Compressor transplant

[Skeleton Man]

I was just wondering if it's possible to take the compressor from an old fridge and put into a squaretop machine ?  Mine doesn't cool unless it's on the highest setting and it's not worth the money to have the compressor rebuilt)

[BrianB]

Skeleton,

Your soda pop machine might just need a charge. If you have a schrader valve (a valve that has been soldered in-line) then you can have it filled. The only tough part is finding a cheap source of R-12 (I assume that's what your machine uses). Then all it it takes is the proper hose and you'll be good to go.

Otherwise, as long as the compressor from the fridge is rated similarly to the soda pop machine compressor, you should be ok. The most common sizes are 1/8, 1/4 and, 1/3 horsepower.

[Skeleton Man]

Quote (VMC117BMB @ May 14 2005,8:57)

Skeleton, Your soda pop machine might just need a charge. If you have a schrader valve (a valve that has been soldered in-line) then you can have it filled. The only tough part is finding a cheap source of R-12 (I assume that's what your machine uses). Then all it it takes is the proper hose and you'll be good to go. Otherwise, as long as the compressor from the fridge is rated similarly to the soda pop machine compressor, you should be ok. The most common sizes are 1/8, 1/4 and, 1/3 horsepower.

It has some small pipe sticking up from the side of the compressor with the end capped off.. is that the valve you mean ?

I'm guessing you buy freon in pressurised tanks like propane ?  I thought you needed a license to buy the stuff ?

Yes you need alicence to buy refrigerant . If your old system used R-12 the replacement is r-409a and it works with the mineral oil already in your compressor. any local refrigeration contractor will know

[Skeleton Man]

The old system uses R-12 (it has R-12 stamped in big letters on the compressor).. I never knew of r-409a.. (I thot the only option was to replace oil, seals, etc and fill with r-134a)

Do I still need a license for R-409a or R-134a ?

I saw a product called autofrost that replaces R-12.. what would be in that ?

Also is that skinny tube sticking up next to the compressor body the schrader valve ? (if not, where would it likely be located)