Refrigerator charging gas procedure

Refrigerators that are not cooling sufficiently , running constantly, with freezer temperatures between +20F to +35F degrees, and unable to make ice or keep ice cream hard, are frequently discarded if no problems are found with coils , cold controls, fans, worn-out motors, etc.
GE refrigerators with this symptom most likely have starving evaporators, meaning, the amount of gas in the system is low.
Charging gas (134a) is inexpensive ($3.00 or less per charge), fast (30 min average)

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• refrigerator
• not cooling
• charging
• gas
• procedure
• 134a

[goodhope2001]

thx a lot :) , here are more questions then:

1- is the 0 psi at the suction line a bit low?

2 - does the pressure vary with temprature and frige size? would be great if you can offer tables

3 - how can i make sure no liquid gets in?

[Mistizul]

Hi, You have good questions. I figured out this procedure when we were replacing some refrigs just because they were not cooling enough at my job in an apt community. Not to much info about this out there.

1- That's what a good one has: 0 psi

2- All reserches I did was with GE domestic refrigerators. I have no tables :(

3- When charging, Just don't put the can upside down.

[moparman20]

This procedure works great. I've used it at my home. BUT one concern still exists. IF the unit is low to begin with, where did the refrigerant go? Anyone that's had any type of refrigeration training knows it doesn't get 'consumed' as most people think. So I would consider this a temporary fix unless the leak is found and repaired. BUT it saved me a new fridge for the last year now, and going strong.

[Mistizul]

Hi moparman20, I'm glad to hear you save time and some money! How old is your refrig? never mind. You are right, it has a leak somewhere. You can try to find it and fix it or wait. Since I figured out this procedure more than two years ago, I have those refrig still cooling great.

Good luck

Ernesto

[goodhope2001]

hello,thx for the video, i am new a/c student, i have some questions:

1 - is there need to purge air from blue hose first b4 connecting to the ircing valve?

2 - is it more safe to charge while motor of in case any liquid get's in? and to what psi then? i think it's relative to temprature.

3 - is it possible to cooenct yellow hose directly to the 3/8" valve of the gas can?

[Mistizul]

1- Yes, we should purge both yellow/blue hoses before connecting to the piercing valve.

2-The pressure readings with the motor off is not accurate. We should try with the motor running and gas only.

3- If the yellow connector fits directly to the gas can, is ok. There are different types of adapters. Remember you need to pierce the can also.

Any suggestions to improve this procedure are welcome. Let me know how are you doing please. Good luck!

[carib0055]

Este procedimiento es inadecuado. Es muy riesgoso la junta de la valvula puede fallar y al tiempo aspirar aire y contaminarse el sistema con humedad. No todos las situaciones de baja presion significa poco refrigerante.

[BestRefrigerator10]

this is perfect video, full info, thanks

[Garys1967mustang]

Great info. Most of my units have whirlpool or Kenmore and have 3 to 4 line coming of the compressor. One is the factory fill line that is crimped and soldered off. Which one is the suction line?

[tbuttz]

I just added the freon last month and my freezer temp is at 0 or below for the last month. Seems to be working great so thank you for this easy fix.

[7jack7]

Could you please explain what is 'psg'?

thnx

[archeryman5000]

Just to point out a few things. Not cooling does not always mean the refrigerant leaked out, in 134a systems it is a fact that 80 percent of the time the capillary tube is restricted or clogged. In the USA it is illegal for anyone to open a refrigerant system if you are not EPA licensed. Lastly, the refrigeration unit should not be running at 0 psi and you can not judge the proper charge by suction pressure only. When the there is a leak it is best to find it, fix it, vacuum the system down.

[insaniact]

I tried this on my refrigerator. My friend let me borrow his 30 lbs tank of freon. I think I may have really messed up. I filled it with fluid instead of gas. Yep, careless reading and like an idiot I turned the tank upside down. Can this be resolved, or am I out of luck? If it can be resolved, how so...Thanks

[phillipfreakintarvin]

first make siure the conensor is clean.a cooked compressor isnt worth putting freon in.check the amp draw on the compressor after you charge it.compare your reading with the data plate.if its higher,push the refrigerator out the front door and buy a new one.if refrigerant is being cooked before boiling off youre wasting money.and piercing valves do leak so pay exxtra and solder in a line tap ,purge with nitrogen,pull a vacuum and for god sake find the leak and REPAIR before wasting money.

[airlocka]

exacly tgo22474 plus if it has a leak and you charge it its only going to leak again if not fixed properly hope everyone who trys it gets refrigerant burn

[airlocka]

exacly tgo22474 plus if it has a leak and you charge it its only going to leak again if not fixed properly