Punctured Refrigerator Coolant Line. Fixable?

[theusedversion]

Hey ThaiVisa, I need your help once again. I have a punctured coolant line in my refrigerator and need to know if this is fixable or should I just buy a new one? It's only 6 months old...

I understand that the coolant line runs in a loop but the way that my refrigerator is made is so that the coolant has several paths it can take to complete that loop. The puncture is on what appears to be a non-vital path. I'm wondering if the puncture could just be sealed somehow and then have the coolant replaced to get the refrigerator cooling again. I've provided a picture below to show the puncture and you can clearly see the paths that the coolant runs.

What do you think? Fixable?

[prefabs]

Buy a new one. Will look a mess just getting to it. Take the sharp knife away from her when defrosting. Or buy one which is self defrosting

[rizla]

If you can get to it with the cover off the fridge i would just try squeezing flat the copper line either side of the hole (for about 2 inches), nearer to the junctions as you can see you will only lose one small section....or......get yourself a brazing torch and have a go......or try and use the epoxy liquid metal glue available in most diy shops....or even solder it if the hole aint to big............good luck...

[garyh]

That part is Aluminium, 2 Part Epoxy is the best bet to seal it as it expands slightly as it cures. As already mention no sharp objects as per the manual.

[prefabs]

Now the interesting part.

If by some chance the line gets sealed, do you have a vaccuum pump to purge it and do you have the tools to charge it with gas? Do you know what gas it is? Do you know how much it takes fo fill the system?

Let me know how you get on please

[dumball]

Now the interesting part.

If by some chance the line gets sealed, do you have a vaccuum pump to purge it and do you have the tools to charge it with gas? Do you know what gas it is? Do you know how much it takes fo fill the system?

Let me know how you get on please

Took the words out of my mouth prefabs , most things are repairable if you have the knowledge/experience/tools etc to perform that which is required , git in an expert .

[SGD]

Somchai will take your money for fixing it but it will be a bodge job. Better to buy a higher grade one which does not need defrosting.

[citizen33]

I have had a fridge 're-gased' in the past in the UK and it is still working today, but it would only be worth doing this if you can get the tube fixed properly. Re-gasing on air-cons is similar and I usually have one or two units done every year in Thailand at about 500 baht a time (gas only). Most of the tradesmen don't bother to use a vacuum pump (though I finally found one who does last time). Given that you'll get a new fridge pretty cheaply these days it may not be worth the hassle.

[prefabs]

If the leak is sealed properly, a repairman might possibly just blow some freon through the system and purge it. But it sure isn't a DIY job. In some countries, it is illegaal to tamper with refrigeration systems without a licence

[chachachacha]

if you want to get rid of it then let me know .I am looking for some broken fridges/freezers for a project I am planning .

[murrinman]

junk it to hard cheaper to replace

[garyh]

If you find a good local repairer it is most likely they could fix it for under 1000 baht. I had my car aircon fixed not long ago. The guy had to pull the unit out from under the dash repair it put it back together and regas, total bill 800 baht. I know it is not a fridge but aircon works exactly the same way and service procedures are very similar.

[theusedversion]

Anyone want to buy the refrigerator? You must pick up the fridge yourself. Will either have to pick up the fridge on Sukhumvit 50 near BTS On Nut or at Bangkok University on Rama IV Road. Not sure yet. My university is my lease owner.

The fridge was part of my lease and the owner either refuses to or cannot repair it. I have to buy a new one and I get to keep the old one. Anyone interested?

Used 6 months. Toshiba. Punctured coolant line (see original post).

[mario299]

Used 6 months. Toshiba. Punctured coolant line (see original post).

How much???

mario299