Having carried out step-by-step diagnostics of your Atlant, have you determined that the cause of the breakdown is in the compressor?
Let's remember physics
From school course physicists we know about the structure of the internal combustion engine. The compressor functions in a similar way. The scheme of its work for Indesit or Atlant is the same. A piston and valve system compresses the freon, sending the heated refrigerant to the condenser. There it turns into a liquid state and enters the capillary expander. The compressor compresses the freon, then cools the gas in the condenser, ensuring it circulates in the refrigeration system. The process has a continuous cyclical nature. The compressor is turned off, turning on from time to time to perform the function of compressing the refrigerant.
What kind of refrigerator do you have - the Belarusian Atlant or the Indesit assembled under the Italian patent, they all have the same motor, a similar device internal circuits. In Atlanta and Indesit, piston-type compressors are used. Piston compressor equipped with an electric motor with a vertical shaft. The structure is insulated with a sealed casing. When the engine is turned on, it starts the crankshaft, which rotates and moves the piston. The piston pumps the refrigerant out of the evaporator and pumps it into the condenser.
Where to start replacing a refrigerator compressor with your own hands
You can repair refrigerators and replace the compressor yourself by identifying the cause of the malfunction. If the compressor heats up after being plugged in, the thermostat relay has most likely failed. Replacing the refrigerator compressor relay can be done even by an amateur. When starting the refrigerator does the motor suddenly turn off for no reason? Replacing a refrigerator compressor motor is best left to the professionals.
But you can try to replace the entire compressor.
What you will need
Check out the video and photos step by step process DIY refrigerator compressor replacement.
Then prepare the necessary tools:
- oxygen-propane burner;
- two valves: for piercing and removing refrigerant;
- leak detector;
- electronic thermometer;
- small pipe cutter;
- filter drier:
- copper tube 6 mm;
- solder;
- flux;
- pinch pliers;
- Hansen coupling;
- charging cylinder;
- storage container for freon;
- new compressor.
Follow safety precautions. Do not start work while the device is turned on. Repair equipment must be grounded. The work is carried out with gas - the room must be well ventilated. Clear the refrigerator so you can lift and turn it easily.
Work process
When replacing the compressor of an Atlant refrigerator or any other refrigeration device, it is necessary to slightly extend the compressor. Lifting it, break off the freon filling tube, after cutting it with a file.
Then you need to release the gas. Turn on the refrigerator for no more than 5 minutes. The refrigerant will move to the condenser. Attach the piercing valve with the hose from the cylinder connected to it, unscrew it for 30 seconds. The gas will collect in the container.
Solder a copper one in place of the broken tube. This involves gas-burner, in the absence of a torch, a soldering iron will do. A cut of several centimeters is made on the capillary expander to break off the tube and unsolder the filter from the condenser. The compressor is connected to the refrigeration unit by two tubes (one to build up pressure, the other to remove excess gas).
It needs to be unsoldered from these tubes or cut off with a pipe cutter. The filter drier is cut off at a distance of 15 mm from the condenser. Remove the start-up relay. Dismantle the compressor and remove it from the refrigerator. Before soldering a new compressor, clean the pipeline.
When installing a new compressor, all steps are repeated in reverse order:
- place the compressor in the refrigeration cabinet, securing it to the traverse;
- plugs on the pipes must be removed;
- it is important to depressurize the unit 5 minutes before starting soldering;
- When removing the plugs, check whether overpressure air in the compressor (this will be indicated by the noise of escaping air;
- gradually connect the discharge, suction and filling tubes to the compressor pipes, the filling tube should have a diameter of 6 mm and a length of 60 mm;
- start soldering the seams on the tubes, adhering to the following sequence: filling, suction, discharge, make sure that the burner flame is not directed into the compressor nozzle;
- Having removed the plugs from the filter drier, attach it to the condenser, connect the capillary tube to it;
- solder the filter along the seams;
- and put the filling tube on the valve coupling half;
- check the quality of soldering of all seams, they should be smooth, without unsoldered spaces;
- Refill with freon by connecting a vacuum filling station to the coupling and removing moisture from the system;
- attach the start-protection relay to the compressor by connecting the electrical wires;
- turn on the refrigerator, fill the system with freon, leave for 5 minutes;
- Use a leak detector to check whether the tightness of the seams is broken;
- perform a secondary evacuation of the refrigerator, leave it to work for 20 minutes;
- pinch the filling tube, remove the coupling, and solder the tube.
Results
Your refrigerator is ready to use, start the engine. Afterwards you need to check the functioning of the relay. If it starts, then you have completed the task.
Having gained positive experience with your own hands, you can now give advice if a similar problem arises in one of your loved ones or friends. And in difficult times, you can earn extra money by performing the now no longer difficult operation of repairing a refrigeration unit.
The cost is for informational purposes only and consists of the price of the compressor, the cost of consumables and labor; in the case of air conditioners, the work of dismantling and installing the external unit is added.
The main criteria on which the price depends is the cost of the equipment itself, its brand, type and power.
In which devices compressors are replaced:
- Air conditioners
- Ice makers
- Air dryers
- Refrigerators
- Freezers
- VRV and VRF systems
- Chillers
- Rooftops
- Reefers
- Freeze dryers
Replacing compressors in a refrigerator
The vast majority of refrigerators use low-power piston non-inverter compressors in a hermetically sealed housing. The cost of such compressors is low, as is the time required to replace them - about 40 minutes, including all work.
But recently the number of inverter compressors (with electronic control) and linear compressors (for LG products) has been increasing; the cost of such compressors is higher than usual.
Replacing a compressor in an air conditioner
The main type of compressors used in air conditioners are hermetic rotary compressors with a power of 2.0 - 14.0 kW. Control type - non-inverter in earlier models and inverter in release models recent years. Also a large percentage of scroll compressors.
The peculiarity of replacing a compressor in an air conditioner is the need to dismantle the external unit and then install it in its original place, which increases the cost. Otherwise, all work is the same as on other refrigeration equipment.
Replacing the compressor in dryers
Dryers use medium-temperature and high-temperature piston and rotary compressors.
Scroll compressors are also used in powerful installations.
Compressor replacement work
When replacing, the following work is carried out:
- Diagnostics
- Refrigerant recovery
- Compressor dismantling
- Flushing the system
- Compressor soldering
- Soldering filters
- Refrigerant charging
- Addition of anti-acid additives to the refrigeration circuit
- Starting the system
Compressor selection
There are two ways to solve the issue of selecting a compressor - purchase an original compressor or its functional analogue.
The first case is the simplest, since in this case it will fit exactly and there will be no problems with adaptation - adjusting the fasteners, soldering adapter couplings to the suction and discharge lines of the compressor, eliminating problems with excessive vibration, etc.
But this is not always possible for a number of reasons - cessation of production of these products, limitation of the work budget, or a long delivery time in case of urgent repair work.
In this case, it is quite possible to select a similar compressor of a different type and manufacturer, and a higher quality analogue may be cheaper than the original.
Main characteristics for selection:
- compressor power
- type of refrigerant (freon)
- dimensions
Compressor protection measures
To ensure that the new compressor does not fail, it is necessary to protect it. To do this, install anti-acid filters, filter dryers, and add anti-acid additives.
It is also necessary to eliminate all the reasons that led to the failure of the compressor, if they were:
- Fix freon leaks
- Install crankcase heater
- Install oil lifting hinges
- Set up oil return to the compressor
- Install undervoltage protection in the network
Refrigeration devices are different from other major household appliances durability while still functioning on a daily basis. However, they are also prone to breakdowns.
With frequent power surges, the compressor for the refrigerator is the first to fail. It is this mechanism that is considered the most important element systems that drive freon through pipes, which ensures cooling.
In this article, we will look at the existing types of compressor and analyze the causes of typical breakdowns. We will also provide detailed instructions on how to replace it yourself.
A broken compressor promises significant expenses not only for the purchase of a new device, but also for the work of a repairman.
However, you can go the other way and make the replacement yourself. Whichever option is chosen, you will first need to select desired type compressor.
Manifold air blower
When receiving information from sources about innovative models of refrigerators, you can come across such a thing as a “regular” compressor. However, not everyone knows its meaning.
This term refers to a commutator mechanism with a vertically mounted electric motor shaft. It is mounted on a spring mechanism and closed with a sealed box, thereby ensuring a high degree of sound insulation of the system.
Older models used a horizontal layout, which made the unit noisier - vibration was reflected throughout the entire body.
It uses a standard operating principle and technology developed many decades ago - the blower operates until the set temperature is reached in the refrigeration unit, and then turns off.
Refrigeration units can be equipped with one or two manifold blowers. If there are two of them, then one maintains the temperature in the freezer compartment, and the other maintains the temperature in the cooling unit. Nowadays it is increasingly rare to find two-compressor equipment
Review models are mainly equipped with budget options refrigerators and this is their only advantage over other representatives of the species.
Inverter compressor type
The modernized units are equipped with an inverter type of supercharger. A conventional compressor reaches the peak of its capabilities when switched off, and there are a lot of such repetitions per day, and accordingly, it is subject to rapid wear and reduced service life.
Whereas inverter devices operate even with sufficient air injection in the chambers, periodically reducing the number of revolutions. The wear resistance of the component elements is significantly lower, and, accordingly, the period of uninterrupted use is longer.
Linear view of the device
Innovative developments in imported technology involved the new kind superchargers – linear. The operating principle is similar to previous versions of the devices, but this type is much quieter and more economical.
Unlike conventional mechanisms, they do not have a crankshaft. Through the action of electromagnetic forces, reciprocating movements of the rotor are ensured.
New modern models cooling devices are presented in a configuration with inverter-type compressors. They work steadily and smoothly, without amplitude differences, which are the main causes of wear on the mechanism.
Linear blowers are technically similar to the two previous analogues, but have a number of significant advantages:
- less weight;
- high degree of reliability during operation;
- lack of friction in the compression plane;
- application at low temperature conditions.
The main ideologist who began actively introducing linear superchargers is the LG company. Most often they are used in refrigerators with a system No Frost having individual temperature controllers in different blocks.
Rotary blower with plates
Rotary (rotary) horizontally or vertically positioned blowers are equipped with one or two rotors and are analogues of a twin-screw juicer, but the screw-type spirals are unequal.
Depending on the principle of operation, they are divided into two main classes: with a rolling and rotating shaft.
A gap forms between the piston and the compressor housing with moving plates. Due to the eccentricity of the rotor, its value changes when rotating, thereby blocking the transition of refrigerant from one zone to another
In the first case, the unit is represented by an engine shaft with a mounted cylindrical piston, located eccentrically relative to the center, that is, offset.
The rotation cycles are carried out inside the cylinder body. The gap between the housing and the rotor changes its size during rotation.
At the minimum hole there is a discharge pipe, and at the maximum hole there is a suction pipe. A plate, in turn, is attached to the revolving piston by means of a spring, which blocks the space between the two nozzles.
In the second version, the operating principle is similar with one difference - the plates are stationary and placed on the rotor. During operation, the piston rotates relative to the cylinder, and the plates rotate with it.
General operation algorithm of the refrigerator
The operation of all refrigerators is based on the influence of freon, which acts as a refrigerant. Moving along a closed circuit, the substance changes its temperature parameters.
Under pressure, the refrigerant is brought to a boil, which is from -30 °C to -150 °C. Evaporating, it captures warm atmosphere located on the walls of the evaporator. As a result, the temperature in the refrigeration unit drops to a predetermined level.
In addition to the main pumping device that creates pressure in the refrigerator, there are auxiliary elements that perform the specified options:
- evaporator, collecting heat inside the refrigeration unit;
- capacitor, displacing the coolant outside;
- throttling device, regulating the flow of refrigerant through a capillary tube and a thermostatic valve.
All these processes are dynamic. It is also worth considering the algorithm of the motor operation and the principle of operation in case of its malfunction.
The compressor is responsible for the systemic regulation of pressure level differences. The evaporated refrigerant is drawn into it, which is compressed and pushed back into the heat exchanger.
At the same time, the temperature of freon increases due to which it turns into a liquid state. The compressor operates using an electric motor located in a sealed housing.
Having dealt with the device, we move on to analyzing the main factors of compressor failure, after which it will be necessary to dismantle it.
The main causes of supercharger failure
All problems in the compression unit are conditionally divided into two main groups: with a working and non-working motor. The first option looks like this: when you turn it on, you hear a sound from the compressor, and the light on the refrigerator lights up. Accordingly, in another embodiment, the unit does not turn on at all.
Reason #1 - refrigerant leak or thermostat defect
Here the main reason may be a freon leak.
Conduct self-check You can do this this way: touch the condenser - its temperature will correspond to room temperature.
Inspecting the heating level of the condenser can reveal one of the reasons for refrigerator failure - refrigerant leakage. In this case, the device will function, but the temperature in the chambers will not be maintained
Another possible reason is failure. In this case, a signal about incorrect temperature conditions will simply not be received.
Reason #2 - problems with the winding
If the unit does not turn on, then possible reason may cause an open circuit in the compressor windings.
This situation can occur both at the working and at the starting stage, or at both at once. When the refrigerator is plugged in, the blower does not work, and the temperature of its unit is room temperature.
Reason #3 - interturn short circuit
The device starts up, but for no more than a minute. And the body heats up excessively.
In this case, the winding turns are closed, their resistance is reduced, and an increased current flows through the relay unit. The relay turns off the supercharger and a click will be heard. After the starter has cooled, it turns on the compressor again and so on in a circle.
Reason #4 - engine jamming
When turned on, you can hear the operation of the electric motor, but there is no rotation, the compressor does not perform compression, and the winding resistance is at maximum.
Reason #5 - valve failure
Loss of cooling capacity is associated with defective valves.
As a result of such a breakdown, the unit operates without shutting down and does not create the required level of compression; accordingly, the units of the refrigeration device do not reach the required temperature.
Often in this case, an uncharacteristic ringing of metal parts may be heard during operation. This can be determined by determining the degree of air supply.
The presence of valve deformation can be confirmed by recording the degree of air supply to the compressor. This will require special device with pressure gauge
To make sure of the “diagnosis”, you will need to cut off the filling pipe using a pipe cutter. We perform similar actions with the capacitor filter.
Now we connect a pressure gauge manifold in their place, turn on the supercharger and check the level of air compression being formed - the norm is 30 atm.
Reason #6 - temperature sensor or start relay
It is also necessary to check for defects such elements as the temperature control sensor and.
With such a failure, the compressor either does not turn on or turns on for 1-2 minutes. When checking the resistance of the windings, the nominal values will be recorded.
Step-by-step self-replacement process
If the causes of malfunctions are not determined, the supercharger itself must be repaired. First, you will need to remove it from the refrigeration unit and check its functionality.
Stage #1 - we dismantle the supercharger
The compressor is located at the back of the refrigerator in its lower part.
The following tools will be used during the dismantling process:
- pliers;
- spanners;
- positive and negative screwdrivers.
The supercharger is located between two pipes connected to the cooling system. You will need to bite them off using pliers.
Under no circumstances should the pipes through which the refrigerant circulates be sawed off with a hacksaw, because in the process small chips will certainly form, which, when they enter the condenser, will move throughout the system, thereby leading to rapid failure of its elements
The refrigerator is started for 5 minutes, during which the freon turns into condensate. Afterwards, a valve with a hose connected to the cylinder is connected to the filling line. In 30 seconds, with the valve open, all the refrigerant will be released.
Then remove the relay block. Visually, it can be compared to an ordinary black box with wires coming out of it.
First of all, the top and bottom of the launcher are marked - this will be useful during the reinstallation process. Having unscrewed the fasteners and removed it from the traverse, we also cut through the wiring leading to the plug.
We unscrew all the fasteners together with the viewing device. We clean all the tubes for soldering the new device.
Stage #2 - measure the resistance with an ohmmeter
In order to verify the functionality of the component, we will perform an external inspection, as well as testing and testing of its individual components. First of all, we inspect the condition of the motor. This can be done using a multimeter or ohmmeter.
As mentioned earlier, the power cable is initially checked. If it is working, we will examine the supercharger itself. To do this, we will use a tester.
The correct functioning of the compressor can also be checked using a homemade method using charging: we put the negative probes on the body of a 6 V light bulb. We connect the plus ones to the upper leg of the power winding and touch each of them with the base of the light bulb. If they are working properly, they should all illuminate the lamp.
First of all, we shoot protective block and extract the contents, disconnect from the start relay. Next, using the multimeter probes, we measure the wires in pairs.
We compare the results obtained with the table, which shows the optimal indicators for this particular compressor model.
Data of a working device in standard version will be as follows: between the top and left-side contacts - 20 Ohms, top and right-side - 15 Ohms, left- and right-side - 30 Ohms. Any deviations indicate breakdowns.
The resistance between the feed-through contacts and the housing is checked. The indication of a break (infinity sign) indicates the serviceability of the device. If the tester produces any indicators, most often it is zero, there are malfunctions.
Stage #3 - checking the current strength
After checking the resistance, you need to measure the current. To do this, connect the start relay and turn on the electric motor. Using the tester's pliers, we clamp one of the network contacts leading to the device.
When working with a compressor, it is initially inspected for breakdown of the casing, since there is a possibility of electric shock if the winding supplies voltage to the housing
The current must be identical to the motor power. For example, a 120 W motor corresponds to a current of 1.1-1.2 A.
Stage #4 - preparing tools and equipment
To replace a faulty refrigerator compressor, you need to prepare the following set of tools and materials:
- portable regeneration, filling and vacuum station;
- welding machine or with a MAPP gas cylinder;
- compact;
- mites;
- Hansen coupling for a hermetically sealed connection between the compressor and the filling pipe;
- copper pipe 6 mm;
- filter-absorber for installation at the entrance to the capillary tube;
- alloys of copper with phosphorus (4-9%);
- soldering borax as a flux;
- freon bottle.
You should also focus on safety measures when working with repair equipment. First of all, you need to arrange an insulating area and disconnect the refrigeration unit from the power supply.
Having dismantled the old compressor, it is necessary to prepare and clean all copper pipes for subsequent soldering with the new device
After each refill with freon, before soldering, the room is ventilated for a quarter of an hour. It is not allowed to turn on heating devices in the room where repairs are being made.
Stage #5 - installing a new compressor
First of all, you need to attach the new blower to the cross-arm of the refrigeration unit. Remove all plugs from the tubes coming from the compressor and check the atmospheric pressure in the device.
Depressurize it no earlier than 5 minutes before the soldering process. Then we connect the compressor pipes with the discharge, suction and filling lines, their length is 60 mm, and the diameter is 6 mm. The soldering of the tubes is carried out according to the order: filling, removing excess refrigerant and discharge.
Now we remove the plugs from the filter drier and install the latter on the heat exchanger, inserting the throttle pipe into it. We seal the seams of the two contour elements. At this stage, we put a Hansen coupling on the filling hose.
Stage #6 - add refrigerant to the system
To fill the refrigeration system with freon, connect a vacuum to the filling line with a coupling. For initial start-up, bring to a pressure of 65 Pa. By installing a protective relay on the compressor, the contacts are switched.
The evacuation process is the creation of a compression level below atmospheric in the cooling unit. By reducing the pressure in this way, all moisture is removed
Connect the refrigerator to the power supply and fill it with refrigerant to 40% of the norm. This value is indicated in the table located on the back of the device.
The unit is turned on for 5 minutes and the connecting nodes are checked for leaks. Then it must be disconnected from the power supply again.
The refrigerant is charged in a liquid state. The required quantity is indicated by the manufacturer in the parameters of the refrigeration device located on the rear wall
Perform evacuation a second time to a residual value of 10 Pa. The duration of the procedure is at least 20 minutes.
Turn on the unit and completely fill the circuit with freon. At the final stage, we preserve the tube using the clamping method. Remove the coupling and solder the pipe.
Soldering two pipes made of copper, is carried out by an alloy of copper and phosphorus (4-9%). The docked elements are placed between the burner and the screen, heating it to cherry color.
The hot one is dipped into the flux and melted by pressing the rod towards the heated joining area.
Control inspection of solder seams is carried out from all sides using a mirror. They must be complete, without gaps
The compressor service life declared by the manufacturers is 10 years. However, its breakdowns are inevitable.
If the supercharger malfunctions, you can replace the broken compressor yourself, having first familiarized yourself with all the safety rules and the stages of the upcoming work. Also for these purposes you will have to stock up on the necessary equipment.
If you still have questions about troubleshooting yourself, ask our experts in the comments to this publication.
You can repair a refrigerator yourself, but to do this you need to have certain skills and knowledge. An important part of preparing for repairs is diagnostics, and for this you need to know the principle of operation of the refrigerator. Let's try to figure out how the operating diagram of this common household device is organized.
Refrigerator operation diagram
The refrigerator can be divided into three large components. The failure of one unit makes the entire refrigerator inoperable, but does not affect the operating condition of other elements. The freezer consists of an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor. The compressor includes a relay and a motor.
The work system is closed. The refrigerant is pumped out of the evaporator using a compressor, and then supplied by it under the influence high pressure into the capacitor. In the condenser, it is cooled, facilitating the transition from a gaseous state to a liquid, and then moves back to the evaporator, draining naturally. So the work is repeated continuously.
Unlike other components, the compressor is not constantly on. It comes into operation based on a signal from the temperature sensor when the temperature in the refrigerator exceeds the permissible standard. In this case, the relay drives the motor, as a result of which the compressor begins to perform its operating function. When the temperature returns to normal, the relay turns off.
The first external sign of compressor malfunction is an increase in temperature refrigeration chamber until it defrosts. Before you start repairing the compressor yourself, you need to figure out what exactly is wrong with this device. Getting to the compressor is not so easy - it is hermetically sealed with a casing, where it is located in oil.
Most compressors have a similar design. The main components are the motor and the starting relay. The relay closes when a signal is received from the sensor and starts the motor. If the engine does not start, the system does not function. In most cases, the problem with a non-working compressor is the motor. In such a situation, you need to install a new motor; a little less often, you need to completely replace the refrigerator compressor. Let's look at cases when it is easiest to repair and replace a refrigerator compressor.
Checking current and resistance
The cause of the malfunction may be the cable; it is not so rare that a banal break becomes the source of serious problems. Replacing a cable is the simplest situation where repairs may come in handy. In any case, before starting any DIY work, you need to check the current and resistance to avoid injury.
To check the resistance, you need to find a place without paint or wipe it off a little with your own hands. Apply the multimeter to the contact and to the body; the device should not show any values, otherwise it is quite dangerous to continue repairing the refrigerator compressor with your own hands. When further working with the motor and starting relay, precautions should be taken.
To check the current, you need a working relay, that is, before starting the tests you must be sure of its functionality. The most convenient way to check the current is with a multimeter, where the contact is made with clamps. With a motor power of 140 W, the current is 1.3 Amperes. The ratio of values remains the same for other engine power indicators.
All malfunctions in the operation of the device can be divided into two types. In the first case, everything works well at first glance, that is, the engine is humming, the light is on. The cause may be a refrigerant leak; it is quite easy to check this with your own hands. Just touch the capacitor; it should be very hot. If there is a refrigerant leak, the condenser will room temperature. The second common reason is a breakdown of the thermostat, that is, a signal about an increase in temperature simply does not arrive.
If the refrigerator does not turn on at all, then in 20% of cases the problem comes down to a motor failure. If the motor is working properly, but you need to repair the refrigerator compressor yourself, you need to sequentially check the main elements - the temperature sensor and the relay. Each device must be replaced if it breaks down. If everything works well, you need to change the compressor itself; we’ll tell you how to do it yourself.
How to replace a compressor?
To repair the compressor yourself, you need to prepare the appropriate tools:
- freon storage;
- valves for piercing and sampling;
- burner.
The compressor needs to be pulled out and the filling pipe needs to be lifted a little and broken. The device starts up for five minutes, during which the freon completely passes into the condenser. A piercing valve is connected to which the hose from the cylinder is connected. The valve is unscrewed for 30 seconds, this time is enough to collect all the gas.
Instead of a filling pipe, you need to solder a copper one; a torch is used for this purpose, but you can also use a regular soldering iron. Then a cut several centimeters long is made on the capillary expander, then the tube is broken and the filter is unsoldered from the condenser.
Now you need to completely disconnect the compressor from the pipes (most often there are two of them - to build up pressure and suck out excess gas), that is, the compressor needs to be unsoldered. To install a new compressor, you must repeat all steps in reverse order. After all work, make sure that the relay is working. If the launch was successful, then everything was done correctly.
Refrigerator - complex and expensive household appliance, consisting of several dozen units and parts. The most important of them is the compressor (in technical literature it is usually called a motor-compressor). In modern two-compressors there can be several (for each chamber).
It is not uncommon for a refrigerator to break down due to a compressor failure. As a rule, its breakdown is serious. Replacing a refrigerator compressor is not a cheap procedure. Therefore, before starting repairs, it is worth carrying out competent diagnostics and establishing the correct cause of the breakdown. For example, replacing the compressor of a Stinol refrigerator will cost from 6,900 to 11,500 rubles. The process itself is complex and requires special knowledge and equipment.
What is a compressor?
Many craftsmen call it the heart of the refrigerator. The performance of the entire cooling system depends on the proper operation of this element. The motor pumps refrigerant vapor in a closed refrigerator system, which consists of a compressor, evaporator and condenser.
The compressor itself is a technically complex unit. It consists of:
- relay;
- electric motor;
- pistons (similar to the pistons of internal combustion engines).
Deterioration in the performance of the motor-compressor requires immediate repair, and if it fails, replacement may be necessary.
How does a refrigerator work?
To identify a possible breakdown or malfunction of the compressor, you need to understand the basic operation of the refrigerator.
The refrigerant evaporates and in a gaseous state enters the condenser, in which, giving off heat, it gradually turns into liquid. In the evaporator freezer due to heat it becomes gaseous again. If the condenser and evaporator operate constantly, the compressor is turned on only by temperature sensors in the refrigerator chamber. The temperature rises, the temperature sensors signal this to the starting relay, and it starts the motor-compressor. When the temperature in the chamber drops, the motor turns off.
Signs of a compressor malfunction
Most refrigerator malfunctions in which the operation of the compressor is disrupted can be determined visually:
- the temperature in the cells is higher than usual;
- the motor-compressor works without stopping;
- the compressor overheats;
- the compressor runs but does not heat up;
- the starting relay starts the compressor, but it does not start working (characteristic clicks are heard without the motor starting to work);
- during operation, noises appeared that were not noticed before, vibration, rattling;
- the condenser (with the compressor running) does not heat up, but remains at room temperature.
Causes of breakdowns and failure of the compressor
The refrigerator cooling system, as mentioned above, is a complex closed loop. Most modern manufacturers guarantee its proper operation over a long period of time. In addition, almost all such systems are equipped with protection systems against most common violations of operating rules that arise due to the fault of the consumer.
Most often, compressor failure occurs due to:
- high or low voltage in electrical network;
- peak voltage nets;
- violations of the refrigerator’s operating modes (for example, they forget to turn off the temporary “quick freezing” mode);
- additional heating of parts of the refrigerator (for example, if the refrigerator is located near a radiator);
- attempts by consumers to independently change and repair parts of the refrigerator.
- damage (case, condenser) during transportation or movement of the refrigerator.
What to do if the refrigerator does not work?
The best thing to do would be to call a specialist who will inspect and diagnose the refrigerator malfunction. If the user decides to first assess the cause of the malfunction on his own, it is worth following the path from simple to complex.
Malfunctions or failures are not always associated with the motor-compressor.
Important to remember! During normal operation of the refrigerator, the compressor itself may heat up slightly, but should operate silently (operation can only be recognized by the uniform hum of the refrigerator or compressor, only if you put your hand to it). The condenser tubes heat up slightly (the heating should be uniform).
First, you should check the temperature sensors in the cameras. Failure of such a sensor makes the normal functioning of the refrigerator impossible. Checking can only be done with special tools.
Then you should check the starting relay of the motor-compressor, which also requires special instruments.
Checking the power cord and wiring of the refrigerator often causes a malfunction due to external mechanical damage.
When does a refrigerator compressor need to be replaced?
If diagnostics of other components of the device do not produce results, and the motor does not work and does not make any sounds, it most likely requires repair. In most cases you have to change it completely. Burnt out motors cannot be repaired.
How much will the repair cost?
How much it costs to replace a refrigerator compressor will depend on several factors:
- the price of the motor itself or its equivalent;
- difficulty in removing a failed device and installing a new one.
If you diagnose the problem in time, you can save a lot. For example, replacing the compressor of an Atlant refrigerator costs from 7,400 to 11,500 rubles. It turns out that restoration work can cost almost half the cost of a new device.
According to experienced craftsmen In most cases, expensive refrigerator repairs and compressor replacements can be avoided by contacting professionals at the first sign of a breakdown. Often, minor causes (freon leakage, thermostat failure, wear and tear) are a harbinger of a major malfunction. rubber seal), which are much cheaper to fix than a complete replacement.
Direct repair
Today, some are hastily taking up complex work(like replacing a compressor) in which they have no experience other than DIY tutorials on the Internet.
Replacing a refrigerator compressor is a complex process that requires precise determination of the cause of the malfunction, the experience and qualifications of a specialist, and specialized tools (gas burner, refrigerant reservoir, puncture valves and other equipment).
Amateurs who undertake to repair a failed motor look even more absurd. The absurdity is that manufacturers deliberately produce the compressor in a non-separable form. This is evidenced by the sealing of the entire body (despite the fact that the device is very complex and consists of several dozen parts). If any parts of the engine fail, they are not repaired, but carried out complete replacement refrigerator compressor for a new one.
This should only be done by a specialist with experience using a special tool.
Conclusion
Since such repairs are not cheap (for example, replacing the compressor of an Indesit refrigerator will cost owners from 7,400 to 9,900 rubles), it is worth following the operating rules. Most common cause breakdown is instability of the electrical network. Therefore, it is recommended to connect the refrigerator not directly, but through a voltage stabilizer.
