Replacing a domestic fridge compressor - JD Nel Refrigeration

Johann shows you how he changes a compressor in a domestic fridge

[@fsoileau]

I love a tradesman that can explain it in simple terms. I am not an HVAC Tech but I have replaced a few compressors. Find the lbs, and ozs from the specs put the bottle on a scale, and charge the system. This method of watching for line frost is so intuitive and straightforward that it blows my mind. Simply that's what we are looking for. Thank You. Worth a Subscribe.

[@kojsiusoaliu6772]

You cant vent r600 or r290 but cmon man just recover that r134 for god's sake

[@rodgraff1782]

What is even worse he vented R12, when he blew out the lines

[@strimbimmin328]

Welcome to refrigeration done outside the USA/Canada lol they don’t give a damn

[@beanwellnkhata8092]

Thanks Johann, I always enjoy your videos.

[@vusilukhele2943]

Thank you. Always learning a lot from your videos. God bless you.

[@ethansys2725]

Informative video, as always. Learned a lot from your videos.

[@vanheemskerk1]

Hey Johannes. Nice video, thanx! Groetjes uit Nederland

[@foreverendeavors6210]

I would have liked to watched the brazing/solder procedure.

[@hennieroets3189]

Baie dankie vir die inligting. Ek het die stawe bestel en die sweiswerk was baie maklik. Nog maals dankie vir jou ondervinding wat jy deel.

[@syedbasheer8210]

Excellent job...

[@mikegalgano4567]

WOW your allowed to vent 134a to atmosphere in your country! Wouldn't it make sense to pull refrigerant out to a tank to use later?

[@ILGuy2012]

Thanks for making this video. This looks a little too complicated than what I care to tackle.

[@nunurbuisness5578]

I love fixing things. I recently repaired my old dry now it's good as new. It kinds sucks the equipment needed to repair a freezer though

[@vlogcity1111]

A vacuum pump can be made easily with an old fridge compressor that still runs they draw hundreds of psi in vacuum

[@The-Mattman]

Love your vids,very down to earth. Would it be ok to use r12 refrigerant in place of r290a ?. I have a couple of old r12 cans i could use up.

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

Yes, they are very happily compatible on small domestic fridges. On the bigger ones though the capillary size might be a little bit too big.

[@lonniesmith104]

And they're very illegal to.

[@The-Mattman]

@@lonniesmith104 well, it’s worth it, nice cold beers now :-)

[@bru319]

I have a new Embraco compressor with 3 rubber factory stub plugs. Is there a trick to pulling them out because the heads want to tear off. They are hollow and I was thinking that maybe you push a blunt wire in the there to stretch the plug and then they come out but what is your opinion? I like your tips about dealing with factory braised solder on the connections. I plan on using Harris Stay Brite 4% silver wire which melts at a much lower temperature than brazing.

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

If the rubber plugs break off inside the compressor, I would, if I can get one of the 3 out, put gas pressure into the compressor through the one that you've managed to get out and with a gas welding torch heat the others up and they will just pop out.

[@johnnyriser8519]

Hello. I enjoy your videos! When you determined the line was frosting, and the system was overcharged, you released some gas. Since you were connected to the suction side, and the system was running, did you turn the system off briefly to allow it to build up pressure before releasing pressure, or how did you manage the release of gas? My thinking was if the release was attempted through the suction side while the system was running, you would pull in outside air. Just trying to see if there was a trick to doing it that I overlooked. Thanks., and keep the videos coming!!

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

If your suction pressure runs in a vacuum you have to switch the compressor off, but with R12 the suction very seldom goes near a vacuum, so you can blow off the gas while the compressor is running.

[@joeshumo9457]

But it’s an r134 system that you vented to atmosphere. Certainly not R12. Unless you retrofitted the entire system. This video has far too many problems.

[@elektrolyte]

excellent video!! moooi MAN!!!

[@chrispfeif5552]

Hi Johann, lekker video. i would be able to do it myself if i had the gas and tools for soldering.. anyways. I want to ask can you, as in your company, replace my AEG fridge compressor, it ran on CCl2F2. it should be the same physics as the newer R-134 gases right? the comp is making a high pitched whistling noise. I am in CPT though...

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

Yes I can replace it.

[@bateeification]

Hi Johann... I have a KIC super cool fridge. The freezer does it's part in a matter of mins, but the fridge is not as efficient. It cools but stuff doesn't get as cold as it would on a normal operating fridge. Could it be a gas leak?

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

From the little information you are giving me, I really can't say. I would need to test your fridge.

[@antoniov4152]

Just found your channel and wanna thank you for what you do sir. My refrigerator has a leak is a KitchenAid 5 door is expensive but got it for cheap I added a car freon stop leak can r134a what is your take on that?

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

I've heard of the stop leak solution but I have not used it myself. I would spend some time to find the puncture and repair it.

[@antoniov4152]

@@JDNelRefrigeration so far the stop leak car freon has done the trick . I thank you for your response keep up the great work you do.

[@s96822]

Does it help to use liquid on brazed pipes to check for leaks? I recall before charging an AC minisplit you must maintain steady vacuum prior to charging. Not with a fridge?

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

If you are unsure of a weld it is a good idea to use a liquid leak detecting solvent. I draw vacuum in the whole system for about 2 minutes that's all you need to remove all the air from the system before charging.

[@J.T323]

Thanks,this video helped me alot...thanks for sharing your knowledge...

[@godleykoena7245]

We appreciate yr good job sir and yr experience

[@johnnieveight4925]

i wish we had guys like you in the UK, seams like fridge engineers over here just say the fridge is old and to just throw it away!!

[@166Roberto]

I don't wish to see these guys in the UK. First thing we learned was not to release the harmful refrigerant into the atmosphere

[@Beelzebub73]

@@166Roberto r134a is not a ozone depleting gas so you just told us you learned nothing without actually saying it

[@jackmorgan709]

@@Beelzebub73 BUT it is a very potent grenhouse gas which is not great.

[@MrJrryhy460]

Can you use a regular propane soldiering torch? Or do I have to get a MAP gas torch? Can I use regular soldering fill? I want to thank you for sharing this DIY repair to help me save money during these trying times.

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

Yes you can use a propane torch, rather not use soldering, get the proper rods

[@MrJrryhy460]

@@JDNelRefrigeration I cannot say enough thanks for sharing this to everyone. This helps.

[@michaelbaltay7916]

Hi, Thx. helpful video. Question: I am rebuilding sub zero refrigerator running R134a. 1.Other than adapting connections, is there any reason why cannot use automotive R134a in new installed residential Embraco compressor and new evaporator? 2. Do you need any oil additives for new residential AC system? Thx.

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

134a whether automotive or domestic or commercial is the same thing. As far as my knowledge stretches 134a is not used in household air conditioning. They use R22 or 407c or 410

[@tbone6354]

If you add purified water to the compressor before regassing then there is no need to vacuum

[@mdsadamahmed1208]

Thanks sir Refrigerator chamber making system vedio uploaded

[@Talib827]

Hi is it necessary to do flushing when replacing a compressor if gas was coming out? And if you did do flushing what Is your suitable way of doing it.

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

If the system is clean I do not flush it. If the system is dirty there is a few different types of flushing agent available for different applications.

[@boashna]

anybody can answer this my system use ptc system. I am not sure if I use the correct ptc but I hear and see the overload activited and working. is that mean the ptc is correct and motor stuck .. what happens if ptc fits but wrong ..

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

You have to run the compressor through an amp meter and see whether the compressor draws the correct current according to the manufacturers specifications.

[@bobbofly]

I'm assuming the replacement compressor utilizes ester oil, since you're mixing r12 & 134a? Either that or you meant you're refilling with *r12a* which is basically propane, sans the odor additive?

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

The oil on small domestic fridges does not cause a problem

[@m.n.3490]

I would have like to see you do the welding.

[@dale3645]

Very helpful video but I’m not sure I understood a comment you made to someone. I will use map gas torch. I wasn’t understanding WHAT solder or flux to use from your video or comments. What would I ask for or look for in the store?

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

I use acetylene welding which creates a hotter flame than map gas but there is no problem with using map gas. We get lots of different grades of silver solder in South Africa with different types of silver content. The one with the highest silver content is called mattibraze 34. The flux powder I use is the same that is used on precious metals - for silver brazing alloys at temperatures up to 800 degrees celcius. We used Easy-flo flux powder.

[@dale3645]

Thanks, I’m doing project today!!!!!!!!

[@johnnyriser8519]

Hello. What type silicone did you use to glue the defrost tray back on with? Thanks.

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

I buy a white multipurpose rubber silicone.

[@johnnyriser8519]

Thanks. I will try to find some.

[@douglas747wct]

Eish...lekker! Baie dankie.

[@NickAnderson-rc4gt]

I wish to know how may I switch a 220vac compressor into 12vac. How to rewind it, what wire gauge to use, etc. I wand to operate my refreg on battery without using an inverter. Is it possible?

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

You can buy a 12volt compressor I do not think you can rewind a 220v compressor into a successful 12volt compressor.

[@hemtet5500]

Does a fridge freezer have the same set up? thanks

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

They are all similar.

[@qrocks01]

hi.. how do you calculate what sise compressor to install if there is no specs on it?

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

All compressors are marked with specifications, either with codes that you can look up what displacement, BTU & power consumption or some mark the power consumption on the compressor itself. If there is no markings you can use an educated guess according to the size of your fridge.

[@1caniac327]

you should've shown the welding part

[@beanomino]

Morning please can you tell me what type of paint can i use to paint inside my fridge

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

Rust-oleum.

[@katojeremiah]

Should the drier be replaced whenever a compressor is being replaced

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

Yes because it is a filter & no matter how clean or hygienic you think the job is done, there is always a little bit of impurities and secondly a drier is a very inexpensive part.

[@rmoran9999]

When you pinched it and then sold it the end of the line. Wouldn't air want to blow back out of that joint?

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

No.

[@rmoran9999]

Ty

[@twincam825]

Do you purge with nitrogen when soldier .

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

No I use the same type of refrigerant that the system will run on.

[@nchomey]

Thanks for the video. Why do you aim for 10psi? I've seen numbers from 0-4in vacuum all the way up to 22psi. Is this a fridge only or a fridge/freezer? Thanks!

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

Different gasses work on different pressures. In this video the fridge was charged with R12. If I had used a different gas my initial charge would have been a different pressure.

[@nchomey]

@@JDNelRefrigeration understood. Thanks! Any suggestions for r134a in a fridge/freezer? Pressure/temp tables lead me to believe that around 0psi is ideal for this situation.

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

@@nchomey 0 psi will be achieved at a very cold evaporation temperature, but starting off with a warm fridge, pressure should also be around 10psi

[@nchomey]

@@JDNelRefrigeration thanks! Yes, I mean aiming for 0 psi when the fridge/freezer is fully cold. I have about 3psi right now when cold/running and it's about 13 when the compressor is off. Seems like it could be a bit lower - there is frost on the suction line, almost to the compressor.

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

@@nchomey If you blow a little bit of gas off, the frost on the suction line should melt.

[@lobdsk]

Can you any compressor that fits it a refrigerator?

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

Yes, you can fit any compatible compressor

[@seanborman3261]

Johann, thanks for posting these videos. I was very surprised to see you vent R-134a into the atmosphere since it's a potent greenhouse gas. Just 1kg of R-134a has the same warming effect as 1.43 metric *tons* of CO2 (R-134a GWP is 1430). Here in the US there's an effort underway to phase out high GWP refrigerants like R-134a. R-12 is even worse since it's a CFC that breaks down the ozone layer as well as being an extremely powerful greenhouse gas. R-12 was banned under the Montreal Protocol that was pun in place after we realized that CFCs were responsible for ozone depletion. R-12 has a GWP of 10900, so venting 1 kg of R-12 is equivalent to releasing almost 11 tons of CO2! To put that into perspective, that's the amount of CO2 released from burning a little over 4000 liters of diesel in a vehicle engine. Crazy, huh? Though it *seems* harmless to release the charge from a fridge, I hope my info shows you that's not the case. Please will you consider capturing the gas and having it destroyed properly? I know SA isn't subject to the environmental laws that apply in many other countries, but the atmosphere and climate doesn't really care where the release occurs. We're all in this together. Met groot respek en dankie.

[@AirmanJH]

How do you propose capturing the gas when there is no service port?

[@hallcrash]

@@AirmanJH tap it with a line piercing saddle valve.

[@hallcrash]

Its cost effective to capture the gas. It can be dried and reused. I'm suprised the company who supplies the gas you use doesn't pay you for recovered gas.

[@nkujajunior8373]

Sir please solve these problem how do you test that you did not block the filter drier after welding it in and how do you test a working compressor that it will be able to run with gas

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

If the gas circulates it means there is no blockage. A quick test - put power on the compressor let it run for a few seconds while holding your finger on the high side tube to feel if it builds up pressure.

[@tbone6354]

A good idea is to fill the compressor with water before regassing. Then it will run cooler

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

Less than one drop of water in the system will freeze and cause a blockage.

[@tomsawer8696]

WOW - you do understand that R134A is a danger to ozone layer and is illegal to release like that?

[@MJ-uz4zw]

Just out of curiosity why didn’t you just cut the suction and high pressure side lines rather than un soldering them off. It looked like you had enough line to complete the job. Thanks for the informative video

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

I do sometimes cut the pipes off, but for this demonstration video I showed that you can do the joints without cutting the pipes off.

[@MJ-uz4zw]

@@JDNelRefrigeration awesome I’m getting ready to do my compressor swap later today. Also when pulling a vacuum does it remove any moisture from the system?

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

@@MJ-uz4zw Yes it does but rather than removing moisture try and prevent moisture from entering the system while changing the compressor

[@enduringpromise]

I see you are in South Africa. In the USA we must evacuate R134A into a recovery tank and return it to a recovery center.

[@chrispfeif5552]

yea i was wondering about that too. i guess the work space there is well ventilated. i checked wiki ,it seems R134a has an insignificant ozone depletion potential, but i agree it should be saved/'recycled'.

[@rodgraff1782]

@@chrispfeif5552 Yea, but he also purged and vented R12, which one of the first refrigerants that were banned. It is much greater as far as ozone depletion, along with R11, R22, and R500. South Africa agreed to follow the Montreal Protocol on January 15, 1990, so he is required to recover the refrigerant.

[@TheHolyFlapjack]

A bottle of r-12 that big would go for a pretty penny over here in the US…..

[@fahimzaywari5318]

in which country you are located.

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

South Africa

[@beanomino]

Please can you explain the difference between a dual compressor fridge and a single compressor

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

On a dual compressor fridge the one compressor will work the fridge side & the other compressor will work the freezer side. On a single compressor. One compressor works both the fridge and freezer.

[@beanomino]

@@JDNelRefrigeration thank you

[@almighymole2142]

Use a scale for correct charge

[@stevejrsalazar3011]

Why didn't you capture the freon???

[@alexdavis7872]

Shouldn’t you have recovered the refrigerant in the system?

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

On a small domestic I do not recover the gas but on larger refrigeration equipment I do recover.

[@orutraorutra6452]

Sorry, but no mater what you should use a recovery refrigiration equipment and not just vent it to the air to increase the ODP and GWP. If you past and have your EPA license you know that you can be fined for this actions.

[@agamparihar4033]

Where. Is. Your. Shop. Address.

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

we are located at 37 5th street, Linden, Johannesburg

[@joeduca6071]

you have to run nitrogen inside the tube when brazing or carbon will build up inside them and it will destroy the compressor soon

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

I you notice, I did flush the system with the type of refrigerant that I use for the charge before fitting the pencil dryer

[@rodgraff1782]

@@JDNelRefrigeration purging with R12 is not going to remove the scale.

[@Gaz888]

Don't you Guys have laws about discharging gas into the atmosphere we do! That stuff puts massive holes in the izone

[@tubatits]

We do in Canada, also for who can purchase. My experience has the vast majority of retailers have no idea about asking for the certification, before the purchase. I regret taking the course because the government is doing nothing about enforcement.

[@rodgraff1782]

@@tubatits His country agreed to the Montreal Protocol on January 15, 1990, which banned the practice of discharging Ozone Depleting refrigerants.

[@XX-mi7kq]

EPA watching this 👁️👁️

[@coffeeseven]

Definitely not a U.S. compressor change. Let's just let a the gas out LOL

[@TheRayMaynard]

EPA would love this. obviously not in USA.

[@chemicalcowpoke307]

EPA has no say in RSA...

[@rodgraff1782]

@@chemicalcowpoke307 Maybee, but South Africa agreed to follow the Montreal Protocol on January 15, 1990. It requires him to recover the refrigerant.

[@drpoundsign]

I'm a pretty well off late middlle-aged guy. But, I'm PISSED about my twenty year old inherited GE refrigerator (probably) dying. )-; I lost a leg of power back in July, and the surge probably doomed the compressor. There is a humming noise, the light inside (along with lights in my house) dim, and it clunks towards the end of it's -all too frequent now-cycle. The surges FROM the fridge have probably taken out my HVAC transformer for the second time. This repair looks complicated. I cleaned the coils in back and slots in the cardboard today. These puppies used to last forever in the OLD days.

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

I don't know where you are but you would need a technician to examine it and diagnose the fault.

[@drpoundsign]

@@JDNelRefrigeration I did an experiment last night. I unplugged the fridge for ten minutes, and STILL had flickering lights. What's Really Weird is that when I turn on an overhead light near the fridge, it sounds almost normal. But, when it's OFF, it makes that "dying" sound. I am DEF calling the electrician today

[@ashrafkarjiker6888]

Why don’t you install a service valve on the compressor

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

The type of service valves we get in South Africa has a plastic seal inside and from the heat of the compressor I find that after a couple of years it can develop a leak.

[@rodgraff1782]

It’s best best practice everywhere to remove the access valve, pinch off and braze the end of the process tube, just like he did in the video.

[@rodgraff1782]

Why did you not recover the refrigerant? South Africa agreed to follow the Montreal Protocol on January 15, 1990, which makes it illegal to vent ozone depleting gasses, including R134A and R12 refrigerants. Hope no one with authority to enforce it sees your video. just cut the lines. Just running your vacuum pump for two minutes does not prove you had a good vacuum. You did remove your service valve and resealed the process tube, which is very good.

[@JDNelRefrigeration]

On big refrigeration plants I do recover the gas but not on the small domestics.

[@shawnrasch3827]

cutters are not recovery equipment

[@user-kl7gu2vb5h]

Hy

[@bluecollardownunder3616]

Oh my goodness! Really? You didn’t recovered the refrigerant? 😳 stop making video tutorial dude! 🤦

[@networkingdude]

You don't vent gas to the atmosphere... You don't put random amounts of gas in, you weight it to the correct amount... There's lots of good info here but please don't take these shortcuts.

[@edsecce5685]

I guess that gas is harmless to humans and the environment

[@foreverendeavors6210]

134a is harmless.

[@edsecce5685]

@@foreverendeavors6210 thanks

[@davemcgaffney9401]

I'm was surprised seeing the R134a being vented to the atmosphere... The use of obsolete R12 and no real measurement of the quantity of refrigerant... Here in the USA they would be all over you with large fines over the depletion of the ozone layer... Must be nice not having government all over you...

[@foreverendeavors6210]

I previously put that it is harmless, that is a pretty loose statement, I wouldn't go scuba diving with it lol, all joking aside it should properly be recovered.

[@kojsiusoaliu6772]

Not for the environment..

[@maureenv8312]

Very bad camera

[@Riffuchs]

To be frank, I stopped watching the video when I saw the refrigerant being wented to atmosphere. Not like there's rules about how to handle refrigerants environment friendly. And not likes those rules are there for a reason. But hey... it's YT, every non-professional can show off and act like he's doing good work. Some click and some more cents from from YT make it worth to vent refrigerants doing a ton of damage to the climate to the atmosphere, yes? God grief.