Refrigeration repair spare parts.

[tgpt21]

I have had a problem with my 12 volt WEMO refrigerator. It is clearly leaking gas. I used a leak repair aerosol and it worked very well but I fear the problem has returned. Occasionally when I lift the lid I can smell the gas. The unit is still cooling but no doubt next season it will require an injection.
My conclusion is that the compressor is working but the leak is coming from inside the fridge (well done Einstein) and it is probably the cold plate.
Is it possible to just fit another cold plate? Is it possible to do it as a diy project? Where would I buy such a thing? Would it have to be a WEMO cold plate or is there a generic unit?
I am willing to invest in a few tools if required as I have found that it is cheaper to buy a few cheapy tools than bring in a professional.

 

[Daverw]

Most leaks are not on the inside plate but on connections and your unlikely to smell the small quantity of gas. Before you spend lots of time and money use the leak spray to find the leak, make sure the fridge has been off for a while to allow the pressures to build. When you then know you have a leak you can make a judgment on action. You can also use soapy water to leak test but make sure you rinse off after

 

[IanR]

Even better you can buy an electronic leak detector which I successfully used to track down a rather slow and irritating link under the floor. If I remember correctly it was about 23 quid and saved a fortune in replacing the wrong parts.

eBay £23.99 google freon detector, it works a treat

No interest other than being saved

 

[Daverw]

The electronic detector may pick up the leak but knowing exactly where is where bubbles come in, the detector I use for work cost over £200 but I still use bubbles to show exactly where the leak is

 

[IanR]

Perhaps but

the sensitivity was adjustable and the ability to locate a bad connection was remarkable. Of course it was not professional kit but even so has worked on a number of occasions. It was also great at sniffing back to source from the bilge which was very useful in order to cut an access in the floor to repair the leak. There was a lot of invisible pipe to put soap suds on

 

[Daverw]

Most leaks are on joints, if pipe is correctly supported should not fail or leak. Should be minimal joints on such a small system. Also look for small traces of oil that comes out with the gas

 

[tgpt21]

Supposing I am able to find the leak, how do I repair it? It will be next season before I get to look fully into it and the boat is in Croatia so what kit should I bring back? Is there some sort of sleeve for example or will the pipe have to be replaced or soldered?

Within reason I don't mind buying kit which is left unused because I have found that it is economical to buy a few DiY tools than it is to get the marina "technicians" in at Euros 50 an hour.

 

[Daverw]

Finding the leak is the cheap bit, to repair any leak will require, brazing gear, torch or oxy/acet, pressure gauges, vacuum pump and then new gas. Cost for this gear probably similar to having a local ref guy do it, the gear although good to have is unlikely to be much further use as it’s quite specific. This is why marine ref units are plug and play to make it cost effective to diy install.