Fixing my garage fridge

[Skooterj]

I have an older LG French Door refrigerator I bought used. It has worked great for the last 5 years, but I accidentally left the door open and am now having all kinds of problems.
So after I left the door open, the freezer was still working, but the fridge would not cool. I figured the coil had frozen over, unplugged it, let it sit for about a day, plugged it back in and it worked. And somehow about 2 weeks later, the door was left ajar again, but not for very long this time. So I just closed the door and the refrigerator section got back down to temp, but now the freezer wouldn't get below 20 degrees. So I unplugged it again and let it sit overnight to defrost. I plugged it in again yesterday and after a full day, nothing got below 60 degrees. So last night I got serious. I unplugged it again and took off the panel covering the compressor. I cleaned all the dust and cobwebs out and made sure the fan was spinning. Then I took the back panel off from inside the freezer and checked the coils. I blew them all out and made sure the fan in there was working. I then plugged it back in and waited a couple hours. Barely any cooling. So I checked the coils again. The pipe leading to the coils was completely frosted over, but the rest of the coils were completely clean of any frost.
So I started looking some more. Being used, I have no idea on the history. I did see that a puncture valve had already been installed, so I assume it has been refilled at some point. So maybe it has a leak? Or had a leak? But I got 5 years out of is. So I'm thinking of trying to refill it again and see if I can get another 5 years. Other than that, I have no idea what else to check. I'm assuming since the one tube frosted up that the compressor is working. Any techs out there?

Model LFC23760ST

 

[dave*99]

I nursed a home made kegerator along for 20 years. It was a small freezer with a slow R-12 leak. I had to add gas every 10-12 months.
The frosted coil you observed typically indicates it's low on refrigerant.
You mentioned cleaning the fan - did you also check the interior fan that circulates air inside the fridge?

 

[Skooterj]

I nursed a home made kegerator along for 20 years. It was a small freezer with a slow R-12 leak. I had to add gas every 10-12 months.
The frosted coil you observed typically indicates it's low on refrigerant.
You mentioned cleaning the fan - did you also check the interior fan that circulates air inside the fridge?

Yep, I checked both fans, the external by the compressor and the internal that blows over the coils. Both were working. I'm going to try to add some coolant. I think I already have a can for my truck. And the puncture valve is already there, so it should be a cheap fix, even if temporary. I can't find a decent used fridge on marketplace or craigslist right now for a decent price.

 

[Codyboy]

Is the compressor actually running or just the fan?

Did you somehow turn the temperature control up while fiddling with it?

 

[Skooterj]

I'm pretty sure the compressor was running as the tube running into the coil had formed new frost, so it was at least getting cold. And quite a bit of it. And no, the temp controls are push button on the inside top of the fridge.

 

[dave*99]

Do you have service gauges? What refrigerant is used in that unit?

 

[Skooterj]

I do not have service gauges. It uses R134. My entire knowledge of refrigerator repair is YouTube based.

 

[dave*99]

Repost this in the Heating/AC forum or ask the mods to move it. You will get more precise answers than I can provide.

 

[no704]

If it’s freezing up that’s a good sign of low charge. Get a can at the auto parts store w a gauge and give it a burp or two. Elevate the front feet and it will be more self closing.

 

[Skooterj]

If it’s freezing up that’s a good sign of low charge. Get a can at the auto parts store w a gauge and give it a burp or two. Elevate the front feet and it will be more self closing.

I've had it 5 years in the same spot and the door has never popped open before. And its happened twice in 2 weeks now. I'll definitely be checking level if I get it working again.

 

[Milton Shaw]

Be careful putting R134a into the unit. Total charge is very low on most units. That 14 Oz can has enough to charge some 4 times. Look at the mfg label it should show how many oz is full charge. Low side pressure is only in the 2 - 5 psi when operating. Should not have enough charge for unit to sweat or freeze when it gets back to compressor. Best would be to empty unit and put exact charge from plate back in unit using a kitchen scale that does grams or oz.

 

[Codyboy]

I've had it 5 years in the same spot and the door has never popped open before. And its happened twice in 2 weeks now. I'll definitely be checking level if I get it working again.

I had an issue with the fridge door a couple of times.
Yes check for level , actually tilted back a little to allow self closing.
Then make sure one of the door shelves or something else is binding and not letting it close all.the way.
Then make sure your teenage boy does t stick a pizza box in there that sticks out too far and catches a door bin.
Or the same boy doesn't put a juice jug in the door bin thats too tall and hangs on a shelf.

 

[Skooterj]

I put about 1 oz of R134a in it today and it's down to proper operating temp. Took about 2 hours to get to down to freezing. I'll call it a win. If I have to refill it every couple of years, I'll take it.

 

[Jazz1]

When my $20 garage fridge died i moved my empty spare fridge into garage…yes i have a used $100 spare fridge stored in case the house fridge ever dies…its easier said than done getting a NEW fridge the same day…usually delays of a few days…months if it special order.