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Post by turbokinetic on Dec 29, 2018 13:48:09 GMT
I think that for soldering tubing only, a MAPP Bernz-O-Matic would be sufficient. However, it will not safely solder the line back into the evaporator. The heat is too diffuse and the evaporator its self will be overheated over a wider area than it needs to be.
I use oxy-propane Bernz-O-Matic and it's fine for even the 1/2" low side evaporator tubing, if you have cut it and are using a joiner to reattach. The catch is the oxygen cylinders last a very short time so you must have everything ready to go once the torch is lit. Certainly for cap tube installation it's sufficient.
Incidentally, the MAPP of today is not what it was when I started working on these fridges in 2012. There were apparently some nasty accidents, and the so called MAPP gas you get now is a dumbed down version. Not a lot difference between it and butane as far as I can tell, or maybe I just have crappy torches, but the Fat Boy MAPP was quite good in comparison.
It's a long story on the MAPP gas. Originally the term "MAPP Gas" was a trademarked name for "methylacetylene-propadiene propane", often sold in yellow canisters. This was discontinued in 2008. Now, they sell similar yellow bottles of plain old propylene gas, with the moniker "MAPP Pro" making you think it is professional grade MAPP; but it's really no better than propane, IMHO.
Just to clarify, Bernz-O-Matic sells many different torches. To clarify my statement as to it being inadequate; I tried to use a TS120 (if I remember the number correctly) single-gas propylene torch and it didn't do the job to solder an evaporator line. Actually did a video where you can see the evaporator bluing in areas far from the joint due to the poor heat concentration.
I'm sure the oxy-propane flame is plenty hot to do the job. I've never used one of those Bernz-O-Matic oxy-propane torches since I already have a Victor oxy-acetylene rig.
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Post by elec573 on Dec 31, 2018 3:11:56 GMT
Hi AJ I have an ox acetylene set of torch’s I be happy to let you use if needed. I myself have done a lot of burning and cutting with them but never soldering or brazing . I’v always used a burns O-Matic for copper water lines . But for the fridges I think you need something hotter and more confined to one area . But sense we’re almost two hours apart we would need to plan this out if interested. And it would be a learning experience for both of us.
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Post by ajc31980 on Dec 31, 2018 6:26:01 GMT
Hi AJ I have an ox acetylene set of torch’s I be happy to let you use if needed. I myself have done a lot of burning and cutting with them but never soldering or brazing . I’v always used a burns O-Matic for copper water lines . But for the fridges I think you need something hotter and more confined to one area . But sense we’re almost two hours apart we would need to plan this out if interested. And it would be a learning experience for both of us. Hi Herb. I appreciate the offer :-) I will let you know. It’s actually closer to a 3 hour drive from my place to yours. I’m not exactly sure when I’m going to tackle this project yet. I’ve been searching and reading through the older threads trying to learn as much as I can before I dig into this. I’m probably making a bigger deal out of this than it needs to be and over thinking things lol. It’s just that this CA is really nice shape and it would kill me to make a mistake and do any damage. Kinda wish a had one that I could practice on haha. I was hoping that mike aka 100yearfridge was going to be able to help out but I think he must really be busy with getting settled back in with the big move back to PA. I haven’t heard from him in ages and don’t want to pester him cause I know how it is when life gets crazy lol.
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Post by ajc31980 on May 26, 2019 7:05:20 GMT
Hi everyone It’s been a wile since I’ve been on here. I’ll just say in short life got crazy and I’ve been a bit under the weather. most of my projects have been on hold .. sadly. I just wanted let everyone know the CA is still plugging away. It’s been running with out interruption since December:-). It still rattles at me though lol. Although , not as much as it use to. The poor old thing probably still hasn’t totally escaped the surgeons torch ! Haha On a good note the thermostat has stopped turning it’s self up. I had to defrost today I chose to just pull the plug. I didn’t want to chance loosening up the thermostat control again lol I hope everyone has been doing well. I see I have a lot of new posts to read through on here. :-) AJ.
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Post by turbokinetic on May 26, 2019 11:23:02 GMT
Hi everyone It’s been a wile since I’ve been on here. I’ll just say in short life got crazy and I’ve been a bit under the weather. most of my projects have been on hold .. sadly. I just wanted let everyone know the CA is still plugging away. It’s been running with out interruption since December:-). It still rattles at me though lol. Although , not as much as it use to. The poor old thing probably still hasn’t totally escaped the surgeons torch ! Haha On a good note the thermostat has stopped turning it’s self up. I had to defrost today I chose to just pull the plug. I didn’t want to chance loosening up the thermostat control again lol I hope everyone has been doing well. I see I have a lot of new posts to read through on here. :-) AJ. Hi, glad to see you're back around! I do understand life getting crazy. You may have noticed not many posts from me, either. Been hit with two major, longterm work assignments that ran together. Just taking all my time.
Hope you're feeling better, as well. Very pleased that CA is running like a top for you!
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Post by ajc31980 on Jan 2, 2021 21:08:01 GMT
Hi everyone and happy new year ! I was just posting and update on the 47 GE I have and thought I’d also post and update on the CA :-) It’s still plugging away ... haha. Ive mainly been using it during the holidays for overflow ... I don’t think I’ve ever cooked as much or have had as much food in the house ever ... as I’ve had over this past year. Lol The old CA has been a great help with all of that. The only issue it seems to have is that are 2 areas that do not get frost on them a small area on the left and and back of the evaporator on the inside. I’m assuming it’s probably something to do with the float valve being temperamental. But it does keep everything nice and cold, darn near freezing just the way I like it. Here’s a pic of the evaporator. There isn’t much frost on it because the air is really dry in the house this time of year. So it makes it hard to tell in the pic. It still amazes me that an appliance this old is still running this good . AJ
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Post by elec573 on Jan 2, 2021 21:18:14 GMT
GE made them to last . My ck has been working fine for several years now , other than a defrost now and then it’s maintaince free . And there a piece of art work.
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Post by turbokinetic on Jan 2, 2021 22:17:11 GMT
Hi everyone and happy new year ! I was just posting and update on the 47 GE I have and thought I’d also post and update on the CA :-) It’s still plugging away ... haha. Ive mainly been using it during the holidays for overflow ... I don’t think I’ve ever cooked as much or have had as much food in the house ever ... as I’ve had over this past year. Lol The old CA has been a great help with all of that. The only issue it seems to have is that are 2 areas that do not get frost on them a small area on the left and and back of the evaporator on the inside. I’m assuming it’s probably something to do with the float valve being temperamental. But it does keep everything nice and cold, darn near freezing just the way I like it. Here’s a pic of the evaporator. There isn’t much frost on it because the air is really dry in the house this time of year. So it makes it hard to tell in the pic. It still amazes me that an appliance this old is still running this good . AJ Glad to hear a positive update! It is wonderful how things were built to last back in the day for sure. As for those two small non-frosted areas, there's no telling. Could be some congealed oil or something in there. If it's almost freezing your drinks, then it's got plenty of active area for sure!
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Post by elec573 on Apr 26, 2024 1:57:42 GMT
Hi AJ Hope your ca is doing fine , haven’t seen you post in a while just wondering how you and you’re ca is doing?
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