Beverage Air 28S

[WDG]

I picked up a Beverage Air 28S that was running all but not cooling very quickly.  I put some 134A on top of the little amount of 22 that was in it and it ran for about a week.  Thinking I had a good system I proceeded as follows.
1. Removed decals and repainted machine with stencils instead of decals and having all new metal around compressor made.
2. Started machine up again and got no cooling. Checked and guage read low so I added some more 134A.
It should be noted here that I don't exactly know what I'm doing!!!!
3. Got some dye to put in and started to pump down and then add dye with 134A.  Found big leak at bottom of condenser 90, cleaned and silver soldered it.
4. Pumped system down over night and then let it sit for 1.5 days.
5. System still in vacuum so I added 134A.
6. Ran for two days then got up next morning and compressor had pulled almost a 30" vacuum. After 20 minutes system back to 0.
7. Trying to get courage to shoot self in both feet for wasting time and money.

Any ideas other than the obvious got another leak?  Don't think I can get a new evaporator as it's the long hot dog kind and I don't know about the compressor unit.  I have two ice machine that are about two/three years old that I thought about taking the compressor and condensing unit out and trying to get a new evaporator but not sure they would match up.  Also do not have swedging tools if I can get what I need to try this experiment.  Anyone with ANY help would be appreciated.

[johnieG]

Please stand by,  

[johnieG]

A: never mix refrigerants, just don't.

B: I doubt the system had R22 in it, I think you meant R12

C: just pulling a vacuum isn't a valid leak test

D: If it's still losing gas, then there's still a leak, find it & fix it. try using a liquid bubble type solution or borrow or rent a leak sniffer.

E: if it's pulling itself into a low pressure / vacuum chances are you have a high-side leak.

F: insofar as "wasting time & money" , it depends on how much you have of both on hand.

[MoonDawg]

Don't think I can get a new evaporator as it's the long hot dog kind and I don't know about the compressor unit. 

         Look locally for any of the push button can drop machines, they have long evaporators and the larger ones can be had for free.
 
         With the experience you have gained you should be able to make something fit.
         Keep in mind whether your copper line travels on the left or right side of the cabinet.

[WDG]

I do have a Rock Ola that is a four selector type.  I haven't looked at it, maybe there is something there I can  use.  Yes, I believe I erred (go figure) it did have R12.  I was wondering, (big mistake here) since I have a lot of desiccant I thought of making a double cylinder running air through one then the other and put about 50 PSI in it and then try to find the leak with a spray bottle and some soapy water.  Is putting dry air in there a mistake?  I'm going to wait for some replies before I do it.   

[MoonDawg]

       Air will always have some moisture in it.  The recommended way to pressure test a system is with nitrogen.

[WDG]

How about Argon or will it have moisture in it too?

[Slapshot42]

How about Argon or will it have moisture in it too?

The industry uses nitrogen should very obtainable?