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Post by 100yearfridge on Nov 15, 2016 13:53:01 GMT
The problem with the service adapter kit is their small list doesn't really tell you anything other than GE uses a spline for the charge screw. It looks like it would use the adapter I show here after removing the plug, but it's hard to tell from looking at pictures. Are there any threads on the large flange? I assume not, but that's how the older GE's connected. We haven't taken anything apart yet. It is as you can see in the picture. There are those course threads on the outside, then the rest is pretty smooth. I assume there are internal threads where the plug is installed. I'm a bit concerned about this thing being galled up or not resealing properly. I'm leaning towards just brazing in a Schrader, but it is up to Joneske.
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Post by coldspaces on Nov 15, 2016 13:55:03 GMT
I recently removed a compressor from a late 40's spacemaker that may have that same connector. I will try to find time tonight to see whats under the cap and what charge fittings fit on it.
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Post by ChrisJ on Nov 15, 2016 14:27:46 GMT
The problem with the service adapter kit is their small list doesn't really tell you anything other than GE uses a spline for the charge screw. It looks like it would use the adapter I show here after removing the plug, but it's hard to tell from looking at pictures. Are there any threads on the large flange? I assume not, but that's how the older GE's connected. We haven't taken anything apart yet. It is as you can see in the picture. There are those course threads on the outside, then the rest is pretty smooth. I assume there are internal threads where the plug is installed. I'm a bit concerned about this thing being galled up or not resealing properly. I'm leaning towards just brazing in a Schrader, but it is up to Joneske. Oh, I wonder if it uses the standard GE size and that black hex driver that's in the kit? It looked like it may be a smooth flange, or have some rings on it but they didn't look like threads I guess because of the shrink tubing.
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Post by ckfan on Nov 15, 2016 14:37:55 GMT
If I were a betting man...I would say this fridge is post WWII. I could be absolutely wrong but it just seems that way with the compressor it has and such. Anyways, I wish I had more information to help you both out. I will be interested to see what kind of fitting these have in case I ever have to fill up my dad's spacemaker or one of my FEA units.
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Post by Travis on Nov 15, 2016 21:44:47 GMT
I wonder if the visible plug is a secondary screw. It looks to me that the larger threads may be the same as is on top of the float on an older unit. I have never charged an FEA because they're ugly.
I bet there's a bristol purge screw under that cap. What do I win if I am right, lol.
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Post by Travis on Nov 15, 2016 22:12:31 GMT
That's exactly what it is you remove that there's a spline screw underneath
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Post by coldspaces on Nov 16, 2016 1:45:30 GMT
Here is the one I saved. The box it was in has been under water several feet once or more, the top of cabinet was very rusted and the condenser coil looked like it could leak at any time so its all apart now and the shell is scrap. I was surprised the shrink wrap kept the water out so well, thought it would be rusted up more for sure. It is the Bristol screw underneath the cover screw,same as the one our Monitor Tops use. Adapter #9 is the one that fits.
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Post by 100yearfridge on Nov 16, 2016 2:42:14 GMT
I wonder if the visible plug is a secondary screw. It looks to me that the larger threads may be the same as is on top of the float on an older unit. I have never charged an FEA because they're ugly. I bet there's a bristol purge screw under that cap. What do I win if I am right, lol. Respect and admiration! You guys are all great. It is so nice to have the collective experience of so many enthusiasts with so many machines.
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Post by ckfan on Nov 16, 2016 2:43:08 GMT
That compressor is exactly like the one in my dads spacemaker. Kinda cool to see it out of the unit. I guess they decided it needed cooling fins all around it.
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Post by 100yearfridge on Nov 16, 2016 4:11:19 GMT
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Post by Travis on Nov 16, 2016 17:28:40 GMT
Here is the plug and the port on an FEA. They must have moved the port to allow for better access. Attachments:
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Post by ckfan on Nov 16, 2016 18:21:10 GMT
Here is the plug and the port on an FEA. They must have moved the port to allow for better access. Yep, exactly. My freezer has a very similar (but larger) unit and the port is on the side just like Kevin's. That also leads me to believe that his unit was assembled after WWII.
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Post by joneske on Dec 5, 2016 16:29:31 GMT
Mike came over yesterday and we pulled the compressor, condenser, base and evaporator out of the cabinet. The winch once again proved useful as we were able to suspend the evaporator while we fashioned a frame to support it long term. We now have plenty of room to get to the service port. I have purchased an adapter kit, a can of R12 and am waiting on a dispensing valve. Once that arrives, we hope to add charge and get it running properly. After that will come the restoration.
drive.google.com/open?id=1jABI6Ag6uaF04S3dowy_IwtDx0mwbRdv
drive.google.com/open?id=1jABI6Ag6uaF04S3dowy_IwtDx0mwbRdv
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Post by 100yearfridge on Dec 18, 2016 23:57:10 GMT
Okie dokie! Kevin got his R12, can adapter, and service valve adapter kit, and today we attempted to add some charge to improve the frost pattern on the evaporator. Up until now, only the right side and some of the bottom will frost up, unless we restrict the air flow to the condenser to drive the head pressure up. I figure it just needs a few ounces. We hooked everything up with some mineral oil lubing up most of the fittings on the adapter, purged the air out of the line, and then I cracked the service port open. Unfortunately, the classic pressure gauge doesn't appear to work, but the thermocouples on the suction line and the high pressure line (before the condenser) indicated improved performance. The suction line dropped in temperature, and the high side line warmed a good bit. The air discharge warmed a bit as well. The frost line crept to the left side of the evaporator and up the side, then the thermostat kicked it off. At this point I had put two ounces in (it takes 9.25), and we figured we might be done for now. When it started back up, everything changed. It appeared that we lost a lot of charge, and the evaporator refused to frost. I believe the service valve adapter kit is probably leaky, and when the thermostat shut down pressure equalization led to a higher rate of leakage from when it was running. In retrospect, I should have brought dry nitrogen to pressure check the service valve kit before attempting the charging operation. I did bubble test the connections, but the pressure would have been pretty low. The adapter kit is difficult to tighten on the compressor, as it twists while I'm trying to turn the adapter on. I did clean the copper washers up a bit and coated everything in mineral oil. The plan next week is to pressure test the service valve kit with nitrogen, replace the gauge, test again, recover the r12 in the system, pressure test the whole fridge with soap, and proceed from there. If we can figure out where the leak is, we'll fix it, do a triple evacuation and charge with fresh r12. Any suggestions on getting this adapter kit to seal well, or on anything else? It was a little disappointing to get it working better today, only to have our success turn to failure! We'll get it going; I'm just hoping the problem is in the service valve kit and not elsewhere.
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Post by coldspaces on Dec 19, 2016 0:31:06 GMT
I often use nitrogen or evac. with my Grandfathers old Duo Seal Vacuum pump. I makes noise when pulling something out and gets real quite when its done. Sounds like it was low and you will get it to behave in the end.
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