How to Add Freon/Refrigerant to a Refrigerator with a Piercing Valve - Easy DIY Repair!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.พ. 2023
- In this video, I demonstrate how I repaired a mini fridge that had its refrigerant leak out by adding more refrigerant. Before attempting this project, check your owner's manual and other diagnostic information to ensure you have a refrigerant problem, not something else.
While this video demonstrates adding R-134a to a refrigerator, the procedure is nearly identical for R-12, R290, R600a (isobutane, common on modern appliances), or any other refrigerant. It works on water coolers and similar appliances too.
Links to tools and materials used:
Refrigerant is best obtained locally to avoid shipping issues with pressurized gases.
Can tap, pressure gauge, and hose set (don't use the included piercing valve):
www.amazon.com/dp/B098FM84CK
Supco piercing valve:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00... - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
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Thank you for showing us how to do this. It's getting too expensive to take things places, so we are learning to do stuff ourselves. This is very helpful. I didn't know it was that easy.
I was on the verge of throwing my wine cooler in the trash. I had previously changed the starter relay and that fixed it the first time. The second time it didn't respond to the replacement. So, I watched your video and implemented your instructions. After about 24 hours for the cooler to cycle, I had my dual zone cooler working with the upper zone at 46 degrees and the lower zone at 60 degrees. Thanks for the video. Ciao, Rocco
Glad to hear that it worked for your wine cooler! Cheers! 🥂
Good video. I recommend cleaning the copper tubing with some sandpaper before adding the freon port.
Just saved me $350!!!
Great video!
That’s a nice video after cleaning the tube attach it evenly like you show ty for the easy to diy video.
great step by step thank you
Thank you, nice video. Excellent and helpful video.
Thank you this helped your a hero ❤
Many pro's would tell you that these valves always leak. The reason they leaked was they were not installed correctly. You MUST CLEAN the tube you're installing it onto. I've installed thousands of these valves and not one ever leaked! Just like any other gasket the mounting surface must be clean. I use a piece of steel wool or even a piece of Brillo pad and wipe it clean with alcohol.
I used the green side of a sponge which is basically a Brillo pad to clean it.
@@DragonBuildswhere can I buy the taping valve. I keep seeing piercing valves. Thanks
Yeah, I used 1500 grit Emory. Mine seems fine so far.
@@marciawilliams8990it's the same thing
@@williamflanigan2829 Thanks
The piercing valve as shown will most likely interfere with the rear cover when you try to put it back, it should be installed with the hose port facing up. Also 10 psi maybe a bit high. As a rule a thumb, the compressor should pull 0.8 to 1 amp. Overcharging the compressor with freon will make it perform poorly, increase power consumption and may damage it. Always check your fridge thermistor and starter relay before.
Yes, it is important to check the starter relay, thermistor and other components first, as well as making sure that the compressor runs! In my case, the fridge didn't have a rear cover so it was not a concern, but that's definitely something to be aware of.
Rear covers are usually on fully sized fridges with condenser fans, as steady air flow in an open space attracts a lot of dust and gunk. In a stagnant little-air flow environment, majority of mini fridge manufacturers don't put covers on as it would only leave less cooling for the compressor.
Good point. Also, check the refrigerator spec tag/sticker to make sure you have the correct refrigerant. I'm not sure what most companies use but I just recovered the refrigerant from an old 1990 Frigidaire and it was 134a also. I have an old coke machine (60's) that uses R-12.
Hi. What could be wrong with my aor dryer with compressor and R290 if the pressure is going UP when the compressor is working? Same is showing on both pipes. Thanks
I have a Danby Silhouette under counter dual zone wine cooler and beverage center that has been diagnosed with a freon leak. I was told that it is a sealed system and cannot be repaired so I should toss the unit and buy another unit. Will your repair work on this unit?
so did u do it when the compressor was running? when do u run the compressor?
Many thanks!!
First of all, anyone doing this should check the sticker on the unit to make sure you have the correct refrigerant. There are lots of different ones in use now. At 7:14 you said to confirm 5-10 psi then shut the piercing valve off then you said with the refrigerator running check to see if you have 5-10 psi in the system. You can't read what's in the system with the piercing valve closed. I'm an auto tech so I'm not that familiar with the refrigerators. Should've let people know to put the valve on the low side pipe which is the larger one. It also looked like the pressure while NOT running was about 40 psi but it was hard to see the gauge. it would have been nice for you to tell us.
I have an old coke machine I want to fix but it uses R-12 and I don't want to waste it so i'll put some in and use a refrigerant detector to try to find the leak. I can solder any leaking lines but if it's a coil I don't know what I'll do. I do have a friend that can weld thin aluminum evaps and condensers with a gas torch.
Please I have a question 🙋♂️
Why my cheese freezer only has halfway freezing.
Thanks 🙏
Pretty helpful video, i have 2 concerns. 1. Wich line i choose to put the adapter on, 2. After i am done putting freon should i take the adapter back off so i can close the cover plate properly or i have to leave the adapter on. Thank you for your video.
You should put the saddle valve on the low side refrigerant line. After you are done, remove the adapter and put the cap back on.
How do you that using R134a refridgerent? Looking on line it looks like refrigerators use R410.
The process is the same for R410 or any refrigerant. You just have to use a different gauge and refrigerant
Just to make sure to check the manufacturer plate it will tell you what refrigerant to use . And how much the system holds most small appliances runs are 7 to 7.4 oz . Always adding a piecing valve reclaim what’s in it pull a vacuum then weigh it in . I always use gages. And braze in two ports on on the low side and high side and make sure the condenser coil is clean. Check amps and high side pressure it will tell you a lot. Lot of times leaks are in the evaporator. Also if it doesn’t cool it can be number of things like the thermostat. Or evaporator fan not working. If you have low suction and high head pressure there a restriction somewhere. Could be line dryer or in the condenser coil or evaporator coil. Good job on the video short and straight too the point.
So did you repair the leak??
@DragonBuilds, from what I’ve read some automotive r-134a has other junk in it does that not effect the fridge? Also how do you know how much psi to get? I have a converted system from r-12 and am unsure if I should do the original pressure or the pressure of the new compressor.
Most automotive R-134a should be fine for a fridge. If you converted a system from R-12 you should use the pressure of the new compressor. However, this does seem unusual as most R-12 retrofits do not replace the compressor.
I enjoyed your enthusiasm in your decision to attempt this type of repair. I do understand people are always looking for the quicker cheaper repair and in some cases you may find such a repair. My experience tells me , not this time. This kind of repair can leave you in a much worse situation then you first started with. Now having said that on occasion this type of repair may yield some type of short term positive result. Problem is that, hey on a $30 mini bar fridge , you want to give it a shot , go for it. Unfortunately many people my be tempted to try this kind of repair on the $5000 Sub Zero Unit and cause some high end problems. If I may suggest a clear disclaimer is in order. Just saying ......ohh and I believe the can goes upside down. I like to continually shake them as they are refilling. I do like the short burst idea while refilling and keeping the pressure low. Good video. Thank you for making it
Thanks for commenting! The mini fridge is still working great, and it is being used as a wine cooler. I agree that this isn't a good idea for a high end kitchen refrigerator.
if you bought a Sub Zero, you’re probably just going to hire someone to fix it! 😉
The cans say to keep the top up. I’m pretty sure if you turn it upside down, the liquid refrigerant will come out, instead of the gas.
On a mini-fridge that would normally cost as much as you paid for it to repair it, yes. On a whole family sized kitchen fridge, just pay to get it professionally checked for seals, patched, brazed, and recharged.
These really aren't meant for higher end items. Mainly for wind, mini split, and rv air conditioners. Things where having a tech come out and doing a proper repair will cost as much or more than just buying a new item. That and temporary repairs until you can get a proper job done. That being said I've used these That have lasted years with mo leaks or issues. I pit a little thread locker on the screws and piercing valve to make sure nothing backs off and creates a leak. But that option is up to whoever does the work.
So do you use both spacers or nothing on the top with the spike
The spacers you use depend on the pipe size
I did this after thinking this free mini fridge I got needed a recharge (don’t think it did) it had a bad switch relay which I replaced but the fridge wouldn’t go above 60F even with the temp knob set to 7 , I replaced the thermostat and still having the same issue, the freezer tray is cold but wet. I have tried turning the thermostat screw counterclockwise and currently monitoring it but I am not sure what the issue is. Also the outer sides and top of the fridge are super hot.
Symptoms of overfilling
Good stuff. Someone piecred a hole in a fin of a fridge someone gave me....trying to get ice out. Patched hole and used a compressor to get the air out and put in freon. It gets cold but compressor overheats after awhile and shuts off. Maybe it's just bad. But I also noticed oil inside the freezer area around where the hole was. Do I need to use an oil recharge of sorts..like we do on autos? Just wondered if that caused it to overheat. I know it was working ok as I there the day my buddy asked if wanted it (he got a bigger one for shop).
If the oil leaked out you could try an oil recharge, I have seen them at auto parts stores.
Does anyone know why my pressure gauge is reading 70 psi when I open up the piercing valve to get an initial read?
Definitely not showing up as negative pressure. I’m 99% positive I’m installed on the suction line.
Those fridges allways have leak on the internal condenser, yup that heat do you feel on the fridge external wall thats the condenser, if you add more refrigerant and you have a small leak on that hig pressure, you goin to make bigger hole and you need to add refrigerant so often
You should put the valve on the stub (right side), not the return line.
They are connected internally so it doesn't really matter.
@@timusa3937 Nobody will go through the trouble of replacing a compressor on a cheapo mini fridge.
@@timusa3937- exactly - it is not a good idea to place it on the suction line. That is what the stub is for.
What was the total
So blue side is okay?
great stuff. I almost tossed this mini fridge someone gave me. But I see they must have used a screwdriver to chip away the ice in the freeze part. I put some epoxy over the holes and followed along with what youve' done here. It's getting cold but compressor stopped afterawhile and was really hot. I might have done something wrong so I'll retrace my steps. But I did wonder about the oil that clearly came out of the holes the guy created. Should I try to replenish that? Not sure if those oil recharge things would help that. Again..good stuff.
If someone poked a hole in the refrigerant line and it all leaked out, you need to use a vacuum pump to remove all air from the system before recharging which is a significantly more involved project.
I got a free refrigerator from a place I deliver to and after some inspection I found that someone had attempted to put Freon in it but they didn’t know what line to add the Freon so they tried to put it in both the high line and the low line. Is there any way to fix this without being very expensive?
If they damaged the high side line then you will need to repair that section of tubing by brazing it.
I can't tell if the compressor is running or not while doing this procedure. No noise throughout. Can you tell me when to turn it on and off?
I turned on the compressor when adding refrigerant and turned it off after I had finished adding it.
When refilling Do you turn the compressor on lowest settings or max settings
The compressor's speed cannot be changed, the switch only controls the temperature. I left the door open and set the switch to the coldest setting to allow the compressor to run.
Thank you sir for the detailed and clear instructions. I did not know that there was a tapping valve for these systems to DIY. I was wondering if you know if the same one works for a can of R12 for systems that use that refrigerant?
The same tapping valve will work with an R12 system but you will need to fill your system with the proper refrigerant, most likely a modern R12 replacement.
@@DragonBuilds I appreciate that. I plan to get one as soon as I determine if my system requires it. The external sides of the chest freezer are warm, but inside it won't cool below 15°F. I just replaced the relay.
Here's a short video that I hope is as much a blessing to you as it is to me.
th-cam.com/video/SApM-HaFo60/w-d-xo.html
Unless you stored up R12 you can’t purchase it in the USA . Mexico will sell it to you then confiscate it at the border.
Do you always want to pierce the thicker copper line on the compressor?
Yes. The thicker line is the low-pressure side. You should never pierce the high pressure side as it can be very dangerous.
@@DragonBuilds thank you for the response.
Are we suppose to permanently leave the piercing valve connected or do we patch that little hole we made ?
The piercing valve can be permanently left in place.
@@DragonBuilds It must be.
@@erik_dk842 It is removable, but if you remove it all the refrigerant will leak out as it leaves a hole in the pipe.
@@DragonBuilds Exactly my point
Do you had to turn it on the refrigerator while adding a Freon?
The compressor must be running while you add the Freon.
Is R-134a the "replacement" gas for Freon?
Freon is a product name for the refrigerant. Like shell or Mobile names its gasoline. Freon is 134-A. . Refrigerator use 134-A refrigerant so do most cars. Home AC uses R22, R410A. New refrigerant are coming on to the market replacing 410A. R22 has been faded out.
"Freon" was the name trademarked by DuPont in the early 1930s for the then new dichlodiflouromethane refrigerants R-11 and R-12. Today "freon" is sometimes used as a generic term for any refrigerant.
How much money the jig on the tube?
where I can buy it? forexample ali etc...
thank you answer.
It is called a refrigerant piercing valve. You can buy them online or at some hardwares tores.
Hi, can you use this exact same process for R600a refrigerant? Other videos involve cutting pipes etc. This seems doable.
I want to know too
Please someone help
This is a sealed system the only correct way would be find and fix the leak recover the refrigerant pull a vacuum and recharge by the weight on the name plate . Those supco piercing valves however are meant as a permanent placement and if done right won’t leak .
Well it's been a year and the fridge is still working great, so...
Where did you get the 134A refrigerant?
I got it from AutoZone.
You can by it in auto parts
Walmart
Walmart and O’Reillys auto had it.
You really need an amp probe to monitor compressor amperage. But that is just a temp fix any way. I would of put the money toward a new fridge. Poor people are poor for reasons. Gave a like any way hope it helps.
I already bought a new mini fridge, I fixed this one just for the fun of it. It is currently being used as a dedicated drink fridge.
Great.@@DragonBuilds
Can you add the freon that comes with a sealer?
Yes you can, and it might work to seal the leak but I have not tried it myself.
What is the part number for quick connect adapter? Thanks
The adapter came with the pressure gauge and hose assembly
So that valve remains closed once done? I just filled mine and not noticing any difference.
Yep, you keep it closed once you are done.
Did you fill it with the correct amount?
Over-filling refrigerant is just as bad as all of it leaking out!
I’ve done the steps but it’s getting warmer than cooler, anyway you can tell me why is that?
I can
Cause it didn't work 😂
Just kidding
Dude goes right past the adapter. Where do you get that? What kind of adapter is it? I bought everything mentioned but there was no adapter imcluded. Help?
The adapter is a 1/4" SAE x 13 mm R134a quick connect adapter. You can also eliminate the need for an adapter by getting a can tap hose with a 1/4" SAE thread.
@@DragonBuilds yup I ordered the first one bc I wasn’t able to find anything that would work at Home Depot. We’ll see how it works in a fee days. Thanks!
Thank you!
well shucks. i have this same fridge, accidentally put a hole in the freezer trying to pry off ice. i heard the thing hiss gas, turned it off and patched the hole with JB weld. but now the thing won't get cold. looks like i'll have to add refridgerant because i seem to have lost it when i poked a hole in it
This seems wrong. From my understanding, you have to connect a vaccum to the the system, to make sure there is no air nor humidity in the circuit. Just adding freon, really doesn't fix anything, because if it's low on freon, then most likely there is a leak to fix in the cicuit also.
It's very wrong, also never use 134a meant for automobiles on a refrigerator
@@wellingtonappliance6778 Older fridges used 134A, exact same as cars. Newer units will be different, check the info plate fitted to every single refrigerant device made.
@@wellingtonappliance6778 My fridge uses 134a. I'm assuming it depends on its age.
Wouldn't it be beneficial to put a vacuum pump on the bleeding valve first to completely void out the old refrigerant?
There's nothing wrong with the old refrigerant so there's no need to remove it.
@DragonBuilds what about adding air to the system? even the little bit that's in the hose I've heard is bad?
@justice5793 he talks about it starting at 5:00
can i do this same thign with r600a for our mini fridge?
Yes you can. The piercing valve works with any refrigerant and has a standard connector, but you will need a different can tap and charging hose.
@@DragonBuilds ok cool, thank god, i know its flammable so we are gonna take precautions, but we ordered from envirosafe the can and the gauge hose with the connector for it
@@JaceD4V1S88 The Envirosafe kits should be good, and the piercing valve I linked in the description works with R600a.
@@DragonBuilds My little brother ordered the Supco BPV31D from another vid looks like the same
@@JaceD4V1S88 The Supco piercing valve is indeed the same as the one I used.
How do you remove it and seal the hole ?
You don't remove it, after shutting off the valve you leave it in place. The valve can be used again later as well.
@DragonBuilds in the class im taking the instructor says to it should be removed becacuse the gaskets wear out and might coantaminate
Where can I buy that tapping valve ?
I got mine from supplyhouse.com, but Amazon also sells them. Make sure to get a genuine Supco bullet piercing valve, many of the knockoffs don't seal well.
Im kinda amazed....I have not seen 134 used in anything other than automotive.
Many small refrigerators use R-134a.
HUH, its been used in all sorts of Refrigerators, freezers
Big fridges use it too
Why use a pressure gauge instead of a scale on the freon canister and use the weight difference method? More accurate way to see how much you filled.
How do I vent out pressure?
You must have EPA-601 card and recover refrigerant.
You can legally remove R-600a and R-441a without a license as it is not harmful to the atmosphere. The valve he is using is technically for removing refrigerant but people are using them to add refrigerant without having to solder tubes. Be careful as that refrigerant is flammable. But you can use that valve and a house to vent to an outside widow.
You should invert the can
Used 9 years ago no leaks 😊
downside to those valves is they eventually work loose from the vibration and leak
That's true, but it still allows you to get a few more years out of a failing refrigerator.
Can't you just use thread locker on the screws?
Yeah that would be a good idea.
Mine has not leaked in 4 years, garage fridge in Florida so it gets the sheet beaten out of it !!!!
Which line do you tap? There are 3 off of the Compressor.
The line that is squeezed off at the end is for the initial factory fill. Of the other two lines, you will want to tap the thicker line. Do not tap the thinner one, it is the high-pressure side.
@@DragonBuilds thank you.
@@DragonBuilds Is there any reason you cant use the crimped factory line? For example, if my fridge loop is completely empty, could i just solder a quick connect to the factory line and charge from that?
@@xenoshade8997 You could use the crimped factory line but it would require pulling a vacuum on the system after the repair.
You connect it to low pressure line
But that refrigerant 134a is not for automotive application only ??😮 I think you can’t use it for refrigerator application.
There is no real difference between R134a meant for automotive air conditioning and R134a meant for refrigerators. They are chemically identical.
@@DragonBuilds I thought those refrigerators user R-410A?
@@scottfgv Some small air conditioning systems and refrigerators/freezers will use 134a.
Why would freon leak out of a fridge in the first place?
It wouldn't... Because FREON isn't used anymore! 🤦
R12 (freon) has been long gone.
R134a refrigerant is still widely used, however the EPA will fine you $10,000 for doing this if you are not certified for refrigerant recovery.
@jdub5413 yeah... you clearly have no clue what you're talking about.
R134a is sold everywhere and nobody is checking to see if anyone buying a can of R134a from Autozone or Walmart has any certifications before using it. 🤦
@@jasono2139 The creator did say, "colloquially" speaking. Just going off of what he said. But thanks anyways.
@@averageguy1261 and it's "colloquially" wrong... just like calling every truck a "Silverado" or every beer a "lager" would be equally stupid. 🤦
5-10 psi seems like a lot no? Most other videos say 1-2 psi
5-10 psi is fine for most refrigerators.
You was wrong charged. Freon R134a should be up side down add Freon.
You haven’t repaired the leak and still have moisture in the system. This is a band aid at best.
I am aware of that. I just wanted to get a little more life out of this mini fridge before recycling it.
Am I weird that I've never heard anyone say tighten like this?
Am kenneth how can i get that ur job because am engener ready to joi. Ur work shop
😂
Can you give me a link for the quick connect ?
It came with the gauge kit.
Excuse me, gentlemen, you don’t even measured how much you put on there by at least check out the weight of the Cannes although you don’t mention how much the systems could take based on the sticker information is inside the fridge raider
..i'm confused how one can still buy such high gwp number gases without proper licenses and permits on how to handle and collect them without releasing them into atmosphere let alone in disposable packages..😮
In California they charge a deposit when you buy refrigerant, I'm not sure if it really helps anything.
You're confused why we can buy r134a? That's all we need. Clowns making it impossible to buy refrigerant. Then we will be at the mercy of dishonest repair shops so a $10 repair becomes a $1,000 rip off.
U said to fill up to 10psi... But it shows u went up to 40psi??? Plz explain 😒
The pressure will be between 5 and 10 psi while the compressor is running. With the fridge unplugged, the pressure rose to around 40 psi because the compressor was no longer applying suction.
@@DragonBuilds I see, thanks
Does it annoy anybody else the way he says tighten? Lol
its price cutterz. he just wanted to sell them a pizza.
not freon
YOU TOTALLY MISSED ; THE STEP OF VACUUMING THE SYSTEM DOWN ****
There’s no need to vacuum down the system if it is low on refrigerant but is still partially filled. It’s only required if air or other contaminants entered the system.
@DragonBuilds Thank you for your quick response 🤘. True statement .
@@joemartinez-673You will need to vacuum the system down if you put a hole somewhere in the line and all the refrigerant escapes. But personally, if there's a leak and your fridge is sitting there for two years I would vacuum it.. ( I am not a refrigerator expert)
Dangerous and complicated. Great video though..
I'll buy a new refer.
OK, I can't watch... The piercing valve is ONLY used to access the system, and is always removed when you are done. Use the piercing valve on the process stub. Since your refrigerant doesn't leave the system UNLESS there is a leak, you can be sure that your fix is temporary at best unless you do a proper pressure test to find and fix the leak. When you are all done, replace the filter drier and use a longer piece of 1/4" tubing on the process stub to evacuate and charge the unit by weighing in the proper charge. Pinch off and cut the process tube, and then braze the end of the tube and also the area where you pinched it off as there may be stress cracks where you pinched it off. If you think I'm wrong, think again. This is the procedure per EVERY refrigeration manufacturer! Another note: these are cheap throw-away appliances. It's not worth anyone's $$$ to pay someone to do a proper job fixing them.
Yes, that is the proper way to do it! However, it is not worth the time and materials to fix a $150 mini fridge properly and I agree that these mini fridges are cheap thro-away appliances. I just wanted to get some more life out of it before having to throw it away.
My $2000 fridge lasted 3 years new from the factory. Since adding coolant as in this video, it lasted another 3 years (time to charge it again). So this $30 method is not perfect, but it is as good as "new from the factory".
It doesn't work long last
If you have a leak then you will need to add more R-134a regularly unless you fix the leak. You could try a stop leak product but I don't have any experience using them.
4 years and counting for mine.
can't something explode there?
Not likely, R134a isn’t very flammable, and mini fridges don’t use very much of it.
Unless your fridge uses R-600a like my mini fridge.. I don't know about explosions but this stuff is basically lighter fluid. Check the fridge or compressor will tell you what refrigerant it's using.
R 600 is butane
"Freon" (R-12 / R-22) isn't sold anymore... Stop calling every refrigerant in existence "Freon" FFS! 🤦
R-134a and every other kind of refrigerant IS NOT FREON.
Well, Freon has become a generic term for any type of refrigerant, just like “xerox machine” has become a generic term for a copy machine. But, you are technically correct.
@@DragonBuilds while that might be true... "Xerox" machines have never been banned because of environmental concerns... which makes interchangeably using the names very confusing!
this is soooo wrong. FREON is a BRAND NAME. It's not specific to any type of refrigerant. FYI THERE'S ALSO "FREON r134a".
@changosurfo ... next time, do some research before sounding like a nitwit.
@@jasono2139 hey dipshit, google 'freon 134' and let me know what shows up (hint: you can fucking buy it on amazon, and it says 'Freon 134a' right there on the can)