Possible to repair a fridge?

[Roel]

Got a tiny leak in the freezer compartment of our fridge (don't ask).
Information on the web is inconsistent as to whether this can be repaired or not. Anyone experience with this?

[hhfarang]

Yes, when we were renting I poked a hole in the freezer wall with a knife trying to rush defrosting by chipping away the ice. The knife blade was too flexible and bent and punctured a coil.

The landlord called out someone to fix it so I can't help you with who can do it but I can tell you that it can be done. The cost was under 1000 baht.

[Nereus]

Got a tiny leak in the freezer compartment of our fridge (don't ask).
Information on the web is inconsistent as to whether this can be repaired or not. Anyone experience with this?

In theory it is possible, but in practical terms, very difficult. The material that the the actual evaporator, or coil tubing, is made from is usually a low quality aluminium, and will prove difficult to weld, or seal the leak, given that you can even find where it is.

I would take the cost of a new refrigerator out of her allowance for the next year or so.

[Roel]

Thank you gentlemen. But now I got the same info as I found on the web: a yes and a no.
I can locate the puncture exactly because I produced it myself......

I would take the cost of a new refrigerator out of her allowance for the next year or so.

Good idea. I think of something.

[chopsticks]

The cost of the refrigerant gas they are now supposed to use (eco-friendly) is also more expensive than the old ozone destroying stuff.

[PeteC]

Nereus and others. Isn't the freezer apparatus a separate sub-system...coil, fan etc? If so couldn't it just be removed and replaced rather than buying a new refrigerator? Pete

[chopsticks]

Most models make do with one compressor, some of the larger models and more expensive brands may have 2 independent systems but unlikely.
You may get away with using an epoxy or silicone type of sealant to plug the hole but it will almost certainly need new refrigerant which requires specialised equipment anyway.

[STEVE G]

I once managed to repair a very small hole in a fridge like that using high speed tape which is a tough aluminium tape with a strong adhesive.
It's used to aviation to patch bullet holes in military aircraft and the suchlike, so it can have another chance of being shot down before you have to repair it properly.
Obviously you're not going to have any handy, but I have seen a similar tape for sale in hardware shops.

[housedoctor]

In theory it could be repaired. However the problem would be with the re-gassing. The metal is so light that the repair/weld would be very suspect under pressure. No engineer/repair man could guarantee the repair. Yuze take yuze chance's boss.

[Nereus]

Nereus and others. Isn't the freezer apparatus a separate sub-system...coil, fan etc? If so couldn't it just be removed and replaced rather than buying a new refrigerator? Pete

Some systems have a completely isolated freezer compartment, but the refrigerant circuit is common from the one compressor, just a different expansion valve, or capillary tube. It depends on the size and design of the system. Yes, it may be possible to just replace the evaporator, or coil section of the freezer, but as stated above, the system will still need to be evacuated with a vacuum pump, and recharged with the correct quantity of freon, after the leak has been repaired.

[stgrhe]

Nereus and others. Isn't the freezer apparatus a separate sub-system...coil, fan etc? If so couldn't it just be removed and replaced rather than buying a new refrigerator? Pete

Some systems have a completely isolated freezer compartment, but the refrigerant circuit is common from the one compressor, just a different expansion valve, or capillary tube. It depends on the size and design of the system. Yes, it may be possible to just replace the evaporator, or coil section of the freezer, but as stated above, the system will still need to be evacuated with a vacuum pump, and recharged with the correct quantity of freon, after the leak has been repaired.

If it is a newer freezer it is more likely the refrigerant is R410A and not freon R22. R22 should be avoided and is banned in Europe.

[Nereus]

If it is a newer freezer it is more likely the refrigerant is R410A and not freon R22. R22 should be avoided and is banned in Europe.

Not sure about your country, stgrhe, but R410A is only used in Air Conditioning systems, and operates at a much higher pressure than is found in domestic refrigerators. R22 is also the most common type of freon used in Air Conditioners, and is also rarely found in small refrigerators. R22 is not banned as yet, as far as I know. What is banned is R12, and has been for many years. However, as this is Thailand, it is still available here. The replacement for R12 is 134A, and is now found in most small systems, including automotive air conditioners, and domestic refrigerators.

[Tony_S]

If it is a newer freezer it is more likely the refrigerant is R410A and not freon R22. R22 should be avoided and is banned in Europe.

Not sure about your country, stgrhe, but R410A is only used in Air Conditioning systems, and operates at a much higher pressure than is found in domestic refrigerators. R22 is also the most common type of freon used in Air Conditioners, and is also rarely found in small refrigerators. R22 is not banned as yet, as far as I know. What is banned is R12, and has been for many years. However, as this is Thailand, it is still available here. The replacement for R12 is 134A, and is now found in most small systems, including automotive air conditioners, and domestic refrigerators.

The production of R12 (refrigerant used in older refrigerators) was banned in 1996. However the product can still be used and re-cycled.

If its an old fridge then dump it and buy a new more economical version.....with an ice maker for the Vodka/JD

[Roel]

Still not 100% sure if it is possible to repair a punctured fridge but I know I paid 1,200 Baht for it. So far so good. Keep you all posted.