How To Recharge Freezer or Refrigerator - Adding Refrigerant or Freon to R134A Appliance

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 6 чер 2024
  • Supco Line Tap Bullet Piercing Valve: amzn.to/3BhtWOk
    Video Showing Line Tap Installation: • How To Install a Refri...
    Yellow Jacket Standard Refrigerant Gauges: amzn.to/3DraYX6
    R134A Refrigerant: amzn.to/2WxqaRS
    Charging Can Adaptors: amzn.to/3sSb8Cb
    Digital Gauges I Use SM380V: amzn.to/3BfwwnN
    Fieldpiece Refrigerant Scale: amzn.to/38eREy2
    Tools I Recommend: www.amazon.com/shop/benjaminsahlstrom
    In this video I explain the process of how to add refrigerant to your refrigerator or freezer that is no longer cooling like it should. This works some of the time to make a unit last a few years longer so long as the unit has a VERY small leak. If there is a larger leak addition steps will need to be taken in order to fix the leak, replace the filter drier, evacuate the system, and finally recharge the unit the way that I demonstrate in this video. Hopefully this helped you understand the process of how to add Freon to your appliance. Let me know if you have any thoughts or suggestions in the comments below!
    Thanks for watching and for subscribing! You can support the channel at NO extra cost to you by using one of the above affiliate links or you can donate directly at www.paypal.me/bensahlstrom.
    Blessings from Minnesota,
    Ben

КОМЕНТАРІ • 437

  • @gary-gilbert
    @gary-gilbert 2 роки тому +18

    Nice to see you keeping it around instead of sending it to the dump, in this throwaway society.

  • @LikeColorBlue
    @LikeColorBlue 6 місяців тому +7

    this video is the best one on UA-cam to introduce how to refill refrigerant into a fridge!!!

  • @pingpong9656
    @pingpong9656 2 роки тому +5

    Finding the leak and fixing it would be one of your best videos! Do ti!

  • @cornelbuckley
    @cornelbuckley 2 роки тому +61

    Great instructions! I really like how you take the time and patience to explain the fine details of the process!

    • @amosskullie4616
      @amosskullie4616 Рік тому

      Thank you for the education

    • @chriskupish2692
      @chriskupish2692 Рік тому

      great instructions ! very detailed

    • @user-tv7ne5tg2y
      @user-tv7ne5tg2y 5 місяців тому +1

      Весы не нужны , ЕСТЬ линейка холодильщика на манометре , доза Р - 134 , давление при работающем М К плюс 0,2 бар , температура кипения будет минус 24°С , этого хватит для отключения питания М К по температуре .

  • @Michael-uj4zw
    @Michael-uj4zw 2 роки тому +19

    Very good presentation. I worked in the field for many years on a lot of large equipment running AZ-50 at 25" of vacuum. When you get a leak in that, you have a major job on your hands! I wish I had the tools that are available today, it would have made things a lot easier. Just remember, when you think you've seen it all, you haven't!! You will make a good instructor!!

  • @Barryd57
    @Barryd57 2 роки тому +8

    Benjamin is so helpful. I had success with my Maytag after watching this video 3 times and planning ahead! I had to modify my R134 gauge set to have an R12 line to the piercing valve. I bled the blue & yellow lines before opening the pierce service port. Sure enough, it was at -12 PSIG (pounds per square inch gauge). Gradually, very slowly, I added R134 until the low side rose to +1 PSIG and closed it up. Add some R134, turn off the supply, and let the pressure settle. After charging, over the next 4 hours the freezer gradually decreased to -5 degrees.
    UPDATE: The charge lasted 10 months & I am filling the system again. This time I added more technology to the repair. Using an HBN electric meter, amps were .67 before I added R134. However, when I measured amps 6 months ago, it was .74. I conclude that the amps fell because there is less R134 in the system causing less resistance in the compressor. When I refill the compressor, the amps should return to .74. One thing I disagree with Ben and that's how much R134 to add. If u add more R134 than needed, the suction line will freeze. On my Maytag, +1 lb of low side pressure when the compressor is running, is correct.

    • @lukeh8869
      @lukeh8869 2 роки тому

      Can you advise where do you get the R134a refrigerant from?

    • @berniemac8413
      @berniemac8413 2 роки тому +2

      @@lukeh8869 your auto parts store.. it’s the same refrigerant used in cars..

    • @johnchafin3817
      @johnchafin3817 Рік тому

      @@lukeh8869 You can get it at Walmart too.

  • @pdih
    @pdih Рік тому +3

    Finally, someone explained it to me in a way I understood. Thank you.

  • @markanderson350
    @markanderson350 Рік тому +5

    You provide much detail on removing all air in lines, most just say, let out the refrigerant for a second. The advice on pressure and clogged cap tube is helpful and I did have that issue too. I never heard of just adding an estimated charge based on full charge. I am buying more refrigeration gear as I get the funds to do so. Thanks

  • @richardreese5377
    @richardreese5377 11 місяців тому +4

    R134a also works in older R12
    Just charged a 1948 refrigerator
    Works great

  • @justdissin7340
    @justdissin7340 2 роки тому +2

    This man is a genius. Who will give him thumbs down bruh. Not his fault you crappy appliance doesnt work

  • @robertscottII
    @robertscottII 2 роки тому +12

    Awesome timing Ben. For months my under cabinet ice maker has been making less and less ice. Then no ice last week. I half knew how to do this, but I put the piercing valve on and just tried to dump a can in. I didn't realize to bleed the line or that it would be such a slow feed. So I put my vacuum pump on it, drew it down and started over with a new can. Used my kitchen scale to weigh in 4ish ounces. Been making ice like new. Thanks.

  • @robertfaddis8975
    @robertfaddis8975 Рік тому +2

    Very articulate and well explained. You do a great job keep it up.

  • @regiegija
    @regiegija 18 днів тому +1

    Great video. You are a great instructor. I wonder if you would provide a full training on refrigerator repair.

  • @runwayray
    @runwayray 9 місяців тому +2

    Excellent narration. Crystal clear explanation of the process

  • @markchidester6239
    @markchidester6239 2 роки тому +4

    Excellent video.
    I would love to see a video of these gauges in full operation. I have a cheep set of the harbor freight ones. Something about Gilligan and primitive come to mind.

  • @vahekahkedjian7898
    @vahekahkedjian7898 2 роки тому +3

    You did a perfect job, I have been 40 years in this business and I testified that you did everything write , and very nicely explaining ,congratulations .
    Good luck to you

  • @martydennis
    @martydennis 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks Ben! Hope you're having a happy & safe Labor Day weekend.

  • @miguelbernabe753
    @miguelbernabe753 Рік тому +1

    Nice explanation, thank you for sharing and taking the time to go through the whole process.

  • @cassidycue11
    @cassidycue11 2 роки тому

    Awesome tutorial! Thank you so much for the detail!

  • @northfielder1789
    @northfielder1789 2 роки тому +2

    I love these educating videos.

  • @jamestriplett790
    @jamestriplett790 2 роки тому +47

    If these appliances need a recharge, there is a corrosion pinhole leak somewhere on the aluminum tubing. Over time aluminum tubing in insulated wall sweats reacts and causes that. Also aluminum connection to steel or copper tubing corrode. When charging, use the amp meter to not go over the compressor rating of a full charge when appliance is running.

    • @joelking8588
      @joelking8588 2 роки тому +5

      No shit… the refrigerant doesn’t just disappear

    • @Babyface_ash16
      @Babyface_ash16 2 роки тому +4

      Why charge to compressor amps? Works for design, but if your got a lazy comp it’s not accurate. Capillary charge to frost line or subcooling. Or just simply weigh it in as per manufacturer recommendations. Do it by feel. Whatever way makes you happy. You seem opinionated best tech in town aye bud

    • @johnmonaghan882
      @johnmonaghan882 Рік тому +6

      When connecting 2 different metals you can use whats called a diaelectric between them to prevent the chemical reaction process between 2 metals

  • @ivanxyz1
    @ivanxyz1 Рік тому +1

    Very thorough explanation. Thank you.

  • @duiliofonseca9755
    @duiliofonseca9755 Рік тому +2

    very impress how well you explain the hole process ....thanks for share

  • @frez777
    @frez777 2 роки тому

    You are a wonderful teacher!

  • @tanjogok
    @tanjogok 2 роки тому

    You are very good at work, greeting engineer from Indonesia

  • @fakku6356
    @fakku6356 5 місяців тому

    I think that your videos are very informative and useful the way you explain yourself its easy to understand and in some of your videos is easy to understand what you are doing and please keep making the videos as like I said the way you explain and I saw another video where you explain how to connect the hoses and how to charge the system thank you for your videos 😂😂

  • @Nohandle146
    @Nohandle146 2 роки тому +1

    Awesome, one of the best I’ve seen

  • @vladislavavadanii8130
    @vladislavavadanii8130 4 місяці тому

    well done job ! Very precise, proper ,accurate and clear !

  • @amystultz1608
    @amystultz1608 Рік тому +1

    You are really gifted. In explaining this. I watch the other video where you open to view the inside. That really help my brain see the what's going on inside other bodie of big talkers try to explain the start and relay which I did finally understand but seeing the inside I got the picture. It's looks like a air compressor which I didn't know. Any way thank you I will be watching more one more. Where can I buy commercial refrigerator parts cheap.

  • @TuyetPham-on4dq
    @TuyetPham-on4dq 2 роки тому

    Clear instructions ; Thank you

  • @frederickadams213
    @frederickadams213 Рік тому +1

    Brilliant young man. Thanks.

  • @thambirajahpathmanathan7080

    Your Art of teach are verry nice!

  • @freecheese4143
    @freecheese4143 2 роки тому

    Smart Tech.
    Excellent, well explained, video tutorial.

  • @richardfritz3111
    @richardfritz3111 Рік тому +1

    Very good, to the point, plus sensible but important little points like the bleeding process. Tire of the ford training fake (non)informative videos that are nothing more than just ads for their bs school.

  • @leohohms8433
    @leohohms8433 2 роки тому +2

    Very educational 👍

  • @AnAchievableDream
    @AnAchievableDream 10 місяців тому +1

    After watching 10 or 12 other video's on this topic, I found yours to be the most straight forward and helpful. I need to recharge a Sub-Zero 532 and am located in a remote area where there are no technicians. I have all the parts, pieces and refrigerant and wanted to ask if it would it be possible to consult (hire) you to assist me in the recharge process? Much appreciated.........Cliff

  • @outcast7899
    @outcast7899 Рік тому

    Good job, very informative
    Thanks

  • @rss608
    @rss608 Рік тому

    A vert good vid, thank you for taking the time to explain...

  • @sarahfox6867
    @sarahfox6867 9 місяців тому +2

    Great video! But I hope you did not replace that freezer. Freezers of that size are very difficult to find now. And the cost of this repair is 277 times less than the average new 20 cu. ft. upright freezer. I watched this video because I live in an apartment where the PM won't repair or replace the failing refrigerator. I wanted to understand what could be done to repair it. Thanks to this video I discovered I can buy a used $50 refrigerator in good condition and just recharge the silly thing.

  • @paulchace2391
    @paulchace2391 2 роки тому

    Nice, great info...,helping my family save $$$

  • @eugenerohrbach4102
    @eugenerohrbach4102 7 місяців тому +1

    I got a lot of info from the video thank you.

  • @tanjogok
    @tanjogok 2 роки тому

    Your equipment is very good.

  • @jaygolzari1116
    @jaygolzari1116 2 роки тому

    Great work brother! A+ ty and well done

  • @wallyblackburn
    @wallyblackburn 2 роки тому

    Going to try this with a R410a dehumidifier. Wish me luck!

  • @bernardsullano1868
    @bernardsullano1868 2 роки тому

    thank you Benjamin for the video ..keep it up

  • @johna6850
    @johna6850 9 місяців тому +3

    Torquing to full stop with repeat insertions could cause leak.
    If you rely on threads to locate the seal point it might not return to full sealing force (needle to tube).
    For example: my piercing valve is 3 turns stop-to-stop ymmv. Go in ~2 1/2 turns to pierce, then back off and charge.
    Then in to light torque to ~2 3/4 turns, which is plenty for the 30psi resting pressure.
    Then you know the seal force is point-to-tube instead of thread-to-thread. This also allows for increased depth needed for future recharges.

  • @davidmcmillan343
    @davidmcmillan343 Рік тому

    Good explanation of the process.

  • @jefferycherrysr6568
    @jefferycherrysr6568 2 роки тому

    Great and informative video thanks for this

  • @1McMurdoSilver
    @1McMurdoSilver 2 роки тому +4

    For a second there, I thought I had a cricket in my room... haha..

  • @donniematz
    @donniematz 2 роки тому +1

    You’re so cool. Love your videos.

  • @dzeki29m96
    @dzeki29m96 2 роки тому +1

    Great video!
    Thanks

  • @virgilbrown5682
    @virgilbrown5682 Рік тому +1

    Great instructions!

  • @SeldomRest
    @SeldomRest Рік тому +1

    Great video, appreciate you very much!

  • @comfortlivinghh
    @comfortlivinghh 2 роки тому

    thank you for your video. good job!

  • @davidcarroll8533
    @davidcarroll8533 2 роки тому

    Great Video I am going to try it out.

  • @tigerlin9893
    @tigerlin9893 2 роки тому +19

    R134a refrigerant is a single component and does not need to be inverted for liquid filling. It is safer to just use an upright refrigerant tank for gaseous filling, because the compressor inlet must be gaseous. The suction of liquid refrigerant into the compressor will damage the outlet valve.

    • @cleronclarke5202
      @cleronclarke5202 2 роки тому

      thank for this comment. I heard this before, but always seen tech invert tank.

    • @ranchview3470
      @ranchview3470 Рік тому

      Charge it with vapor not liquid

    • @Lupgaroo666
      @Lupgaroo666 Рік тому +4

      I'm pretty sure for automobile air conditioning you don't want liquid dumping straight in...besides every small can I've ever used eventually gassed off and emptied into the system. Even the large bottle i used when rebuilding some automobile air conditioning compressors eventually completely emptied.
      So I was very surprised to see many techs inverting the bottle.
      Seems counterintuitive to me.
      My Machinest Mate at my unit in the military would sit the large tanks in a trash can with warm water.
      Someone in the know should clear this up.
      Thanks!

    • @johnarussoii
      @johnarussoii 10 місяців тому +1

      Yes. If you need to give it a little push you can also use a hair dryer or a heat gun - keep temp around 100 F

    • @billrimmer5596
      @billrimmer5596 7 місяців тому

      R u sure? I discharge R-134 into an old propane bottle that I evacuated. If I open the valve while in the upright position, gas comes out. If I invert it, liquid refrigerant comes out. I am sure of that. Even the container says liquid one way, and gas the other. So I respectfully disagree. And I have been charging automotive units since we were using R-12.

  • @farmperfect
    @farmperfect 2 роки тому +3

    Awesome information! Thanks

  • @Eddy63
    @Eddy63 2 роки тому +2

    Great little vid & info Benji ... I got a charge out of it ... Lol ...

  • @rcrod3192
    @rcrod3192 Рік тому +1

    Bruh.. You forgot to check for carbon monoxide leaks. Lol... Good vid!👍

  • @KevinCoop1
    @KevinCoop1 2 роки тому

    Benjamin, Thank you for this video! I hope I don’t have to add any to our non cooling freezer, but know what to do if so. I’m thinking I have a thermostat issue. How is electrical job going? Respectfully, Kevin

  • @agrota21
    @agrota21 10 місяців тому +2

    Nice job. Probably should take that piercing valve out though and braze in a shrader valve. That might slow the leak down too. They say those pircing valves vibrate loose.

  • @qman9255
    @qman9255 Рік тому +5

    Excellent presentation! You were clear and fully explained everything. You also spoke at a perfect speed. I didn't need to back up once. I'll be at Harbor Freight to buy my set up soon. Thank you.

  • @kayodeolusesan4391
    @kayodeolusesan4391 Рік тому +1

    Good work brother 👍

  • @edolson3510
    @edolson3510 2 роки тому +1

    Great video! This is the first video that I've seen that bleeds the hoses. Always bleed the hoses!

  • @yomomma9070
    @yomomma9070 2 роки тому +65

    I don't recommend those piercing type valves as a permanent installation. They leak as well. Use them to recover, then braze in some Schrader valves.

    • @barrythomas529
      @barrythomas529 2 роки тому +8

      But for a quick fix it's ok .

    • @TheZooBrooksAB
      @TheZooBrooksAB 2 роки тому +2

      Don't Schrader valves have rubber sealants? Wouldn't they just melt during the braze?

    • @yomomma9070
      @yomomma9070 2 роки тому +12

      @@TheZooBrooksAB you have to remove the core prior to brazing, then once it cools you reinstall the core.

    • @TheZooBrooksAB
      @TheZooBrooksAB 2 роки тому +3

      @@yomomma9070 I see. Also, I didn't realize the valves on the coolant cans were Schrader capable. I just thought of another thing.....to put the Schrader valve in, the entire system needs to be bled and recharged, correct?

    • @yomomma9070
      @yomomma9070 2 роки тому

      @@TheZooBrooksAB that's the way I've done it. I will use the piercing type shown in this video to recover any remaining refrigerant then braze access fittings onto the process tube for permanent installation. You may be able to braze onto the process tubes after the crimp, idk. I've never attempted heating on a charged system; I was taught not to.

  • @TaterPS
    @TaterPS 2 роки тому +10

    Great video! Though it took me a minute or two realize that this wasn't actually Elon Musk showing us how to charge a fridge. ;-/

  • @RickSegui
    @RickSegui 2 роки тому +14

    You forgot to check and warn people about the tap valve being a leaker!

    • @rickrods
      @rickrods Рік тому

      He did but they don't always leak. Put one on about 30 years ago and still holding pressure. If the fridge fails I'll take the tap valve off and put a new O-ring in it and throw the fridge into the dump. lol.

  • @jamesmcgrath5140
    @jamesmcgrath5140 2 роки тому

    Great video great job two thumbs up

  • @mikevictor8390
    @mikevictor8390 2 роки тому

    Excellent teacher

  • @andrewjacks8671
    @andrewjacks8671 2 роки тому +6

    Very thorough video. You definitely should have pinched off the process stub, removed the bullet valve, and brazed it shut. Those valves are always going to leak. The process for r290(propane) is exactly the same. You just have to be sure to vent out the old gas in a well-ventilated space, pull a good vacuum and charge it back up. It is such a small amount of r290 that you done have to worry too much about it’s explosive properties. But never leave the piercing valve on a system.

    • @kingsxkids
      @kingsxkids 5 місяців тому +1

      The valve allows him to come back and recharge it. Remember, this isn’t a professional perfection job the system wasn’t evacuated. he’s telling people how to add refrigerant for no money which could be very helpful to a less fortunate family 🙂

  • @deanhutchins841
    @deanhutchins841 9 місяців тому +1

    Awesome! Thanks!!

  • @justinmondesire6465
    @justinmondesire6465 2 роки тому +1

    Get a vacuum pump, also keep the tank out of the sun, I do a lot of automotive 134 and the sun and the tank need to avoid like Dracula and the sun, thanks for the tips so now I'll be able to do a bit more around the house

  • @chieftaixi5241
    @chieftaixi5241 2 роки тому

    Would you recommend and how would you go about using stop leak in a ridge? Would it be before or after vacuuming and charging the system?

  • @murphyjammusashi
    @murphyjammusashi 6 місяців тому +1

    Thank you, Benjamin.

  • @davidskipperskip5403
    @davidskipperskip5403 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you

  • @blaketaylor1841
    @blaketaylor1841 10 місяців тому +1

    Great video ! very well presented you should be a instructor I am new to the appliance repair field.

  • @robmccoy21
    @robmccoy21 2 роки тому

    Super helpful.

  • @rogernunez5853
    @rogernunez5853 Рік тому

    Like your channel very good information keep it up.

  • @henrymahmoodi9020
    @henrymahmoodi9020 2 роки тому

    good job! thank you

  • @vivemarocamourlove9666
    @vivemarocamourlove9666 Рік тому +1

    Thank you 👍👍👍

  • @ziyadd2835
    @ziyadd2835 Рік тому

    excellent explanations

  • @crisroblesjr
    @crisroblesjr 2 роки тому

    Nice, I refresh my mind. I wish I see what is the actual High Side and Low Side Pressure.
    I read about 6psig when you charge it for Low Side. Other video says 2-3psi is enough.

  • @ricardobernardo2603
    @ricardobernardo2603 2 роки тому

    Thanks for sharing

  • @carlossaenz4075
    @carlossaenz4075 2 роки тому

    Great video u did great

  • @davidschwartz5127
    @davidschwartz5127 2 роки тому

    Great Video!

  • @ruslanandriievskyi5872
    @ruslanandriievskyi5872 2 роки тому

    Good job 👍

  • @markrichard9788
    @markrichard9788 2 роки тому

    Positive knowledge

  • @larryseibold4287
    @larryseibold4287 Рік тому +2

    since you have the digital gauges and clamps, would it have been best to measure the superheat at your operating condition vs weighing the refrigerant?

  • @gnaneshsiva664
    @gnaneshsiva664 2 роки тому

    Thanks for the video

  • @mikemacnaughtan261
    @mikemacnaughtan261 Рік тому

    Very professional

  • @DikyTehnik
    @DikyTehnik Рік тому

    keep up the good work

  • @clusterone7465
    @clusterone7465 Рік тому

    Great video. I have a quick question for, you maybe you can help. I have a small wine fridge that I suspect is low on refrigerant. it uses r600a. what psi should I fill to? Is it the same as 134a typically? 1-2psi positive pressure on low side?

  • @myacsupport
    @myacsupport 2 роки тому

    Beautiful ❤️

  • @mumbles552
    @mumbles552 25 днів тому

    What a great explanation! Just one question though as I might have missed it but was the compressor running as you added the refrigerant?

  • @dignopadron372
    @dignopadron372 2 роки тому

    Great video

  • @JoseMunoz-jw9jr
    @JoseMunoz-jw9jr 4 місяці тому

    Great video. Thanks

  • @robertmartinez6350
    @robertmartinez6350 2 роки тому

    Cool idea

  • @preacherman9018
    @preacherman9018 Рік тому +3

    Man oh man, you are THE AC Man!
    If I were wanting to go into HVAC, I would ask to be your apprentice. Thanks for the details. I'm only planning on using a small 12 oz can, or whatever they weigh, but I understand the concept now.
    I have a large Vintage Kenmore chest freezer that is taking a long time to cool after replacing the Relay. The Solenoid is cycling less frequently as it cools down. It's a closed system manual defrost BTW. I have it set to "Flash Freeze" for over 24 hours since I changed the part. The compressor runs nonstop. The sidewall above the compressor is the coldest side and is only 15° F. It should be around zero. Do you have any suggestions?

    • @preacherman9018
      @preacherman9018 Рік тому

      Update, the solenoid was buzzing and cycling on and off erratically for days. It is a part that's no longer available. I prayed about it and actually think God made it work! It no longer is doing it and the freezer dropped down below 0°F ! It seems to be working fine now. How about that?
      ☕😄👍
      Here's a blessing for you. I hope you like this as much as I have.
      ua-cam.com/video/3BCl_qkqVVo/v-deo.html

  • @garrettmandujano2996
    @garrettmandujano2996 2 роки тому

    Thank you so much, very clear instructions and camera angles!

  • @AbelKama2014solo
    @AbelKama2014solo 2 роки тому +1

    this video saves me time and money from taking a refrigeration short course. How much does it cost you to buy your digital gauge and scale?

    • @chieftaixi5241
      @chieftaixi5241 2 роки тому

      The gauge is Little over 400. I was like damn. The manual gauge he has pinned is still steep but at a 300 dollar difference.