When your Atlant refrigerator stops freezing, and there is silence inside or, conversely, strange clicks are heard, this often indicates a failure of the main unit - compressor. The motor-compressor is the heart of the system, ensuring the circulation of refrigerant throughout the circuit. Without its proper operation, maintaining a low temperature in the chambers becomes impossible, which threatens food spoilage.
Independent replacement of this unit is a complex process and requires not only technical skills, but also special tools. Double-circuit models Atlant can have two compressors, which complicates the task. However, if you decide to undertake repairs, you need to clearly understand the sequence of actions and safety measures. Remember that working with refrigerant and open fire requires strict adherence to safety precautions and the presence of ventilation.
In this article we will look at how to diagnose a malfunction, select the appropriate part and replace it. You will be working with electricity and flammable gases, so every movement must be precise. Do not underestimate the complexity of the process, especially if you are faced with such a repair for the first time.
Diagnostics of a compressor malfunction
Before disassembling the refrigerator, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the motor. Users often confuse a compressor breakdown with a faulty start relay or thermostat. If the refrigerator is hummingbut does not start, or starts for a few seconds and turns off, this may be a sign of a wedge in the piston group or an interturn short circuit in the winding.
The check begins with a visual inspection and listening to the operation of the unit. When in good condition, the motor runs smoothly, with a characteristic hum. If you hear a clanging, knocking or loud bang followed by silence, this is a bad sign. It is also worth checking the heating of the housing: if the compressor heats up to the point where it cannot be touched, this indicates an overload.
- 🔌 Checking the circuit: Test the windings with a multimeter for an open or short circuit.
- 🔥 Relay test: Remove the starting relay and shake it; a ringing inside indicates destruction of the contact group.
- ❄️ Cold analysis: Estimate the temperature of the capacitor (grid at the back); if it is cold when the engine is running, freon does not circulate.
It is important to distinguish an electrical fault from a mechanical one. If the motor hums, but the shaft does not spin, jamming is often to blame. An attempt to start such a unit through a starting device may lead to burnout of the windings. In some cases, a short-term supply of increased voltage can jam the motor, but this is a temporary solution.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell burning or see sparking in the compressor area, immediately unplug the refrigerator. Further operation may lead to a fire.
Choosing a new compressor for Atlant
Selecting the right spare part is a critical stage of repair. Atlant refrigerators They are equipped with different models of motors, and a simple replacement based on dimensions will not work here. It is necessary to take into account the power, type of refrigerant (R134a or R600a), installation height and location of the pipes. Using an unsuitable unit will lead to ineffective operation or rapid breakdown of the new part.
Original compressors are often marked according to the model of the refrigerator. However, there are also high-quality analogues on sale that can be even more reliable than the originals. When choosing, pay attention to the country of manufacture and warranty. Cheap Chinese copies often cannot withstand the declared loads.
The following is a compatibility table of popular models of compressors for Atlant refrigerators:
| Compressor model | Refrigerant type | Power (W) | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| SKO-100 | R134a | 100 | Atlant MXM, single-chamber |
| SKO-140 | R134a | 140 | Atlant two-chamber, old series |
| Aspera NJ9120 | R134a | 180 | Analogue for powerful models |
| Embraco T60 | R600a | 95 | Modern Atlant models |
When purchasing, be sure to check the diameter of the fittings of the suction and discharge tubes. They may differ depending on the year of manufacture of the refrigerator. Tightness connections are the key to long-term operation of the system. If the diameters do not match, you will need to use adapters, which is not always desirable.
Is it possible to install a more powerful compressor?
Theoretically it is possible, but this will lead to a change in the thermal regime. The evaporator may not have time to give off cold, and the condenser may not have time to receive heat, which will cause overload and rapid wear of the new part. It is better to set strictly according to the parameters.
Necessary tools and materials
To properly replace the compressor in the refrigerator Atlant you will need a specialized tool. The usual set of home craftsmen will not be enough here. The main difficulty lies in the need for a hermetically sealed connection of copper tubes and filling the system with freon under a certain pressure.
You will need a gas torch for soldering copper connections. Using open fire requires caution, especially in an apartment. A kit for evacuation and refrigerant charging is also required, including a pressure manifold, a freon cylinder and a vacuum pump. Without removing moisture and air from the circuit, the refrigerator will not work.
- 🔧 Tools: Pipe cutter, rolling machine, set of keys, pliers.
- 🔥 For soldering: Torch, solder (silver or copper-phosphorus), flux.
- ⚗️ Consumables: Filter-drier, nitrogen (for purging), refrigerant.
Pay special attention to the filter-drier. When opening the circuit, the old filter must be replaced, as it is saturated with moisture from the air. Ignoring this step will result in the formation of an ice plug in the capillary tube within a short time after repair.
⚠️ Attention: Never use regular tin solder without additives for soldering. It will not withstand pressure and vibration, which will lead to freon leakage in a few weeks.
Removing the old compressor
The dismantling process begins by disconnecting the refrigerator from the power supply. Let the unit sit for several hours to allow the oil to drain into the compressor crankcase. Then remove the rear cover covering the engine compartment. Before starting work with the tubes, it is necessary to bleed off the remaining refrigerant if the pressure in the system is still maintained.
Carefully bite off or saw through the copper tubes suitable for the compressor, leaving a length for rolling. Do not use an open flame to disconnect pipes if there is gas remaining in the system - this may cause the oil to ignite. After disconnecting the tubes, remove the start relay and capacitor by disconnecting the terminals.
Unscrew the mounting bolts holding the compressor to the frame. Models Atlant often use rubber shock absorbers, which also need to be removed and moved to a new unit. Be careful: the old compressor can be heavy, so get help when removing it.
☑️ Preparing for dismantling
After removing the old motor, inspect the condenser grille for contamination. If it is clogged with dust, it must be washed, since poor heat transfer could be one of the reasons for overheating and breakdown of the previous compressor. The cleanliness of the heat exchanger directly affects the operating efficiency of the entire system.
Installation and soldering of a new unit
Installation of a new compressor is carried out in the reverse order of removal. Secure the motor to the shock absorbers, making sure that it is level and does not touch the walls of the compartment. Connect the electrical part: the starting relay must be installed strictly according to the marks (usually the arrow points up), and the terminals are securely fixed.
The most important stage is soldering copper tubes. Clean the ends of the tubes to a shine, insert them into the fittings of the compressor and filter drier. When heating, use solder, which should flow into the gap under the action of capillary effect. Seam quality determines the tightness of the entire system.
During the soldering process, it is important not to overheat the tubes so that burns do not form, especially in places where the copper is thin. Use a damp cloth to cool nearby plastic parts of the refrigerator. After soldering, allow the connections to cool naturally without cooling them with water.
After assembling the mechanical part, it is necessary to carry out pressure testing with nitrogen. This will allow you to identify microcracks or poor-quality seams before refilling with freon. The pressure during testing must be working for this type of refrigerant. If the pressure drops, look for a leak using a soap solution.
Evacuating and charging with refrigerant
Evacuating is a mandatory procedure that should not be skipped. Air and moisture remaining in the circuit mix with oil and refrigerant to form acid, which destroys the motor windings from the inside. Connect the vacuum pump to the service connection and pump out the air for 15-20 minutes.
After reaching a deep vacuum, close the manifold valve and start the refrigerator to check. If the system holds a vacuum (the pressure gauge needle does not rise), you can start refueling. Refilling is carried out with the liquid fraction of freon when the compressor is off or the vapor fraction when the compressor is running, depending on the type of refrigerant.
The amount of refrigerant is strictly regulated by the manufacturer and is indicated on the refrigerator tag (usually in grams). Refilling or underfilling will lead to incorrect operation: in the first case, the pressure and load on motor, in the second - there will not be enough cold. Use electronic scales for accurate dosing.
⚠️ Attention: Freon R600a (isobutane), used in many modern Atlant models, is explosive. Carry out all work with it only in a well-ventilated area, away from spark sources.
How to determine that refueling was successful?
Successful refueling is characterized by a stable decrease in temperature in the evaporator, moderate heating of the condenser grid (uniform along the entire length) and the absence of freezing of the suction tube at the very compressor. The motor must operate without overload and turn off when it reaches the set temperature.
Is it necessary to change the oil in a new compressor?
No, new compressors are supplied already filled with the required amount of special synthetic or mineral oil. It is strictly prohibited to add or change it during installation, as this will upset the lubricant balance and can lead to water hammer.
What to do if after replacement the refrigerator does not freeze?
You should check the operation of the fan (if any), the integrity of the capillary tube for blockages and the correctness of the thermostat readings. Freon leakage from a poor-quality seam is also possible. Check the pressure in the system with a pressure gauge.