How We Repaired our Van Fridge (Isotherm 12 volt)

Is your 12V Marine fridge not cooling or do you have an obvious leak? In this video, we will show you from start to finish how to replace an evaporator plate, evacuate, and recharge your fridge! This video is specific to the Isotherm 130 Elegance.
Disclaimer: We are not experts or professionals. Our fridge DOES indeed work now, but we cannot guarantee anything for you. This is solely a resource from a couple of people who are stubborn and hate throwing things out if they can be fixed!
For a more detailed discussion of what goes on in this video, check out our blog at zakandfal.com
Materials:
* Evaporator Plate (I ordered this from Beard Marine)
* Glazing Putty- amzn.to/3HnwwIM
* Pipe Insulation - amzn.to/3Bs9Ovb
* Two 1/4" Flare Nuts - amzn.to/3VJBl3o
* 1/4" Flare Union - amzn.to/3VLKnNx
* Flare Tool- amzn.to/3VPvlWP
* Tubing Cutter- amzn.to/3FmbozM
* Tru-Blu Thread Sealant - amzn.to/3HnzuNv
* 3 feet of 3/16" Copper Tubing - amzn.to/3YhluuO
* Steel Wool -amzn.to/3VOxCle
* Solder (Lead Free)- amzn.to/3iN9elf
* Flux- amzn.to/3PjGGfe
* Flux Brush -amzn.to/3BsOtSy
* Propane - amzn.to/3Y70xm9
* Propane Torch - amzn.to/3Ye5Dgd
* Triangular Metal File - amzn.to/3W3t36R
* Darning Needle (I had this at home)
* Vacuum Pump- amzn.to/3UGUKkg
* Gauge Set (with three tubes, blue, yellow, and red)- amzn.to/3FlrOsb
* Small can of 134a Refrigerant -amzn.to/3FaVwQM
* 134a Can tap/ adapter- amzn.to/3FhGU20
Time Stamps:
0:00-0:39- Intro, Opening Comments
0:40-1:11- Disassembling the Fridge
1:12-2:37- Disassembling old Evaporator Plate
2:38-4:10- Removing old Evaporator Plate
4:11-5:35- Assembling and Inserting New Evaporator Plate
5:36-6:50- Attaching suction tube via Flare Fitting (Option 1)
6:51-9:35- Connecting the capillary tubes
9:36-12:56- Evacuating the System
12:57-13:44- Schrader Valve/ Depressor Troubleshooting
13:45-14:25- Soldering Suction Tube (Option 2)
14:26-16:17- Recharging the fridge
16:18-17:20- Closing Thoughts

[@reecemcdaniel8207]

Fantastic video, tons of info, thank you so much!

[@zakandfal]

Happy you got something out of it Reece! It was a project we wish we knew more about prior, so glad it helped!

[@MyGoogleYoutube]

How is it holding up?

[@zakandfal]

Still works like a charm!

[@treynewsom1817]

I just punctured a tiny hole into my evap plate trying to chip away at ice underneath the freezer box. Heard a leaking hissing sound for a few minutes and all of the coolant leaked out. Cannot believe it... such a tiny hole costing us so much turmoil. Is that what happened to y'all? I really want to hire a refrigerator repairman.

[@zakandfal]

Unfortunately, yes this is what happened. Almost every repair person we took it to either said it will cost as much to fix as buying a new one OR they wouldn't do it at all. I know that's probably not what you want to hear, but hope this helps.