin]

Yes sir, that's my thought. £150 + parts could be £200 to end up with a fridge that's twenty years old and repaired. £400 and a bit of work gets a new fridge. That was why I started this thread.
Allan

I tried to keep an old isotherm going for 3 years. Gave up, bought replacement gubbins, and regret all the time and effort spent on the old one.

 

[Heckler]

Thanks again Mr Heckler, I had thought that's pretty much how to proceed. The leak stopper does say it 'conditions seals and o rings' so I may give it a try. From the measurements I took of the fitting I believe it to be 5/16".
Allan

Std threads for refrigeration is 1/4” bsp Diagnostic Manifold Gauge Set 5ft. R12 R22 R134A R502 HVAC w/ Quick Coupler & 3 Hoses - Walmart.com

 

[superheat6k]

The 1/4" Flare standard refrigeration fitting used upon lower pressure refrigerants R407C / R134a etc (NB Not R410A or R32) is 7/16" -20 or UNF, and definitely not 1/4" BSP.

 

[Allan]

The 1/4" Flare standard refrigeration fitting used upon lower pressure refrigerants R407C / R134a etc (NB Not R410A or R32) is 7/16" -20 or UNF, and definitely not 1/4" BSP.

Many of the things I've read and the advertisements for pipes, gauges etc. refer to Acme threads. When I was onboard I measured the feed fitting with a vernier and the external thread size seemed to be exactly that of a 5/16" Acme fitting. I have to admit I haven't measured in imperial for about 35years so I checked it a few times. I think I'd buy a collection of fitting if I go down that route.
Allan

 

[Daverw]

If you really want to go down this route, the fitting is a standard Flare SAE45. Ore info see www.ite-tools.com/pdf/en/6-1-1.pdf . This is the only access fitted used for the last 50 years or more on commercial low pressure refrigerant systems. All the adverts I’ve seen, outlying from the USA show this fitting used. You can easily get fittings of the shelf at refrigeration wholesalers anyway in the uk, Climate Centre ( part of Woolsey Group) fittings cost pennie.

 

[Heckler]

Std threads for refrigeration is 1/4” bsp Diagnostic Manifold Gauge Set 5ft. R12 R22 R134A R502 HVAC w/ Quick Coupler & 3 Hoses - Walmart.com

Oops, disregard the bsp bit, it is 1/4” flare fitting, thanks to the others for pointing my bad out.