A sudden stop in the operation of refrigeration equipment or the appearance of an unnaturally loud hum often indicates serious problems in the refrigerant circulation system. If your Atlant refrigerator stops freezing, and ice has formed on the back wall of the chamber or, conversely, is completely dry while the compressor is running, most likely the heat exchanger has failed. This part, known as evaporator, is responsible for absorbing heat from the interior of the chamber, providing the necessary cold.
Independent replacement of this unit requires not only technical skills, but also strict adherence to technology, since the system is charged flammable or inert gas under pressure. Incorrect actions can lead to freon leakage, compressor breakdown, or even fire if you do not follow safety precautions when working with open flames and electricity.
In this article we will analyze in detail the diagnostic process, selection of components and the replacement procedure itself, so that you can evaluate your strength or competently supervise the work of the technician. Remember that high-quality implementation of each stage is the key to the long service life of your equipment after repair.
Diagnostics of faults and signs of failure
Before you start disassembling the unit, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the heat exchanger. Users often confuse the failure of the evaporator with a malfunction of the thermostat or a freon leak in the sealed sections of the line. The main symptom is the lack of cold while the compressor motor is running, which may become hotter than usual or run non-stop.
Visual inspection of the inside of the freezer may reveal swelling in the back wall, which is typical for models with a foamed evaporator. If you notice oily stains on the floor under the refrigerator or feel a specific smell, this indicates a depressurization of the circuit. Refrigerant leak This is a direct path to overheating of the compressor, so you cannot ignore such signs.
It is also worth paying attention to the temperature conditions: if in the refrigerator compartment the products begin to spoil, and the ice melts in the freezer, although the thermostat is set to maximum, the refrigerant circulation system is disrupted. In some cases, the malfunction is accompanied by periodic turning on and off of the unit with a characteristic click of the relay.
⚠️ Attention: If you detect a gas leak, under no circumstances try to seal the hole without evacuating (evacuating) the system. The mixture of air and residual refrigerant can be explosive if in contact with an open flame.
Preparation for repair: tools and materials
For successful work, you will need a specialized tool, without which replacement Atlant evaporator is impossible. A standard home craftsman's kit will not work here, since the work is carried out with copper tubes and a gaseous environment. You will definitely need a gas torch with solder, a pipe cutter, a rolling machine and a pressure gauge station.
In addition to the tool, you need to prepare consumables. It is critical to purchase a new evaporator that matches your refrigerator model exactly. You will also need copper tubes for connections, filter driers and, of course, the refrigerant itself (freon), the brand of which is indicated on the compressor nameplate.
Do not forget about personal protective equipment and safety equipment. It is better to carry out work in a well-ventilated area, since during soldering and possible leakage, gases can displace oxygen. Prepare a fire extinguisher and make sure that the electrical wiring is in order.
☑️ Required tools for replacement
Choosing a suitable evaporator for your model
The aftermarket offers many options, but for Atlant refrigerators it is important to take into account design features. Evaporators come in aluminum and copper, and also differ in the method of fastening: with Velcro, bolts or in a foamed version. The wrong choice will lead to ineffective operation or impossibility of installation.
Aluminum models are cheaper, but more sensitive to mechanical damage and corrosion. Copper analogues last longer and have better heat dissipation, but their cost is much higher. When choosing, also pay attention to the overall dimensions and number of turns of the tube.
Below is a table to help you navigate the types of evaporators often used in this brand of equipment:
| Evaporator type | Material | Features installation | Service life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open (hinged) | Aluminium/Steel | Back wall mounting | 5-7 years |
| Foamed | Aluminum | Mounted into the body | 10+ years |
| Weeping type | Aluminium | Hidden behind the panel | 7-10 years |
| Copper (analogue) | Copper | Reinforced structure | 15+ years |
Is it possible use a universal evaporator?
Universal evaporators often require trimming and complex rolling, which reduces the reliability of the connection. It is better to look for an original spare part or a high-quality analogue that exactly repeats the geometry of the original part.
Dismantling old equipment and preparing the place
The process begins with completely disconnecting the refrigerator from the power supply and defrosting the chambers. All shelves, drawers and decorative panels must be removed to gain access to the back wall of the freezer compartment. If the evaporator is foamed, you will need to carefully cut off the insulation layer without damaging the internal plastic of the chamber.
The next step is to remove the old heat exchanger. To do this, copper tubes are cut at the entry and exit points. It is important to preserve the compressor, so you need to carefully disconnect the pipes from it using a pipe cutter. The old evaporator is carefully removed, making room for the new part.
The surface on which the new element will be installed must be cleaned of residual glue, foam and dirt. If you are replacing a foam evaporator with a hinged one, make sure that the back wall is intact and does not have through holes. If necessary, restore the integrity of the case.
Installing a new evaporator and soldering connections
Installing a new part requires precision. If using a Velcro evaporator, degrease the surface and press the tubes tightly along the entire length for better heat transfer. Copper connecting tubes are cut with a small margin to avoid interference during soldering.
Soldering connections is the most crucial moment. The tubes are cleaned, solder is inserted into them, and the joint is heated with a burner until the metal melts. It is important not to overheat the tube so that burnout does not form, and to ensure the tightness of the seam. After soldering, be sure to install a new one filter drier, since the old one is already saturated with moisture.
After assembling the circuit, you need to check the system for leaks. To do this, nitrogen under pressure is supplied through the service pipe, and the connections are checked with a soap solution for the appearance of bubbles. The absence of bubbles indicates high-quality soldering.
⚠️ Attention: Soldering should be done quickly so that the inner walls of the tubes do not oxidize. Use shielding gas (nitrogen) during soldering, if technically possible, this will prevent the formation of oxides inside the system.
Evacuating and charging with refrigerant
Before starting the system, air and moisture must be removed from it. This process is called evacuation and is performed using a vacuum pump connected to the service connection. The operating time of the pump depends on the power and length of the line, usually from 15 to 30 minutes.
After creating a vacuum, the valve on the pressure gauge is closed and the pump is turned off. Then refueling is carried out with freon in accordance with the rate indicated on the refrigerator label. Refilling is carried out with the compressor running, monitoring the pressure on the manometer and the current consumption of the electric motor.
It is critically important to fill the system exactly according to weight using electronic scales, since it is impossible to determine the correct amount of refrigerant by eye. Underfilling will lead to poor cold, and overfilling will lead to liquid hydraulic shock and compressor breakdown.
Checking performance and first start-up
After refueling, the refrigerator is left to idle without loading food. The temperature in the chambers must be monitored over several hours. It is considered normal to achieve the specified parameters within 1-2 hours of operation.
Check for the absence of vibrations and extraneous noise. The compressor should run smoothly, without jerking. Inspect the soldering areas again - due to thermal expansion and contraction of the metal, a defect could appear that was not immediately visible.
If all parameters are normal, you can assemble decorative elements and load products. Regularly monitor the operation of the unit in the first week after repair to ensure the stability of the temperature regime.
How long does it take to replace the evaporator?
On average, a professional replacement takes from 2 to 4 hours, including time for vacuuming and testing. Self-repair without experience can take a whole day.
Why is the back wall of the refrigerator swollen?
This is due to corrosion of the aluminum evaporator, foamed in the body. Moisture penetrates between the metal and the foam, freezes and expands, deforming the wall.
Is it possible to restore an old evaporator?
Theoretically, you can find the leak and solder it, but in practice this rarely gives a lasting result. Corrosion usually affects large areas, so replacement is more effective.
What kind of freon is used in Atlant refrigerators?
R134a is most often used, but in older models R600a (isobutane) can be found. For exact information, see the compressor nameplate or inside the chamber.