Refrigerator freon charge and compressor question

**71 Fish** · #1 02-11-2009, 08:50 AM

Will the amount of freon needed for a full charge be listed on the refrigerator somewhere?

I do not have any history on this refrigerator so I do not know for sure but it appears to have a new compressor installed that was never ran or re-charged with freon. Do new refrigerator compressors come with oil in them or do I need to add oil as well? Would it hurt to add an oil charge just in case?

**Mike77015** · #2 02-11-2009, 09:05 AM

Most refers will have the amount needed on the label. Is the unit still in a vaccum? Blended refrigerants have to be charged as a liquid. Do not add extra oil to the compressor.

**71 Fish** · #3 02-11-2009, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike77015

Most refers will have the amount needed on the label. Is the unit still in a vaccum? Blended refrigerants have to be charged as a liquid. Do not add extra oil to the compressor.

I opened what I believe is the service fittings valve (allen wrench screw in the middle of the service valve) and nothing came out or went in so it does not appear to be in a vaccum. It's possible they pulled one and it leaked in thru the service valve maybe.

Are you saying that new compressors DO come with oil in them?

It is 134a, is this a blended refrigerant?

**Mike77015** · #4 02-11-2009, 09:38 AM

Yes new compressors come with oil. If you can pull the unit into vaccum, find amount of charge on the system which should be ounces flip the bottle upside down when charging it. There is oil in refrigerant.

**Mont** · #5 02-11-2009, 09:42 AM

do yourself a favor and throw the whole thing away. Once the sealed system on a refrigerator is compromised, it's worse than useless. That tap valve you are talking about is definately going to leak.

**Mike77015** · #6 02-11-2009, 09:51 AM

Mont is right. If the unit is a high end system it might be worth repairing. If there is a leak in the system, acid will form in the refrigerant and eventually eat the windings in the compressor.

**tinman** · #7 02-11-2009, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mont

do yourself a favor and throw the whole thing away. Once the sealed system on a refrigerator is compromised, it's worse than useless. That tap valve you are talking about is definately going to leak.

Kudos Mont! Spoken like a true professional. Much more headaches than they will ever be worth.
Tinman