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I punctured the gas line on a smallish Mitsubishi fridge/freezer and I’d like to know if the fridge and freezer sections run on separate gas lines. I’m ok with not having the freezer working but would like to use the fridge for drinks, etc. Can I just seal up the gas line breach with silicone or something or is it an expensive repair. Any replies appreciated
Hi, What is the model number of the refrigerator? Most refrigerators have one sealed system comprising the compressor, condenser coils, filter dryer, evaporator unit and the associated tubing. Some may have two evaporator units but there is still only the one sealed system throughout the refrigerator and the gas is directed to either or both evaporator units by a 3 way valve as required. In either case, sealing off the refrigerant line will not work as most probably there has already been too much refrigerant gas lost to the air. I suggest that you turn off the refrigerator so as to prevent any damage occurring to the compressor. The refrigerant being pumped through the system by the compressor reaches the evaporator unit in the freezer compartment where it changes from a liquid to a very cold gas and this produces the cold necessary to cool down the freezer. There is usually a fan in the freezer compartment that blows air across the evap unit and it is directed into the refrigerator compartment to cool it down. If you lose refrigerant due to a leak proper cooling will not occur in either compartment and when all the refrigerant gas is lost or has already been lost, then the compressor may be damaged if it is continuing to run trying to cool things down, which it can’t - no refrigerant. To fix the problem the sealed system would have to be cut into and connected to equipment that will pump out any remaining gas, then the leak will have to be fixed, most probably by replacing the section of damaged pipe. Next a dye would be introduced into the sealed system to ensure that there are now no leaks. After this the dye would have to be pumped out and a vacuum created in the system and then the correct amount of refrigerant gas pumped in. The refrigerator would then be turned on and the high and suction pressures in the sealed system measured to ensure that the refrigerator was operating at the correct pressures (and reaching the correct temperatures in each compartment) or whether more or less gas was needed. Once the pressures and temps were OK the system would be permanently sealed. Added to this depending on where you are, you may need a licensed refrigerator repairer to do this due to the environmental regulations regarding the handling of refrigerant gases. Where I am you can’t even buy refrigerant gas without a license even if you could do the work yourself My view is that basically it is not a DIY repair. I don’t know how much it would cost to get it fixed as it may depend on where you are etc. In the end it may come down to economics i.e. cost of repair versus remaining operating life of refrigerator due to its age, condition etc. The average life span of a refrigerator is approx. 12-15 years
