Self-diagnosis or refrigeration equipment repair often require complete or partial dismantling of the housing. Equipment owners Stinol are faced with the need to disassemble the unit when replacing the seal, removing blockages in the drainage system or repairing the No Frost system. Understanding the design allows you to avoid damage to plastic elements and save on calling a technician.
Two-chamber models Stinol have their own design features that must be taken into account before starting work. Unlike monoblock systems, it is important to remove the hinged elements correctly sequentially so as not to disturb the geometry of the doors and not damage the fragile fasteners. Safety This is the first thing you should take care of: disconnect the device from the power supply.
In this article we will look in detail at the process of dismantling the main components. You will learn how to remove the doors, access the evaporator, and safely remove the compressor group. Compliance with the sequence of actions guarantees the safety of all parts and the ability to assemble the device back without unnecessary problems.
Tool preparation and precautions
Before you start disassembling the refrigerator, you need to prepare a workplace and the appropriate tools. You will need a Phillips and slotted screwdriver, a set of open-end wrenches, and pliers. To work with plastic latches, it is useful to have a special plastic puller or an old plastic card so as not to scratch the case.
Be sure to empty the chambers of food and defrost the unit if ice has accumulated in it. Water can damage electrical components during disassembly, so make sure the inside is dry. It is also recommended to cover the floor with soft material, as some parts may be heavy or slippery.
- 🛠️ Phillips and flathead screwdrivers for screws and latches
- 🔑 Set of keys (usually 8, 10, 13 mm) for fastening nuts
- 🧤 Gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges
- 🔦 Flashlight for illuminating the internal cavities of the unit
⚠️ Attention: All work on disassembling electrical appliances should be carried out only after complete disconnection from the 220V network. Residual voltage in capacitors can be dangerous.
It is important to determine your model in advance Stinolas fasteners may differ. In some modifications, the screws may be hidden under decorative plugs. A careful inspection of the surface will help you find all the attachment points before starting active action.
Removing the top cover and base panel
It is best to start disassembling the case two-chamber refrigerator by removing the top cover. This will provide access to the door fastenings and top hinges. In most models Stinol the lid is held on by two or three screws at the back and with latches at the front.
Carefully unscrew the visible screws on the back of the top panel. Then, using the front edge, slightly lift and slide the cover back. If the panel does not budge, do not use force - check whether the screws on the sides or front under the decorative strip remain unnoticed.
Secrets of hidden fastenings
In some Stinol models, the screws of the top cover can be covered with plastic plugs in the color of the body. Carefully inspect the surface for the presence of round inserts that can be pryed off with a knife.
After removing the top, proceed to the base part. The bottom panel (plinth) often blocks access to the compressor and condenser. It can be secured with latches or screws. To remove it, you often need to move the refrigerator away from the wall.
- 🔩 Unscrew the screws securing the top panel
- 👐 Slide the cover back and remove it
- 🔌 Check that there are no wires going to the panel (if there is a backlight)
⚠️ Attention: When removing panels, watch the wires running from the door to the body. A sharp tug can break contacts or damage the insulation.
By removing the lower grille, you will gain full access to compressor compartment. This is necessary to diagnose the motor, replace the start relay, or clean the capacitor from dust. Dust on the heat exchanger significantly reduces the efficiency of the refrigerator.
Removing doors and upper hinges
Dismantling doors is the most critical stage, requiring the help of a second person. Doors Stinol are heavy, and holding them with one hand while unscrewing the hinges is extremely difficult and dangerous. You will need an assistant to hold the door leaf.
First, remove the decorative trim from the top hinge. Below it are the mounting bolts. Using a key of the appropriate size (usually 10 mm), loosen the fasteners, but do not remove them completely until an assistant fixes the door in a vertical position.
☑️ Algorithm for removing the door
After unscrewing the top hinge, the door is lifted and removed from the bottom axis. If electronics or indicators are installed on the door, first disconnect the wire connectors. They can be located in the loop channel or pass inside the canvas.
| Element | Type of fastening | Tool | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Bolts (2-3 pcs) | Key 10 mm | Hidden under the decorative overlay |
| Bottom hinge | Bushing axis | Pliers | Requires door lifting |
| Door handle | Screws/Latches | Screwdriver | Often hidden under plugs |
When removing the lower door (freezer compartment), the procedure is similar, but often it is necessary to first dismantle the upper door of the refrigerator compartment in order to gain convenient access. Hinges may have adjusting washers - do not lose them during disassembly.
Disassembling the internal chamber and the No Frost system
Interior of the refrigerator Stinol with system No Frost requires careful handling. Plastic panels on the back wall hide the evaporator and fan. They are secured with screws and plastic latches, which become brittle over time.
First, remove all shelves, drawers and guides. Next, locate and remove the screws holding the back panel in place. They can be located around the perimeter or hidden under plastic plugs. Proceed carefully so as not to split the plastic.
After removing the panel, access to evaporator and the defrost heating element becomes available. Ice often accumulates here and can block the fan. If you find ice, let it melt naturally without using sharp objects to chip.
- ❄️ Evaporator - the main heat exchange element
- 💨 Fan - circulates cold air
- 🔥 Defrost heating element - heats the evaporator for defrosting
- 🌡️ Sensors - monitor temperature and defrost
⚠️ Attention: When working with the No Frost system, be extremely careful with the evaporator tubes. Damage to the tube will lead to freon leakage and costly repairs and refilling.
If the fan needs to be replaced, disconnect its power connector. It is usually attached with rubber shock absorbers or screws to the evaporator housing. Check the blades for cracks that can cause noise during operation.
Access to the compressor and electrical circuit
The lower part of the refrigerator Stinol contains the heart of the unit - compressor. To access it, as mentioned, the base panel is removed. The start-protection relay, capacitor and filter drier are located here.
Before disconnecting the wires, take a photo or connection diagram. The colors of the wires may differ in different versions, and an error during assembly will lead to damage to the motor. Disconnect the terminals and unscrew the bolts securing the compressor to the frame.
Action diagram:1. Remove the terminals from the compressor
2. Unscrew the nuts on the studs
3. Remove the spring shock absorbers
4. Remove the compressor
The filter drier is a copper cylinder located at the outlet of the compressor or next to the condenser. In case of any violation of the tightness of the circuit, it must be replaced with a new one, since it loses its properties upon contact with air.
Assembly and initial launch
Assembly is performed in the reverse order. Make sure that all wires are laid in the channels intended for them and are not pinched by the metal elements of the case. Fasteners They should be tightened tightly, but without excessive force, so as not to break the threads in the plastic.
After installing the doors, check their fit. If the door is skewed, adjust the height of the refrigerator legs or the position of the hinges. The gaps must be uniform around the entire perimeter for proper operation of the seal.
The first start after assembly is best done without loading with products. Let the refrigerator run for 2-3 hours to make sure there is no extraneous noise, vibration, and the chambers are properly cooled. Monitor the operation of the defrost system.
What to do if after assembly the refrigerator does not turn on?
Check the integrity of all electrical connections that you disconnected. Make sure the thermostat or electronic module is connected correctly. If you hear a hum but do not start, the start relay may be faulty.
Can the interior panels be washed before installation?
Yes, plastic panels can be washed with warm water and a mild detergent. However, before installation, they must be thoroughly dried so that moisture does not get on the electrical components or insulation.
How often should you disassemble the refrigerator for cleaning?
Preventive cleaning of the condenser and checking the No Frost system is recommended every 1-2 years. Frequent disassembly is not required and can lead to wear of the plastic fasteners.