squeaky compressor on Coldspot Startup

[dalangdon]

What with this, that, and the other thing (I've had a lot of drama going on recently) I've just finally gotten around to getting the Coldspot up and running.

It has been on for a few days now, and everything seems fine, cooling-wise, except for a rather grating squeal from the compressor when it starts up. Is this serious, or is there anything to do about it?

I have a refrigerator repair guy that owes me big time (I gave him a tank of R-12) so even if it is a big problem, it might be OK.

When that's done, I've got to get that green light on the door working...

 

[kenwashesmonday]

I'm not sure what fridge this is, if it's from the 50s, the compressor may be mounted on or hanging from springs. Sometimes the springs will squeak and rattle when the compressor starts/stops.

Ken

 

[goatfarmer]

Make sure the compressor is mounted correctly,no loose bolts or mounts.No missing rubber mounts,or bent brackets.

 

[seamusuk]

R12

Is now illegal over here- is the same true in the US?????

 

[58limited]

In the U.S. you have to be licensed to buy R-12 and R-22. Automotive shops, appliance repairmen, and home air conditioner servicers are licensed. They have to use special scavanging equipment so that no R-12/22 leaks into the atmosphere. Most are using substitutes or are converting systems to newer refrigerants. I had my 1950 GE refrigerator recharged after Hurricane Rita (oddly, it looses all of its freon if it is turned off for a day or more, but loses none during normal on/off cycling), they used something other than R-12 and it is working fine. R-12 is so expensive now that it is cost prohibitive. I'm probably going to convert my '58 Buick to a newer gas as I'm almost out of my personal stash of R-12 (a 30 lb cylinder that I obtained years ago and have used very sparingly). When a refrigerator is discarded, many local areas have regulations that require that the freon be drained by a licensed repairman and the appliance is then tagged for pick up.

Incidentally, since R-12 became controlled, it has become one of the most smuggled items across the Mexican border.

 

[dalangdon]

I got my tank of R-12 at an estate sale years ago. I didn't know that old units could be recharged with something new - is that true of all of them, or just certain models?

 

[goatfarmer]

There are many drop in replacement refrigerants available.HotShot is one of that I've used successfully.

http://www.r-414b.net/

 

[kenwashesmonday]

These replacement refrigerants are only somewhat less damaging to the atmosphere than R12 was. Same rule applies: Fix the leak or trash the appliance.

Ken

 

[dalangdon]

How can you tell if it's leaking? Or can only the refrigerator guy tell? This thing cools like it's nobody's business, holds the temperature steady, and doesn't seem to run that much.

 

[kenwashesmonday]

Dan,
Sounds like your fridge isn't leaking.

I was referring to the previously common practice of continually adding freon to a leaking fridge. Unlike a car AC whick has lots of o-ring seals and slightly porus rubber hoses, a household refrigerator should never need freon, unless it has a leak.

Never buy a used fridge that has a tap-a-line on it (see link).

Ken D.

http://www.stridetool.com/tools/autospecialty/actoolaccess_02.html