Clearing a blockage - J D Nel Refrigeration

Johann demonstrates the procedure for clearing a blockage in a fridge gas system.

[@robburnquist]

Thank you sir, for sharing your knowledge with us green technicians

[@SomaElectricals]

excellent job.. same i too do.. I use CTC

[@pofrot]

Dankie Mnr Nel. Eerste keer dat ek die thinners trick sien. Nice video +1

[@pastorlj5069]

good teaching. I salute you JD Nel

[@peniasnyirenda8095]

I like the way u work my senior technician

[@FijiLaw]

Many thanks for well made explanation

[@byronsmith2768]

Well done thank you for the help

[@necronomicon-xmortis9362]

I watched many repairs but never seen one replacing all tubing and capilary tube and filter and why the capilary tube runs in the suction line on bottom freezer fridge im stuck....either wrong capilary or still a blockage

[@seanashcroft9713]

Mooi! Dankie van Suid Korea af!

[@1captjake]

r-404a is a blend of refrigerants and has to be charged as a liquid. By removing gas from the tank your messing up the mixture of gases. If you flip the tank upside down you get liquid refrigerant which might clean the cap tube better.

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

I am aware of the mixture but I purely use this to move the dirt out. There is more suitable gasses to do that, but in South Africa 404 gas is very inexpensive. I do not use liquid gas purely because my aim is to move the dirt with high pressure. There are lots of liquid flushing agents that I can use.

[@mikeodwyer7514]

Oxygen free nitrogen!

[@rashidrashid109]

Thank you sir for your leason

[@linuxboy007]

very helpful tutorial.. thank you so much sir!

[@Ashroyer86]

Charles bronson is a fridge tech?

[@angelgarciarold]

Great trick man, now I'm going to save a lot of money in flushing liquids, thank you man!

[@georgembowa8919]

Ek is baie dankbar vir die verklaring. Hou aan met die goie werk

[@Ivansgarage]

Denatured alcohol works the best for cleaning a system and it will evaporate plus its cheap and any store has it (no smoking it is flammable)

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

Denatured alcohol leaves a residue behind once it has evaporated.

[@Ivansgarage]

I have used denatured alcohol for cleaning parts before I paint them never noticed any residue and it's cheap. I don't think a small residue would hurt the system. I have done literally 1000s of cap tube systems.

[@Jamie-cz2xu]

Alcohol would have to be 100% alcohol..... Any water would be a disaster in a refrigeration system..... Also alcohol is hygroscopic so leaving it in a system could either draw moisture in or out but either way you will need to use a proper flushing agent and a vacuum pump

[@AimGobalWorldBibleSchool]

Thanks sir...Good Job! ...what kind of thinners lacquer or paint?

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

It doesnt matter.

[@antoniecsirefrigerationcc6965]

I Like your videos. What if the cap tube is completly block on a seald fridge? Thanks

[@ryanreid8603]

I have a 4 year old frigidaire stand up freezer, never had a issue with it, put a bunch of food in it 2 days ago, and noticed a pool of water underneath today, copper suction line has a big build up of ice on it melting, freezer still seems to be working but is running lomger then normal, any idea or solutions pls?

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

There are many reasons why it would do that, you would need to have it tested to find the fault.

[@georgesiatos9848]

great work!!!!!

[@sardardoonsardardoon342]

,great work

[@garyroberts3157]

very nice vidio thank you

[@luisduran9354]

just let the man do his work,, god job man!!

[@alunroberts1439]

What if the compressor is damaged and taken out cost of a blockage in capillary tube or some were else could you just blow thinkers through the system. Until it's all cleared and then replace the compressor.

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

You can do that but I prefer to blow a small quantity of flushing agent through the system to clear the last bit of thinners.

[@CJR97]

How much air flow should I be getting through the lines after a flush, I have ran cleaner through as you did and I only get a light breeze that you can’t even hear it unless you out your ear next to it I’m at 60 and ran it up to 150 psi no change Is this just pressure drop or do I have a serious clog, cleaner went through just took a little bit

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

What I would do is assemble the fridge & see how it freezes. If not successful, flush the system again.

[@lesliedaisley7846]

Can you name some of the refrigerant that are flashing system type as you call it I am having a horrible problem with a restriction I change the capillary and within one night the new cap tube blocked again

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

It sounds to me that your blockage comes from dirt inside your compressor, so maybe it is the right time to change the compressor before you try & unblock it again.

[@waynebarfoot4915]

I used to go through capillary fire it out return pipe worked every time

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

If the capillary is inside the wall of the fridge, you can't heat it up.

[@TodoFrigorista]

Saludos desde Argentina. Adrian

[@wasimedoo1506]

Very nice job but what type thinner you using and is it safe to use in the system thanks 😊

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

Its called Lacquer thinners. Do not get this into your compressor!

[@justguts926]

I replace whole capilary tube with the new one, if its posible. If that is not posible, I dont have the right solution. Some of my friends use nitrogen. This is interesting solution, cheers.

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

If it is easy enough to replace the capillary, that will solve the problem but on some fridges the capillary is in the wall of the fridge and to replace it you have to cut the fridge to pieces. Nitrogen is a very good propellant for the flushing agent but on some of the softer wall and aluminium tubing cannot take the pressure.

[@thandananimnomiya6086]

How to diagnose blockage pipes ?

[@redjepamedoski9885]

How to clean damp inside system? without opening pipes? thx

[@evercastillo6794]

How much does this job would normally cost in U.S.? Anyone?

[@vadimtyutyunnik353]

from $900 and up to $4000 if that is a Subzero refrigerator, which could cost $15k

[@willemfletcher1883]

Good day sir i got problems with my fridge the top is the fridge and bottom is the freezer so the fridge does not make very cold only little bit what could be the problem please help me i am learning how to repair fridges myself can it be blocked ?

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

Yes it can be blocked or it can be many other things. You need to conduct tests until you find what the fault is.

[@nitisaab3598]

its use a petrol in cleaning capilary tube and evaporatoer oil blocking. yes or No

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

Yes

[@aycabbas]

Thank you. But how did the block come there from the compressor and you have a filterdryer?? Can I use lanquer thinner did this type of thinner also leave a residue.

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

The coating around the copper wire in the compressor dissolves into a liquid state and slowly solidifies as it passes through your condenser and dryer. Some of the residue passes through the dryer and only solidifies once its entered the capillary and evaporator. Yes, Lacquer thinner does leave a residue.

[@aycabbas]

@@JDNelRefrigeration ok thank you. But We dont have here flush agent. What you recommend me to flush the system.

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

@@aycabbas Nitromethane

[@ashramdhan1582]

@@JDNelRefrigeration you a good man can I recover the refrigerant if its like a hard to find one like R403B?

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

@@ashramdhan1582 Yes you can, but if its contaminated with dirt you will have to filter it a lot to get it pure again.You can use 507 as a replacement.

[@jamesmcleod9033]

In a pinch, could one use compressed air (no access to nitrogen or 404a) to move the dirt (150 psi or so) followed by a vac down of the system?

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

Yes you can but, I don't like the moisture in the air to enter the system. That's why I would rather use a high pressure gas.

[@markcarpenter3600]

Once you introduce the moisture from an air compressor it adheres to the inside walls of the system. Moisture that has adhered to the inside walls of the system it is extremely hard to remove. Air isn't worth it when nitrogen is so cheep. Moisture will do permanent damage to POE oils.

[@SaresMLee]

Can I use nitrogen instead 404?

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

Yes. Put it through a regulator not to exceed 400psi.

[@ShahzadAhmad-sh2xz]

Sir please tell me .Compressor size is 1/3 & his evaporator pipe size and fit.???

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

I'm unsure of the question you are adking?

[@kgosikau3054]

do you train students Sir?

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

No

[@NovairBaloch]

Nice and if I don't use thinner just use 404 will it enough ?

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

The reason why I use thinners is to dissolve the dirt. If you feel the dirt in your blocked system doesn't need to be dissolved, then use 404

[@fathmasameer7523]

Sir why my double door refrigerator suction line become too hot and tripping on overload pls reply me

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

There is not just one thing that could cause that. You should ask a service technician to look at it.

[@georgesiatos9848]

use nitrogen pressure gauge and give 150psi...10 bar

[@stoli6632]

Oxygen Free Nitrogen

[@puneetsuthar6537]

what type of thinner you have used . can you give the exact name of that

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

It is a thinners that is used by spray painters to dilute duco paint.

[@RunningOnAdd]

Can I use diesel instead of thinners ?

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

It will not have the same effect. Thinners is designed to dilute paint and it does a very good job with diluting the dirt in a fridge system. Diesel might dilute the dirt but not as well as thinners.

[@s.s.bimbra]

Hello sir you videos is very informative sir i want to know how to clean oil and moisture from freezer of direct cooling fridge

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

You can flush the system with a flushing agent to clear the oil. To clear moisture, assemble the system with a new dryer, let it operate for a few hours then replace the dryer with a new one. Repeat until moisture is gone.

[@s.s.bimbra]

JDNelRefrigeration thanks sir for help 👍

[@kiweekeith]

Slim Kind .... Sit ...... :-) :-) :-) ..... Groete uit NZ

[@DeeTee79]

Baie danke 🇨🇦

[@wasimedoo7994]

Very good technic what coin of thiner did you used can you tell me please

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

I use lacquer thinners, the same as spray painters use to dilute paint.

[@partsroz1962]

wont be trying this one with my leatherjacket pump, might go on ebay buy a cheap pump though,

[@Manavsain00]

Sir is this thinner who usedto be in colour

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

It is a paint diluter

[@deonli8014]

Where can I get some of this thinner?

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

Any auto body paint shop uses thinners to dilute paint.

[@adrianphipps3257]

Hi Mr Nel, how much would a repair man charge for this sort of procedure?

[@adrianphipps3257]

oh and of course a regas

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

@@adrianphipps3257 I need to examine the fridge in order to determine the repair price.

[@adrianphipps3257]

@@JDNelRefrigeration Thanks, I was just looking for like a ballpark figure? I got a quote for R1000, is that too high? Thanks

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

@@adrianphipps3257 It really depends on what it is blocked with, that will determine the amount of time and material I need to use to unblock it. Some blockages I cannot do for R1000.00 and others I can do 10 of them for R1000.00

[@tsevinanifrank3349]

Pls my ac off and on often pls help me

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

Sorry I don't understand the question

[@NovairBaloch]

How replace cap tube ?

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

Please be more specific, send me photos of both ends of the capillary. Then I can advise you

[@emmanuelkandinda3725]

Hi

[@DanWebster]

Interesting video probably would be better with dry nitrogen with the cost of 404 i imagine

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

+Dan Webster (Paw Paw) The pressure in Nitrogen is too high for some of the aluminum tubing, and evaporators. We find that at approximately 450psi you will damage the aluminum evaporator, where 404 gas never reaches that pressure but has enough pressure to move the dirt. You can use nitrogen if you use it through a regulator that can control the pressure at approximately 450psi.

[@DanWebster]

Before I retired we would sometimes deal with a stubborn blockage by allow a vacuum pump to run all weekend.

[@davejohnsonnola7908]

@@JDNelRefrigeration no regulator for your nitrogen tank? We use a flow regulator while brazing at less than 1 psi and then pressure test the systems from anywhere between 100 to 600 psi depending on system.

[@cesarmolina9874]

What the difference between a thinner and a flushing chemical?

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

Thinners is a substance that is used to dilute paint it works very well to dilute the dirt in a fridge system, but when it has evaporated it leaves a residue behind. A flushing agent does not leave a residue behind. Thinners is better than the flushing agent at dissolving the dirt. I use a flushing agent after the thinners to get rid of the thinners residue.

[@angelgarciarold]

The price. The result is the same

[@auwalusanyi7318]

sir I want to learn from you sir

[@user-gq1zb8zc5j]

Hello friend

[@kishmuthumba643]

Why not use methanol as a solvent, then properly flush with nitrogen

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

Methanol is extremely expensive in South Africa but thinners is inexpensive, but you can use methanol. Nitrogen's pressure is too high to use on these aluminium tubes.

[@ainslieboswell8884]

@@JDNelRefrigeration Nitrogen's pressure high???? It's pressure is whatever you allow or set it to be!

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

@@ainslieboswell8884 I don't have a nitrogen regulator, that is why I don't use Nitrogen.

[@joeduca6071]

blow out with 404 never heard of nitrogen? much higher PSI

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

In South Africa to get Nitrogen is at lest 50 times more expensive than 404. So to save thousands of Rand I rather use the 404.

[@torresedgar5650]

You just contamined the oil for 134a by adding 404a . And now on the 404a tank you are only to remove refrigerant on liquid you are making a double mistake

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

On a small domestic fridge the type of oil is irrelevant

[@torresedgar5650]

@@JDNelRefrigeration says who

[@torresedgar5650]

do you know that you can use nitrogen wow

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

@@torresedgar5650 Correct, I can use nitrogen but I prefer not to because if you have a stubborn blockage in an aluminum or soft copper tube and you keep on applying pressure behind it, there is a chance that you can rupture the pipe before the blockage clears. That's why I apply pressure from both sides to try and move the blocked substance around and then by diluting it with thinners then flushing it out. No chance of damaging the tubes.

[@KeoluBoy100]

Why not just braze in a new drier and capillary tube metering device? Less steps and it will ensure new and clean components. That’s how Hawaii do yo!!

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

In some applications it is extremley difficult to change a capillary that is situated in the wall of the fridge. Those I unblock, but capillarys that are easily accessible, I would replace

[@KeoluBoy100]

JDNelRefrigeration Got it. I worked on chill and freezer cases where I had to drill through the back wall to get the cap tube to the evaporator coil. Your way would have been the way to go. Thanks for this helpful tip.

[@ktown6343]

That is a waste in time. Cut out old liquid line filter , braze shut highside and blow nitrogen back through cap tube. Then braze on new filter. The best thing to do is replace cap tube and liquid line filter and be done with because you can never get them completely clean. It take less time just changing then setting there trying to clean out cap tube, saving the customer money is what it is all about.

[@JelleM3]

It is not allowed to make emissions like that. just use nitrogen, a whole lot better for the environment

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

Thank you

[@TuonoTalk]

Why are you using R404a to push thinners into the system? 1. You are not allowed to discharge refrigerant to atmosphere. 2 How can you be sure you will remove all the thinners. If you are going to do this procedure take comp out and use OFN NOT R404a.

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

I do not blow 404a and thinners into the compressor, I know it will damage the compressor. I disconnect the tubes from the compressor before I start this procedure. The reason why I am using thinners and 404a is that thinners is much better than any flushing agent to dissolve the dirt. I use 404a gas purely because of the high pressure and the low cost.

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

The only refrigerants that we are not allowed to let into the atmosphere are the traditional refrigerants, which are R12, R22, R502 and R11. The Interim refrigerants of which 404a is one, we are allowed to let out in South Africa.

[@myfriendhenry1]

He is in a country that has signed the Paris environmental accord and THAT is why the US was correct in pulling out. It is not fair, nor followed EXCEPT in the US. We don't need no stinking agreement to do the right thing. Having said that, this guy is a refrigeration GENIUS!!! I wish I could apprentice with him for a year.

[@nitisaab3598]

petrol is useful

[@mikeodwyer7514]

Used oxygen free nitrogen is better for the environment !

[@mikeodwyer7514]

Plus u will get alot more pressure just be sure to use a regulator !

[@hysenklenja1824]

How to clean damp inside system? without opening pipes? thx

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

Impossible. The damp is inside a sealed system. There is an additive that you can add to the gas that will neutralize the damp. It has a side effect which damages the compressor.

[@hysenklenja1824]

JDNelRefrigeration Thanks :) do you know wich adetive i can use do you have name? Thanks!

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

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