Mini fridge freon leak - How to Fix

This is how to fix a mini fridge leak in the expansion chamber. If someone has punctured Freon line from scraping off frost.

[@anybodysguess960]

You went right to the problem I was looking for. Like a dumb ass I used a hammer and screw driver to speed up chipping away a huge block of ice and when I did, I heard and saw a gas leaking sound after I obviously chewed into it. Thanks for the video...

[@anybodysguess960]

@@hardassteel too bad we aren’t all as smart as you

[@kushpaladin]

lol i did the same thing but i put a hammer to the sharpest knife i could find. plus side of that is it is more of a puncture, not a huge opening. i will try a bit of melted plastic to seal it and if that doesn't work i''m shopping for JB weld 🥂

[@Dman3827]

I did the same thing with a carpenter chisel and hammer lol. I didn't think the tray was a pipe. It still produces cold? I just poured water to re ice it. I smell the freeon when i open it though

[@charlielowdotcom]

That's crazy, I have the exact same mini fridge with a hole in the exact same place from chipping ice, learned my lesson.

[@denniskaufmann2889]

Maybe he got rid of his fridge and you ended up buying it...

[@dacostafernando]

Great job, thank you for the video, I am going to fix my fridge, my wife did exactly the same, she puncture the Freon line trying to clean the ice on the fridge with a knife and a hammer. It is on my Sea Ray Norcold refrigerator.

[@habibpallath]

Wow....

[@patagualianmostly7437]

Your wife has walked the path of many ladies before her........ But I doubt you will fix your fridge after watching this particular video. My best regards to you and your wife. Hope you are both still enjoying the new fridge.

[@angtaz71]

Thank you so much for sharing You help me fix my fridge now it works perfect thanks to you 👍

[@unkleskratch]

awesome possum! only gotta go and buy all that gear- which is likely worth more than the dam fridge.. Still, its the best straight up fix I ever saw, so thanks alot mate.

[@patagualianmostly7437]

A decent vacuum pump...as used by professionals in commercial & transport refrigeration can easily be $500 to over a grand...not the Kiddie-Tonka-Toy Gizmo this guy was using. (Another example of Chinese disposable nonsense.) What amazes me about the USA is that anyone...ANYONE can buy refrigerant like R134a and just be allowed to bung it into a leaking system... be it on a car or a domestic unit.... Just so weird for others that face $$$$$$$ fines for doing so! (Or is that something else protected by the Infamous 2nd Amendment!) (Watch the avalanche of thumbs down! LOL!)

[@steveday72]

I read yesterday that you should not use regular plumbing solder on refrigerant lines because it reacts with the refrigerant and corrodes the lines. They (a professional A/C forum) said Lenox recommends 15% silver solder - which is actually a low-temperature brazing rod. I wouldn't feel bad about using 45% silver brazing rods either - though I'm no expert, but they are handier to have (though more expensive) than the lower silver content rods, because they can be used to join more dissimilar metals together for other repairs/projects.

[@jamesrooney7689]

i use silver bright works great low melting temp

[@hostile177]

After watching the video and reading all these comments, $119 isn't so bad for a new one anymore.

[@nobodyimportant_23]

yea but this is really invaluable information if your large fridge is low on refrigerant

[@patagualianmostly7437]

@@nobodyimportant_23 Mmm Yes...but it is supposed to be a sealed system. (Cough) ( Large fridge or small fridge!) If it is low on refrigerant...it is because there IS A LEAK. However "small". In a system that is 100% metal tubing using a hermetic compressor....(As opposed to a mechanically driven compressor (automobile) or a Semi Hermetic compressor as used in fridge plants in cold storage.)) I had a fridge made in 1980.....it "lasted" over 30 years. (LEC.UK.) The insulation lost its thermic properties (k) value before the gas was "lost". There must be 0% leakage. Unfortunately, Such sealed systems are no longer built with the same care & attention to detail.... Because that is the world we live in..... A throwaway society. And the manufacturers are now building fridges with no regard to longevity We know who they are...but we only look at the price tag. Mmm? "Oh! sod it...if it only lasts a couple of years.... that'll do...." Sad, but true.

[@floresj183]

Freaking AWESOME!!! 👍👍👍 Thanks for the video!!!

[@danpettis1675]

I've done dozens of repairs like this.never had any issues

[@kennethvalencia8196]

Don't you have to put a specific charge into the refrigerator

[@kennethvalencia8196]

You know like ounces of freon

[@JoeNathan42420]

@@kennethvalencia8196 yes you do. Usually somewhere on the back of the unit you'll see a sticker or a plate saying all that information. Like 120ACV or 220ACV and R134 and how much is in it probably somewhere around 6 grams. I bought a cheap digital scale from the local gas station and before I charged it I hooked it up and had everything ready to go an set the scale under it to get a base weight and while I was charging it I would just stop and sit it on the scale to see how much I needed to go. Because of this approach I luckily decided to go really slow with it because I was done charging before I knew it. Super easy tho anyone who has any basic mechanical skills can get it done. I'm an electrician so it's not too far from me but it was still a little challenging but overall easy after I was done. I was over thinking it I'm sure 😂

[@X-KokTehnik]

same tutorial content. thanks, the video is very useful for those who are just learning

[@beotheguitarist]

Thanks for the video!

[@stevenkim3343]

I have one repair just like this(after watching the youtube) 7 years ago. The mini refrigerator still works fine.

[@rasoolali136]

very good my deering thank you

[@victorvillafane252]

Nice job

[@lauragrandestaff]

I just picked up a sweet little mini fridge off a curb with a punctured plate just like yours. Could you list the links to the shrader valve and the test gauges? I have the solder and the job weld already. Thanks so much!

[@JamesWoodWorker]

You could put a piece of copper line or small line of aluminum in the chipped line opening to complete connection then patch over the chip and line. That's if it can't be bypassed.

[@polongkoy5257]

thank you for additional info.. that was so helpful.. ^)^

[@VictorSilva-rq4kz]

Most of the refrigerator manufacturers are replacing all the evaporators with Aluminum coils, but the lines from the compressors are still Copper. Then they use epoxy - like JB Weld to attach the Copper compressor line to the Aluminum evaporator lines. Epoxy cracks after 5 to 6 years, especially in sub zero temps. They save a few dollars by not using Al-Cu braze and the other major plus is the epoxy cracking happens 5 to 6 years later, coincidentally right after the warranty has expired.

[@ReillyCT]

great video BUT "dang" as you say, who's gonna put all this work into this fridge - never mind getting all the parts, vaccuums , freon , temp reader . yadda yadda to fix a mini fridge?? YOU ARE ENTERTAINING THO!! :D

[@mikenelson9568]

Thats not much work at all, a few clicks of the keyboard and parts shown at my door. Maybe two hours tops to complete this task and considering my Danby kegerator mini fridge runs around $650 new, thats $325 an hour for my time to repair my fridge and less waste in the landfill.

[@wediafomalazartekie9198]

He did well just using those harbor freight tools. Getting the correct amount of refrigerant in the system is very important. If you put less than recommend by the manufacturer will result in the compressor oil starvation. Oil travels through out the system and back to the compressor guaranteeing proper lubrication.

[@chandleralbers7253]

How about propane fridge?

[@artest7]

How would I check to see if I added too much refrigerant? It’s freezing everything now! 😪. Although, I could use it as a freezer! 😊

[@MegaNafo]

thankss!!

[@filter4now]

Just FYI - I've found on other R134A devices than cars that the low side pressure can exceed 150PSI - sometimes 200. I've heard in the R12 days there was a check valve to prevent the can from bursting if it's connected to the high side. Any pressure than 170 PSI can pop a steel DOT-2Q can - Never had it happen but I'd imagine this would hurt a lot worse than a balloon popping in your face (shrapnel too)

[@robertcarter9051]

Thanks for the info. But to all its refrigerant coolant.

[@Crazick]

Do you have to pull a vacuum or can I just turn the fridge on the coldest setting then add the refrigerant?

[@Beko500ProGolover]

So useful this was although I’ve never had to do this on my mini 60ltrs fridge I’ll bare in mind this video if I ever need to top up with freon. I’m pretty sure freon is refrigerant? Correct me if I’m wrong.

[@jeff_9074]

Can you put the vaccum on the low vaccum side of the compressor? I had my bullet valve installed on the compressor vaccum line.

[@rmargalith135]

I have an upright all fridge..... The verdict of the tehchnician is an inside leak which cannot be reached nor repair..... Your video is amazingly clear and well explained..... Do you have an idea for an inside leak to fix the same way you vaccumed....... thanks

[@patagualianmostly7437]

Please refer to my earlier replies on the subject. Your technician is probably being very honest with you: "All Fridge" fridges (No Freezer section) rarely have the "Evaporator" (plate or coils) on show....but hidden behind the plastic walls.... if a leak has occurred there.....or where, due to vibration, where the tubes pass through metal walls to connect with the compressor..... (Some manufactures can prevent that...but they don't.....I cannot possibly speculate as to why....but most of them seem to be Chinese..... Just saying.) Forget it.

[@ElDrKaiser]

this is exactly the problem i'm having with my mini fridge. i was trying to scrape the ice off with a screw driver and i poke a hole. i know now how to patch the hole, but to put the freon in i have to have all that equipment? fuck that lol. i paid $40 for it, it'd be cheaper to just buy another one

[@PugALug70]

You took the words right out of my mouth lol

[@darrinfaulkner8911]

I was thinking the same thing that's too much work for a mini fridge even though I spent over $100 on mines and chiseled the ice out like a idiot.That patching I dont mind everything else I lost interest.

[@patagualianmostly7437]

@@darrinfaulkner8911 Another point: The chances are.... you will block a gas flow route....not all the lines are parallel running.... It will, at best, unbalance the TXV (Thermal Expansion Valve) and it will lose most of its efficiency. Forget it. (Gotta love the way this guy cleans up the repair site with a spray...blasting all that paint dust into the system... The TXV is just gonna love that! NOT!)

[@sherdil5892]

Can JB weld use to joint the copper tube of refrigerator???

[@frankgurnee4292]

Where the heck do you find the 1/4" SAE thread R22 to R134a quick adapter with the Schrader valve?

[@estrelladelnorte1308]

that is a retrofit fitting for older car that had r12 . they sell them on the autoparts stores.

[@riverraisin1]

Seems to me by sanding around the hole you are introducing particles into the interior of the coil where it will eventually wind up in the compressor valves. If it were me I would use a vacuum to suck out as much of the sanding dust as possible before applying the epoxy.

[@jollyscaria1922]

Sir ism old my work shoped some frezar hole went are but reparig hol is not clos compant is m sel this ic come sutables ples idea gived sir thankyou shering sir ism any welding sodering alumineanaomes s slodering pasting fixed prossbles sre my wor shoped 100 pized feed old models any coper fixeing extra sir iam jolly,,,,,%$$$@@@@@@@&^%*()££££€=÷×+₩????;;;%ok thankyou guied

[@JB-eo3yi]

love the colorful commentary!

[@nealhamilton3881]

I'm needing to do this but I heard those tap valves are a big source of leaks. Have you had any issues?

[@habibpallath]

Is this applying steel epoxy is effective to prevent the gas leakage which is passing on 2bar pressurized in evaporator line..And what about to applying in the condenser and high pressure line area were 8bar pressure

[@whataboutbob9786]

Any epoxy is OK to use on low pressure side, but not on high pressure side. Need to solder high side leaks.

[@williamthomas8135]

What is the best A/c repair rechaerge video on KZbin? I've just watch 4-5 (took an hour) with a hole lot of nothing.

[@lukas______]

You pull the vacuum but shouldn't you fill it back up and leave the pressure gauge on for a while to see if it goes down? If there is a lack of refrigerant, there is a leak. It is a closed system

[@Gears.and.Gadgets]

Curious is it still holding?

[@w5cdt]

So did you leak check it?

[@jimbola77]

sweet!!!

[@georgesiatos9848]

easy repair!!!

[@martinhernandez1691]

What's the function of the vacuum for this ?

[@jamesrooney7689]

how did you know when you had 3or 4 oz of freon inside of line ???

[@princedabby8414]

hey were do u connect the high gauge because u did not show full video

[@billkrebs2307]

With closed systems on dehumidifiers & refig's you don't usually worry about hooking up to the liquid side but I suppose you could put a bullet piercing valve on the line if you wanted to bother. With the system devoid of gas you should charge by weight (look on the compressor plate to see what the gas is & how much it takes) using a scale under your jug or weigh with a kitchen scale if using a small can. 134a & r-22 go in as a gas so keep your jug/can upright.

[@sentinel929]

Once you pulled a vacuum, how did you get the AC manifold off without any air getting sucked into the system as you disconnected?

[@sentinel929]

Also, it would probably be good to point out to viewers thatyou didn't turn the can upside down. The oil and/or leak stop in that brand of r134a will wreck your compressor if you turn it upside down.

[@Froggability]

He didn't explain, perhaps he relied on the schrader, which is risky cos they're not designed to hold vacuum.. Should have released the fresh gas in through the gauge say through the high side hose

[@AuthorBeckyJAyers]

Can I ask a stupid question? If someone breaks that freon line trying to chip ice off and then smoke or whatever shoots out and they breath it in, is it dangerous? That someone is me and it just happened. 😢

[@jeffreyplumber1975]

wow sorry to hear Becky Ayeres Hope you can fix it! Btw how are you feeling I too wonder if its toxic we are all hoping your ok?

[@Jusstdoitx]

Hi, is this fridge still working well? Does that filler work good?

[@patagualianmostly7437]

No.

[@robtrauth4518]

freon is not freon. there is r134a and then there is r600a and they both require different compressors and different oils

[@B.12.T]

Is the Freon necessary for the whole fridge or just the freezer portion ? Would it still keep drinks cold if you just patched the leak and didn’t refill the Freon?

[@Jimmyhall43]

It will not cool down without the freon

[@ityanulbisri4176]

good

[@artest7]

Thanks for the video! I did this except I never pulled a vacuum. Cud that be the reason my mini fridge seems to only freeze?? Or cud it be that I added too much refrigerant? Btw, it’s NOT the thermostat. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me figure this out! 😅

[@ladyleedesamito5936]

Where can you buy this two paste?

[@mellingmichael777]

+Lady Lee Desamito Probably at Walmart or Home Depot.

[@Carlitosway211]

I doubt that thing is still working....

[@elvarfn2086]

Wow

[@pauldonaldson8445]

you afto pulled vacumm on a fridge once the coil is punctured water can sucked inside the vacumm will remove the water

[@unioncityhiller]

How come you didn’t change the filter ? Don’t you braze the connection instead of solder it.

[@jimlarsen6782]

I think that if you are doing this you already have the equipment or your neighbor does. The r-134 fitting shouldnt cost much. I kind of wonder if JB weld is better than any other epoxy, and how it reacts to being frozen. There is no option for soldering it shut that I can think of. Likely to be aluminum, but steel could be soldered or brazed.

[@jeremybeck377]

"Alumiweld" brazing rods for aluminum, if the hole is less than 1/4 inch, would work but it would definitely blacken some of the paint on the core. Would have to use a small butane torch like a pen-torch. I've worked "miracles" with Alumiweld

[@whataboutbob9786]

Any liquid epoxy will work, and isn't affected by sub zero temperatures. Brazing with aluminum is a lot messier.

[@beaumelanson6329]

why do you have to vaccum the old freon out of the compressor? Didnt it all escape in the leak?

[@madmatt2024]

He is vacuuming all of the air and moisture out of the system.

[@ehabmtamimi24]

Beau Melanson

[@filter4now]

Anyone ever fix the evaporator in the polyurethane filled fridges? I've tried fixing 3 in my life thinking they need a recharge and diagnosis - leak detection inside - FAIL. I figured once they reach this state - good luck opening them up to solder the coil. Anyone done it successfully?

[@jetzkiephilippatacsil2449]

what type of Freon for the freezer?

[@patagualianmostly7437]

FREON is a generic name.... All fridges can have a multitude of gases, especially domestic stuff.... Cars are ( I believe) 100% R134a...but many fridges and freezers can have all sorts.... R512 & R22 (Very rare now.) R502..R507.. R600... ..In the search for Ozone Friendly gas there were the following "transient" gases.... R401a. R401b.R402A & B...& R404A... But I have since come across butane based gases being used ('Based'...not "Pure Butane" per see, but a blend, a cocktail....) It's still a minefield out there. Tread carefully.

[@creativehearts7127]

I head lot of good things about JB wield..hard as metal when it drys.

[@1MNUTZ]

You're guessing on the charge level you have to check for charge by subcooling unless you've got a capillary tube then super heat

[@BillMan2002]

You just need to know how much pressure and the can tells you how much pressure of free-on to put in. Isn't it? Why nto put the right amount in?

[@zeke112964]

+William Mickelson He used a can for automobiles ....refrigerant needs to be weighed in...

[@ericzou7753]

Need to braze the valve in.

[@JoeNathan42420]

Did you watch the video? He said that..

[@mtbrefaircon]

not working properly, you need to flushing with high pressure and replace the filter water is already in compressor

[@dmitrystrelov6183]

It’s even worse there. When defrosting and puncturing the evaporator, water in commercial quantities enters the system )) The filter will no longer help. This is checked by simply heating the evaporator with a burner - if there is water, then it will begin to boil. If this is so, then there may be so-called “hooks” of the capillary tube in operation. Such a refrigerator is easier to dispose of than to drive water out of it.

[@acoustic4037]

I always appreciate when someone puts up a video to help others. The problem is that sometimes the information is not accurate. I don't recommend guessing which refrigerant you use. Also, if you really want to test this second rate patch, would you not want to pressure test? And if you're brazing to the system, why aren't you using a nitrogen flush to keep oxidation from inside the system? Ok- it's a cheap throw away, so you could say it isn't worth all the precautions, including removing the sand paper grit. I wonder why not braze the hole as opposed to jb weld? Hey, if it works for you, Rock On! But I wouldn't accept that kind of fix on my appliance if I was paying for it.

[@ricksdaname83]

Those Evaporators are aluminum. Can't braze aluminum. This is about the best repair you can hope for on one of these. It's difficult to repair them well. I've tried.

[@acoustic4037]

I'm not sure how I missed that. If it's aluminum, you would be correct. Very few people can braze aluminum. Please accept my apology if I mis-spoke or came to a conclusion with out having all the facts.

[@deanhauser6626]

don't need to pressure test if you pull a vacuum, same thing

[@Jimmyhall43]

@@deanhauser6626 pulling a vacuum is not the same as pressure test. think of it as sucking is a vacuum and blowing is pressure, The vacuum might pull the JB Weld in to the hole so it holds a vacuum but Pressure can blow it out of the hole causing it to leek

[@electricety]

We're can I get a Schrader valve at

[@XxIcybluexX]

who ever damaged it is way to impatient they could have waited 2 days for the ice to melt.

[@renrenosa1332]

what is the name of the tootpaste.

[@elvarfn2086]

Wow

[@jasonmcdonald8436]

Celcius is the 💣 🐕!

[@liquidrider]

hahahahah I loved the @3:10. Those stupid nails :D

[@johnaccer4855]

he didint change the filter drier plus that chemical cleaner got into the system. it aint working no more.

[@99quintinsnapshot]

Major Hack!

[@deanhauser6626]

well at least he got it running, what to you want for free?

[@hectorgalan408]

freon is not freon is many different kinds ? in this video you show the wrong way to do this ?? the welding is bad no silver solder ??

[@gabrielconstantine7384]

Freon is freon..lol. NO it's not, read the label to see what type of refrigerant it is.

[@monkseal7068]

You are messing up the unit!

[@sittingcow]

hey i'm a little late here but.... shut the fuck up dude

[@sittingcow]

(you're probably right, with the oil in the automotive refrigerant and all... but you didn't say anything useful at all, so...)

[@whataboutbob9786]

@@sittingcow the list of wrongs would be very long. Easier to say, learn from a different video, one that explains the "why's" and "what for's" of what they're doing. Stay curious, and keep learning👍

[@marklepe12]

😆 🤣 freon is freon

[@kennylazorchak8191]

Hope your having a great season! Here is a recent video for EXTERNAL and our Lab test data. It is starting to move across the Country, it just takes guys trying it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6vao56FedSFatE Thanks, please let me know if you need anything! Ken Lazorchak VP [e-mail] 301-928-8822 WWW.CoolAirProducts.Net

[@curtisfisher4776]

Joke!

[@jacko3404]

JB WELD IS TEMPORARILY .it won't hold for a few day and give out.

[@williamthomas8135]

"These little compressors, they have a high and a low side" as hand moves quickly back and forth and back, so who know what is what and where and why.. HOLD YOUR CAMERA STILL, AIM IT AT A GOOD DISTANCE FOR VIEWING, SLOWLY AND CLEARLY STATE THE FACTS...EDIT THE FILM AFTERWARDS. etc. I am trying to learn something from You tube videos, these 5, 10 15 minute videos folks make are DISINFORMATION . we don't need to watch the gauges slowly move for 5 minites

[@patagualianmostly7437]

Most of the videos on these repairs are of a much the sameness. People assume R134a is suitable for all fridges. It ain't. People assume they all use the same kind of lubricant. They don't. Some are mineral oils some are synthetic. Some refrigerants are non-flammable. Some are VERY inflammable. (Butane based) Some are less harmful to the ozone layers... than others: But none should be installed in a refrigerant system with a known leak....it's simply irresponsible. & not cost-effective. Best of all though: Many evaporators (The part that makes the "cold"!) are now "Invisible"...they are behind the internal walls of the fridge.... You can't even know where the damaged sections are.... The days of doing these kinds of repairs is fast disappearing: Fridges are deliberately made to be "Throw Away" by the manufacturers...especially the Chinese made ones. Chiller display cabinets are a prime example. No freezer section.. &....no "coils" on show. Best use for a faulty fridge? Storage of your power tools.!

[@rubenbright7877]

Jesus Christ is the SON of GOD & promises you eternal life if you simply believe HIM.