Mini-Fridge Project- Help!

[Buckaroo5]

I was gifted a Magic Chef Wine Cooler Model #MCWBC24DST003 by my buddy. It cannot hold temperature down below 59F and he got a new one. I took the old one thinking I might be able to fix it up for my son & his wife. I hid it in the garage because my wife would take a dim view if she knew I was taking on more work when I already have so much to do around here.

I am familiar with automotive A/C systems and have a R-134a manifold gauge set and vacuum pump. This is also an R-134a system so thought I might be able to do something with it. I think the low side tubing is copper and the high side tubing is something else (painted)….maybe steel? Sealed system – there are no fittings….there is some corrosion/paint flaking on a soldered joint on the black painted side of the compressor. I suspect this is the leak.

I think I need to purchase a piercing valve to install on the low side of the compressor (copper, I think) which would hook up to my manifold gauges. Then I would plan to vacuum the system down to -30in Hg and see if holds – suspect it won’t . Then I would introduce R134a with a sealant to recharge to 2.8 oz as detailed on the sticker which would hopefully seal the leak. I don’t use sealants on automotive systems but am OK with it here because it either fixes it or I throw it away.

Is this the correct approach? What piercing fitting should I buy? Should I buy one that has an automotive fitting to fit my manifold gauge? Thanks!

Buckaroo

 

[samss]

SUPCO BPV31 piercing valve. If the system is flat, do you have dry nitrogen? If so, you should pressurize the system to find the leak. Leak sealants will only work on tiny leaks. Leak Freeze in the syringe would be the best choice since you can control the amount you inject. The residual PAG oil in your manifold gauges/hoses may not mix well with the POE oil in the fridge.

 

[LX-Markham]

Is it a wine cooler? or a mini fridge?

Wine cooler range for reds is 58°F to 68°F
It doesn't sound like it's broken.

 

[Buckaroo5]

Is it a wine cooler? or a mini fridge?

Wine cooler range for reds is 58°F to 68°F
It doesn't sound like it's broken.

Great thought but I think it is low on charge. Two zone wine cooler - set point between 39 - 65F. My buddy said compressor was running all the time and would not go below 59F. Had a tech out to look at it and confirmed leak visually, I think. He didn't test pressure.

 

[b-boy]

I have a similar model. It uses thermoelectric cooling (peletier). It never gets super cold. It will reduce the temperature ~20F from ambient. It's great for wine, but not beer. Does your mode;l have the same type of cooling system?

 

[Buckaroo5]

SUPCO BPV31 piercing valve. If the system is flat, do you have dry nitrogen? If so, you should pressurize the system to find the leak. Leak sealants will only work on tiny leaks. Leak Freeze in the syringe would be the best choice since you can control the amount you inject. The residual PAG oil in your manifold gauges/hoses may not mix well with the POE oil in the fridge.

Thanks, I ordered the valve. Will I also need a R-12 to R-134a low side adapter?

I think it must be a small leak because it is still cooling a little so there is some charge remaining. I could shoot some UV dye to it but I really don't think I want to mess with fixing the system if the stop leak doesn't do it. I might try the Leak Freeze - looks like I could get the appliance size (0.5 oz) for $40 or so if folks really think that automotive R134a with leak sealant would not be as good.

Some folks seem convinced that residual oil in the gauge set is not a problem and I don't have any nitrogen to purge. I do have some POE oil around as I've done work on Hybrids and could blow a little of that through using a small amount of R134a although I understand that is not good practice. I could also bypass the use of the manifold if I don't vacuum down the system.

Buckaroo

 

[Buckaroo5]

I have a similar model. It uses thermoelectric cooling (peletier). It never gets super cold. It will reduce the temperature ~20F from ambient. It's great for wine, but not beer. Does your mode;l have the same type of cooling system?

Good question but, no - it has a compressor....