Finding the location of evaporatoris often the first step in diagnosing refrigeration equipment malfunctions. In brand models Atlant the design may differ significantly depending on the type of defrosting system and the year of manufacture of the device. Understanding the architecture of the refrigerator is necessary for owners who are faced with a freon leak, severe icing or failure of the cooling system.
In this article we will look in detail at how to find this critical unit in various modifications. We will look at the difference between open and hidden systems, and also touch on safety issues during work. If you are planning a repair, you will need a clear understanding of the internal structure of the chamber.
The principle of operation and the role of the evaporator in the system
Evaporator is a heat exchanger, inside which the liquid refrigerant boils at low pressure, actively absorbing heat from the internal volume of the chamber. In refrigerators Atlant this element is most often made in the form of an aluminum coil or plate radiator, hidden behind the inner lining or located openly. It is on its surface that the main process of air cooling occurs.
Air circulation depends on the design: in old models the air cools down in contact with the surface, and in modern systems No Frost the fan drives the air flow through the radiator fins. The efficiency of the entire unit directly depends on the cleanliness and integrity of this heat exchanger. Damage to the tubes leads to an immediate release of freon and cooling stops.
It is important to understand that different series Atlant use different engineering solutions. In some places it is a classic “crying” evaporator on the back wall, and in others it is a complex block with heating elements in a separate compartment. Accurate knowledge of the model will help you not get confused when searching.
If you notice that the refrigerator has stopped freezing, but the compressor is humming, the problem often lies precisely in the refrigerant circulation circuit. However, without opening the case or analyzing indirect signs, it is impossible to determine the exact location of the leak or blockage.
Location in models with a drip system (Weeping wall)
In classic two-chamber refrigerators Atlant with a drip defrosting system, the evaporator is located directly in the refrigeration chamber. It is a metal plate (often aluminum or steel) that is part of or built into the back wall. Visually, you see only a smooth surface of plastic or metal, behind which the coil is hidden.
During operation, moisture condenses on this surface, which then freezes, forming a thin ice crust. When the compressor is turned off, the ice melts and flows into the drain hole. This is the principle of operation of the “crying” system. Access to the metal of the evaporator itself in such models is extremely limited without dismantling the rear panel.
In the freezer compartment of such models (if it is lower) a separate evaporator is often used, hidden behind a plastic panel, or a partial system is used. No Frost. In a freezer, the evaporator is usually located behind the back or top wall, where cold air is forced into.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to pick out ice or frost from the back wall of the refrigerator compartment with sharp objects. In models Atlant the evaporator tubes are very close to the surface of the plastic, and a breakdown of the wall will lead to instant depressurization of the system and expensive repairs.
Where to look for the evaporator in No Frost refrigerators
In systems No Frost (or “Windy Cold”) the situation is radically different. Here the evaporator is hidden from the user’s eyes and is located in a special technical compartment. In two-chamber refrigerators Atlant this compartment is most often located in the upper part of the freezer or behind its back wall.
To get to the unit, you need to remove the rear panel of the freezer. Underneath you will find a finned radiator, a fan (fan motor) and a condensate drainage system. It is here that the air is cooled, which is then carried by a fan through both chambers through the air channels.
In some modifications Atlant with a full No Frost the evaporator can be located in the foamed space between the body and the inner chamber, but access to it is still made through disassembling the freezer compartment. The design is designed to minimize cold loss during operation.
The difference from the drip system is that here the evaporator operates at very low temperatures constantly, and defrosting occurs automatically using heating elements (heating elements), which are turned on by a timer. This makes the unit more complex, but eliminates the need for manual defrosting.
Access to the evaporator: disassembly and dismantling
To diagnose or replace the evaporator in refrigerators Atlant partial disassembly of the housing will be required. The process is labor intensive and requires caution. In models with No Frost it is necessary to remove all the shelves of the freezer compartment and dismantle the plastic back panel.
The panel fastenings can be hidden under decorative plugs or screws in the depths of the chamber. After removing the panel, access to the heat exchanger opens. In models with a “crying” wall, access is even more difficult: it is often necessary to remove the entire internal plastic lining of the fridge compartment, which can lead to damage to the fragile plastic in the cold.
☑️ Preparing to disassemble the refrigerator
When removing plastic panels in older models Atlant the plastic may be hardened from time to time. It is recommended to use a hair dryer at a minimum temperature to gently heat the fasteners and avoid cracks. Sudden movements can lead to breakage of the latches.
If you get to the evaporator, carefully inspect it for swelling, oil stains or mechanical damage. Aluminum is a soft metal, and traces of careless defrosting are immediately visible. Any microcrack means the need to replace the entire assembly or complex soldering.
Typical faults and their symptoms
Understanding where the evaporator is located helps to quickly diagnose the problem. The most common problem is a refrigerant leak. If the chamber is warm and the compressor is running without stopping, this is a sure sign of a violation of the tightness of the circuit.
The second common option is a clogged capillary tube or failure of the defrost system in models No Frost. In this case, the evaporator becomes overgrown with a “coat” of ice, blocking the air channels. Cold stops flowing into the chamber, although the evaporator itself may be icy.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Connection with the evaporator |
|---|---|---|
| The refrigerator does not freeze, the compressor hot | Freon leak | Damage to the evaporator tubes |
| Ice build-up in the freezer | Faulty defrost heating element | Ice is blocking heat transfer |
| Noise and gurgling | Corrosion or vibration | Poor coil fastening |
| Water on the floor | Clogged drainage | Condensate drainage does not work |
It is also worth mentioning corrosion. In conditions of high humidity, aluminum evaporators Atlant can be subject to corrosion, especially if the paintwork is damaged. This leads to the formation of fistulas and subsequent leakage.
If you hear strange sounds coming from deep in the back wall, this may indicate thermal expansion of the metal or vibration of a poorly secured coil. In such cases, a visual inspection of the insides is required.
Features of replacing and repairing the evaporator
Replacement evaporator in refrigerators Atlant is a complex technical process that requires special equipment. You will need a vacuum pump, a pressure gauge station, a burner and, of course, a new evaporator that is suitable specifically for your model.
The process involves: dismantling the old unit, soldering a new one (or installing an attached one, if the design allows), vacuuming the system to remove moisture and air, and charging a strictly defined mass of refrigerant. An error in the amount of freon will lead to improper operation of the compressor.
Is it possible to solder a hole in the evaporator?
Theoretically, small damage to aluminum can be soldered with special solders, but in practice in everyday conditions this gives a temporary effect. Aluminum oxidizes quickly, and after a few months or even weeks the leakage returns. It is safer to replace the entire assembly.
Modern models Atlant are increasingly using evaporators foamed into the housing (in the side walls or rear panel). Replacing them is almost impossible without destroying the body and foam. In such cases, craftsmen often install an external (“crying”) evaporator inside the chamber, sacrificing part of the useful volume.
⚠️ Attention: Independent soldering and refueling of the refrigerator without a license and equipment is prohibited and dangerous. Refrigerants are under pressure and can form toxic compounds when in contact with an open flame. Entrust this work to certified specialists.
The cost of repairs including replacement of the evaporator is often a significant part of the price of a new refrigerator. Therefore, before starting work, it makes sense to evaluate the economic feasibility of restoring equipment.
Prevention and extension of service life
In order for the evaporator in your Atlanta to serve for a long time, it is important to follow the operating rules. The main rule is not to use sharp objects to speed up defrosting. It is best to remove ice naturally or with warm water (not boiling water!).
Regular washing of the refrigerator and cleaning the drainage hole are also important. Clogged drainage leads to stagnation of water, which, when frozen, can damage the elements of the defrost system or cause corrosion.
Monitor the condition of the sealing rubber on the freezer doors. If it passes warm, humid air, the evaporator will accumulate ice much faster, working under overload. This reduces the life of the compressor and defrost system.
Periodically check the operation of the system No Frost. If you notice that snow or ice has begun to appear on food in the freezer, this is a signal that the evaporator defrost system is not working correctly and requires the intervention of a technician.
Is it possible to replace the evaporator in the Atlant refrigerator with an analogue from another manufacturer?
Technically this is possible, but it requires deep knowledge and adjustment. Evaporators from different brands may differ in geometry, tube length and heat output. An incorrectly selected unit will lead to ineffective operation of the refrigerator or breakdown of the compressor. It is better to use original spare parts or certified analogues specified in the service documentation.
How long does it take to replace the evaporator?
The process takes from 2 to 5 hours, depending on the model and access to the unit. Most of the time is spent on defrosting (if it has not been done in advance), dismantling the panels, soldering, evacuation of the system (about 40-60 minutes) and refilling with freon. There is no need to rush the technician in this matter - the quality of vacuuming is critically important.
Why does the refrigerator not freeze for a long time after replacing the evaporator?
If less than 6-8 hours have passed since the repair and there is no cold, perhaps the system has not yet returned to normal. However, if a day has passed and the temperature does not drop, a poor-quality filling is likely (not enough freon or air in the system), a blockage or a malfunction of the compressor. A repeated call to the technician is required for diagnostics.
Is it dangerous to breathe freon vapors during repairs?
Freons used in household refrigerators (R600a, R134a) are not toxic in small quantities, but R600a (isobutane) is an explosive gas. When carrying out work, good ventilation of the room is necessary. An open fire in a room with a working isobutane refrigerator is strictly prohibited due to the risk of an explosion if there is a leak.