13 replies to this topic

[johnd393]

My Sub Zero 550 has a leak that takes about a year to leak down.
I bought a 12.3oz can of Automotive R134a with UV leak detector in hopes that in another year I'll be able to locate the leak.
The can is labeled to have just the UV leak detector. I didn't want any sealers or other additives meant for automotive systems. Had to go to several stores to find it.
Is there any reason not to use this in my frig?

The frig is still cold but it's running continuously and frost is building up over the evaporator.

[Scottthewolf]

Your leak is in the evaporator. You will have to have a professional appliance repair technician who specializes in Sub Zero repairs replace the evaporator and the filter drier. If you just add R134A to the system you are doing something that is against the law.

Get me the serial number of your refrigerator and I will see if your unit is still under a sealed system part warranty.

Also, I would like to know where you live so I can reccommend an authorized Sub Zero repair company in your area. All I nned is your city and state where you live.

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

If you just add R134A to the system you are doing something that is against the law.

Not to mention you're killin' off all them poor leetle orzos floating around way high up in the sky... or so the party line goes ==> http://fixitnow.com/...g-corporations/

[johnd393]

My frig was manufactured Oct 96. I'm pretty sure all warranties are expired. I checked it out a year ago. I've read here in other threads that the Sub Zero 550 evaporators are often the leaking part. Still, I want to try to identify the leak. If it's at a brazed coupling I may try some epoxy patch.
I am Automotive and Universal EPA certified.
I just want to know if UV dye can be used to find a leak in my frig.

[kdog]

Yes it can, but you may be sorry you put it in there when it continues to make a mess - look for oil which will already be around the leak. You gotta discharge it anyway to add the dye. just use some nitrogen to pressure and some bubble solution

[RegUS_PatOff]

may not see "oil" near the leak if it's that slow...
also, depending on Fridge serial number, may be an R12 system

[johnd393]

You might assume that I read the manufacturers model number tag and the tag on the compressor where it plainly says R134a.
I've never had the back off so I could see any oil if it's there. I need a light bulb for it before I start taking the insides apart. A dial lamp is out.
I wonder if the defrost water washes away any accumulation of oil from a 1 year leak.
Found a note with the date 7/7/2010 for the first time it got low on r134. For all I knew at the time it may have taken 10 years to leak down.

[certified tech group 51]

Low side leak.................98% chance it is the evaporator.................98% it will be in the fins of the coil.................... charge the system with dry nitrogen and use a 'sniffer', it will get you close................bubble solution to pin-point leak, you may need to spray it on if in the fins............Any way, much easier to replace if the leak is in the finned areas................If it took a year to leak out 7? oz. of R 134A , it is a small hole may not even show up with all the searching...................... If looking for oil leaks, the hole has to be large enough for the oil molecules to leak out.....

[RegUS_PatOff]

You might assume that I read the manufacturers model number tag and the tag on the compressor

... I don't assume anything
can't give advice on assumptions

[johnd393]

I remember when tv stations would display that indian test pattern when they signed off late at night.

[RegUS_PatOff]

... indian test pattern when they signed off late at night.

... yes...

• Flavorite Brew:Chief NTSC Black & White

(National Television System Committee)
OR more commonalty known as
Never Twice the Same Color

[johnd393]

The SN is M1275769
What's the correct part number for the replacement evaporator?
There's a part number in the parts list and a different number can be found online.

[RegUS_PatOff]

looks like yours is R134a

MODEL 550 R12
Prior To Serial # M1204990 / P1214590
except between # M / P1184141 to # M / P1184239

MODEL 550 R134a
Starting with Serial # M1204990 / P1214590
and between # M / P1184141 to # M / P1184239

3130270 Evaporator Coil, Fridge
Replacement Fridge Evaporator 4204400 Kit
Service Evap (550/650) 550 Use Regardless of Serial Number.
650 Use Prior to Serial #2128097.
Starting with Serial #2128097, see 3130630

3130120 Evaporator Coil, Freezer
Replacement Freezer Evaporator 3130120
Evaporator Coil, Freezer (550, 2711, 2811)
M550 Prior to #M681166.
Starting with #M681166 see 3130300 P550
Starting with #P612941 see 3130300 2711 Use regardless of number
2811 Use regardless of number

[johnd393]

Thank you