stan
5 Cubic Foot
Posts: 98
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Post by stan on Jan 12, 2018 7:44:44 GMT
Hi all I've been hangin in the shadows here a few days. I have a FEA machine that's used daily in my kitchen. I've had it a little over 20 years. Ive had to have it recharged once, (about five years ago) and at that time, the refrigerant was switched to (409a) Anyway it looks as though it needs it again. I'm fortunate that the outfit that recharged before, is willing to come again. They don't normally service residential but...Their coming next week. They are going to do add dye this time, recharge, and return in two weeks to see if the leak can be found this time. The machine runs very quite, and I've never oiled anything. (Have to look closer to see where oil port is) Travis has recommended non detergent 20 weight, if needed. Have exchanged a few emails with Travis and he has been very helpful. Anymore thoughts, comments, or suggestions are welcome as I'm interested in learning Thanks
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Post by solarmike on Jan 12, 2018 14:07:03 GMT
Glad you like your FEA so do I... Their is a lot of info on here about them as I'm sure you have found out.. What are you looking to learn about?? I just charged one of mine a few weeks ago it's very easy...
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Post by coldspaces on Jan 13, 2018 5:59:40 GMT
A leak that took 5 years to lose to much of the charge is not the easiest to find. Dye might work but a real good visual examination,looking for any signs of oil that leaked out should be done first. Look at all parts of the sealed system. Don't know where you are located but I have 3 FEA units,(no cabinets) could part with one if you consider a replacement.
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stan
5 Cubic Foot
Posts: 98
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Post by stan on Jan 13, 2018 6:54:57 GMT
Thank you Coldspaces. I'm in northern Ca. I have noticed in the last 5 years on occasion that after defrost that there is a oily residue on the chiller/drip pan after pouring out the water. Solormike, I'd to learn how to recharge myself.. And I be watching close when the service guy comes next week to see how he does it! Since the unit has 409a in it, I'm assuming you have to be licensed some way to buy it? I've looked it up, and its mostly sold in 30lb containers (more than I need) Have seen 414 in 16 ounce being sold...think it's was 414b? After detection of a leak, how can it be fixed? Don't know what else is compatible with my unit? Im also curious about the older machines out three that use S02.. Is S02 available for recharge or is there a replacement?
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Post by Travis on Jan 13, 2018 7:04:52 GMT
It sounds like the leak is in or around the evaporator.
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stan
5 Cubic Foot
Posts: 98
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Post by stan on Jan 13, 2018 8:14:52 GMT
Hi Travis.
Good tonhear from you
If there's a leak in or around evaporator can it be repaired, and if so how??
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Post by solarmike on Jan 13, 2018 14:40:44 GMT
Yes it can be fixed but it depends on where it is... Have you considered using 134?? I'm still running R12 in mine since I have some.. That's what they came with..
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stan
5 Cubic Foot
Posts: 98
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Post by stan on Jan 13, 2018 17:04:57 GMT
I Don't know much about refrigerants. All new to me. Don't know what the A or the B mean or stand for. I've learned here that mine use to have R12 but now has 409a. Will 134 work in it? If my leak is in the evaporator, how can it be fixed?
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Post by solarmike on Jan 13, 2018 21:34:10 GMT
I Don't know much about refrigerants. All new to me. Don't know what the A or the B mean or stand for. I've learned here that mine use to have R12 but now has 409a. Will 134 work in it? If my leak is in the evaporator, how can it be fixed? Yes sir 134 will work in it.. And Like I said it might be able to be fixed but you need to know where the leak is... It might not be able to be fixed...
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Post by ckfan on Jan 14, 2018 0:30:56 GMT
Yeah, it sounds like the evaporator is leaking. There is a replacement for SO2. Its R124. Cold spaces has been testing it successfully with some help from other members on the forum.
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stan
5 Cubic Foot
Posts: 98
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Post by stan on Jan 16, 2018 5:20:44 GMT
Thanks guys. The Co that recharged will be here Wenesday am to recharge/dye test. Could there be a reason that 409a was chosen for the replacement when it was recharged last time? If 134 can be used..could I recharge with the same refridgerant that's sold for auto air conditioning? I ask because I happend to be in the auto supply store and looked at the EZ chill..(134a) also noticed it said it had a sealent in it? Sorry to sound like such a rookie, but rookie
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Post by blackhorse on Jan 16, 2018 5:35:26 GMT
A leak that takes that long is a very tiny leak. Actually I would suspect the compressor electric terminal seals; do they seem a bit oily or dust sticks to them? And such a small leak I probably wouldn't fight with, just top it off every 5 years or so.
Also 134a is not compatible with the mineral oil used in your FEA R12 system. 134a takes POE oil, oil return and proper lubrication could be a problem substituting 134a for R12. That's why the guy before used 409a, which is a blend specifically made to replace R12. There is also a replacement refrigerant called "Hot Shot" (414b) specifically made to replace R12, that would work fine, and if you can get it in pound cans like you said, would be quite a savings. (Don't mix the two, or any other refrigerants. If you choose 414b, replace the whole charge). Refrigerants that start with "4" (409a, 414b, 422b) are blends of other gasses, and need to be used a bit differently, most notably charged as liquid (upside down). If charged as a gas, the higher pressure gas will leave the container first, leaving the lower pressure gas until last, and neither will work in your system as intended.
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stan
5 Cubic Foot
Posts: 98
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Post by stan on Jan 16, 2018 9:06:26 GMT
Thank you Blackhourse. I figured there had to be a reason for 409ato have ben chosen. I've seen 413a online sold in what looks like 16 ounce cans. Glad to know that the 409 would need to be evacuated if I switched. I'm not experienced enough to recharge myself, but I'll watch closely when the dude comes. I try to look closer to electrical terminals, as suggested too Thanks
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Post by blackhorse on Jan 16, 2018 13:19:33 GMT
R413a is described as for high-temp R12 replacement (air conditioning), and may vary from what's intended at low (refrigeration) temps.
There is also Hot Shot-2 (R-417C) which is the replacement for R12 if/when Hot Shot (414b) becomes unavailable (EPA rules).
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Post by solarmike on Jan 16, 2018 14:26:17 GMT
Also 134a is not compatible with the mineral oil used in your FEA R12 system. 134a takes POE oil, oil return and proper lubrication could be a problem substituting 134a for R12. That's very good to know... I guess the R12 in a car is different than in a Monitor top?? Or at least the oil is??
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