I chipped at the ice in the freezer and now have a refrigerant leak? Thoughts?

[vtcruiser60]

I should have not been so impatient. But, while waiting for the freezer to defrost (the fridge was in the driveway) I took a screwdriver to the ice in the freezer. I nicked the freezer box and heard gas escaping. The hole is 1/4 inch in diameter.

I don't use the freezer much. Can I cap off the line going to the freezer and some how "top up" the refrigerant?

Or, am I screwed?

 

[splitshot]

Oooo, not good..

 

[vtcruiser60]

i know that...but can i fix it

 

[D'Animal]

It can be fixed. Is it a copper line? If so, it can be cut and a new coupler sweated in. If it is in the radiator looking thing, buy a new one.

 

[vtcruiser60]

Here are some pictures of the basic fridge....and the freezer area that I nicked with the the screwdriver. The nick is in the upper right hand corner of the picture...appears as a black spot.

 

[Joe_E]

Should be worth about $20 bills at a recycler.
Those old schools , while long lasting and quality built, are a total pain in the balls and completely ice up constantly. Trust me i dealt with one exactly like that for 10 years.
Go to home depot and buy a cheap new frost free one.

 

[-Spike-]

Well, tear into it some more and see what you find. Can't hurt.

 

[splitshot]

I don't use the freezer much. Can I cap off the line going to the freezer and some how "top up" the refrigerant?

Quite possible if there are other cooling lines for the fridge section. Most of the units I've seen like that, the freezer box IS what cools the refrigerator.

 

[Toyo FJ40]

That looks like it's stamped aluminum so I think your screwed unless your really good at tigging thin aluminum.

 

[fsusteve]

Quite possible if there are other cooling lines for the fridge section. Most of the units I've seen like that, the freezer box IS what cools the refrigerator.

zachery.

 

[vtcruiser60]

That looks like it's stamped aluminum so I think your screwed unless your really good at tigging thin aluminum.

I am screwed....I think I nicked the main chiller for the fridge. There is no place on the compressor/tank to "top it up" like we have on auto AC units. Its a closed system. I looked it over pretty hard this afternoon.

fugh....

To my surprise the wife took it kinda well. I think I'll just dump it....

Might put a call into the appliance repair shop tomorrow...just to confirm.

 

[splitshot]

If that was a really old unit with steel walls, it'd be a smoker prospect..

Call your local independent appliance guru. I would see what he says before giving up on it.

 

[Weedhopper]

Duct tape.

I did that to an air conditioner when I drilled a hole in the pan to let the water drain. If it's a copper line someone can probably fix it. May not be worth it though.

I vote for the Wal Mart replacement.

 

[D'Animal]

She plays the part of You Screwed Up but in reality she is jumping for joy since she gets a new fridge.

I am screwed....I think I nicked the main chiller for the fridge. There is no place on the compressor/tank to "top it up" like we have on auto AC units. Its a closed system. I looked it over pretty hard this afternoon.

fugh....

To my surprise the wife took it kinda well. I think I'll just dump it....

Might put a call into the appliance repair shop tomorrow...just to confirm.

Has she asked you to work on the stove or the dishwasher?

 

[vtcruiser60]

Cruiser Karma works welll however. I helped a mudder disassemble his tcase for a new ORION install. He offered me a standing freezer....