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Post by zmorty74 on Aug 13, 2020 23:14:40 GMT
About 4 months ago, I bought this perfectly running CK-26-A16. It has worked great, but on Monday we had a bad storm and lost power for over a day. The fridge started smelling horribly...bad enough that I needed to vent the basement with open windows and fans...I've never smelled so2 before, but given what I've read on this forum, that's probably what I'm smelling. When the power came back on, all is well and the fridge is still running great, but now I smell that smell only inside the cabinet when I open the door. I've linked some photos that I hope are accessible. There's a weird spot now on the bottom of the evaporator that I don't recall seeing before. Assuming this is a leak, I either need a repair or a new evaporator, which is beyond my abilities. I'm in Illinois right on the Mississippi if that matters in finding help. Why would this suddenly happen when I had a power outage? Coincidence? Thanks in advance for your skills and talents. Zack Photos here: drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Aw0pjW81-FkiDIELYgOrhWTv0axq3XGk?usp=sharing |
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Post by cablehack on Aug 14, 2020 0:01:35 GMT
I'm no expert on SO2 systems, but the yellow colour looks like sulphur. As for why after a power failure; I would assume because the system is at it's highest pressure, having to pull down the evaporator temperature, and the weak spot has given way. It's an interesting fault since the evaporators are stainless steel, and corrosion should not be a problem. Usually, evaporator leaks like this have occurred from an incorrect defrosting procedure in the past. I wouldn't recommend operating the fridge until it's been dealt with, since once enough SO2 has leaked out, it might start drawing in air(and moisture).
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Post by zmorty74 on Aug 14, 2020 12:24:13 GMT
Thanks for the quick reply! In your expert opinion, is something like that fixable or do I need to begin the search for a new evaporator? Not even sure who to ask about putting something like that on and then refilling the system...
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Post by coldspaces on Aug 14, 2020 12:52:13 GMT
That must be from a hole made defrosting with a sharp object in the past. Very unlikely for the stainless steel evap to just leak. I am going to be the closest too you. I have limited space and time but might be able to help you. Post a pic of the hole with no frost hiding it. Stay Brite solder should be able to fix the leak.
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Post by zmorty74 on Aug 15, 2020 14:30:37 GMT
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Post by coldspaces on Aug 15, 2020 19:50:59 GMT
Wow is that oil I see running out? I can't see the hole but if its small it should be able to be soldered. Or a patch soldered over it. I see you have a lift off top and don't have to bring the cabinet. I will send you a PM.
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Post by coldspaces on Aug 26, 2020 4:17:54 GMT
This top made to me Sunday. You could see the oil slowly coming out. It was very hard to see just were the hole was even after I tipped the unit onto its side on an pad. I vented most the so2 first but there is still 30 psi on the system. After it was on its side all night the oil finally all drained away and stopped coming out. IUt was much easier to see the leak bubble then but the hole is very small. This first pic is before I cleaned the area with brake clean, most everything came off.  The leak is in the yellow circle in this one.  One more.  And a couple of videos. youtu.be/TG9rePoaJEwyoutu.be/jJvJKA0fKT8 |
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Post by ChrisJ on Aug 26, 2020 14:07:08 GMT
This top made to me Sunday. You could see the oil slowly coming out. It was very hard to see just were the hole was even after I tipped the unit onto its side on an pad. I vented most the so2 first but there is still 30 psi on the system. After it was on its side all night the oil finally all drained away and stopped coming out. IUt was much easier to see the leak bubble then but the hole is very small. This first pic is before I cleaned the area with brake clean, most everything came off. What do you think the hole is from, just a defect / pit in the stainless that got worse over time? Are you going to add any oil to the system? |
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Post by ckfan on Aug 26, 2020 22:36:25 GMT
WOW, that is one tiny hole!
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Post by turbokinetic on Aug 26, 2020 22:53:59 GMT
Wow, that is a tiny pinhole. I hope you're right that it is a punched hole and can be repaired easily; but it sure looks like it is a corrosion defect in the metal.  |
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Post by Travis on Aug 26, 2020 23:29:14 GMT
I am not meaning to be rude with this comment. Is it really a defect when an 83 year old part fails?
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Post by birkie on Aug 26, 2020 23:44:05 GMT
I am not meaning to be rude with this comment. Is it really a defect when an 83 year old part fails? I think writing a letter to the GE appliance division engineers is in order to get their opinion... In all seriousness, this leak was fascinating to see. Rare, but possible! |
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Post by ChrisJ on Aug 27, 2020 1:09:14 GMT
I am not meaning to be rude with this comment. Is it really a defect when an 83 year old part fails? I think writing a letter to the GE appliance division engineers is in order to get their opinion... In all seriousness, this leak was fascinating to see. Rare, but possible! With how the current stuff holds up they're going to be completely confused. |
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Post by Travis on Aug 27, 2020 1:10:27 GMT
Yeah, file a warranty claim. It's fascinating. They will all fail eventually. The repairs just get more involved. Look at what we have to go through to rebuild a DR or a belt drive unit.
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Post by coldspaces on Aug 27, 2020 1:40:32 GMT
Wow, that is a tiny pinhole. I hope you're right that it is a punched hole and can be repaired easily; but it sure looks like it is a corrosion defect in the metal. Best I can tell so far is not a punched hole. Its so small I will fix it and hope its the only one it ever has. |
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