Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Refrigerator Repair:
Self replacement of refrigerator compressor and differences to automotive systems
I enjoyed your web site, and thought I would send you a note.
I have a 1988 Kitchen Aid refrigerator that appears to have a failed compressor. All three compressor terminals are shorted to the compressor housing (with connections unplugged). I probably should just buy a new refrigerator, but thought I would ask if they make
replacement compressors with automotive R12 fittings. I have a vacuum pump and gauge sets for automotive use, so it would work out well for me. I suppose I could solder them on myself, but wanted to ask your opinion. Any advice would be appreciated. Also, do you know of a low cost source for buying a replacement compressor?
No as far as I know, no household compressors are made with automotive fittings. Lines on refrigerators are all silver soldered. Replacing a compressor on a household refrigerator is quite different than working on automotive systems though mainly because of the capillary tube instead of the thermal expansion valve. There is no forgiveness with moisture or charge level (needs to be absolutely dry and to the fraction of an ounce accurate).
Even commercial refrigeration techs have a tough time until they learn the ropes of a domestic system. Most don't like domestic systems and call them fussy and pissy.
You could compare it to a Mac truck mechanic working on his own lawn mower engine. All the same components are there but in an unrecognizable form so by the time the Mac truck mechanic learns the follies of the lawn mower engine, he could have repaired 3 large engines and made more than enough to pay someone who knew what he was doing with the lawn mower engine to deal with it, problems and frustrations avoided.
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