The situation when a loved one stops freezing Atlant refrigeratoroften takes you by surprise. Many owners immediately call a specialist, but experienced home craftsmen prefer to act independently, wanting to save money or simply learn a new skill. However, before starting any work, you must clearly understand: compressor is the heart of the refrigeration unit, operating under high pressure and using electricity.
The process of dismantling the motor requires not only physical effort, but also a specific tool, as well as understanding principles of operation of the refrigeration circuit. In this article, we will analyze in detail how to safely remove and prepare for replacement or repair the unit in models of the Belarusian manufacturer. Safety precautions Here comes first, since mistakes can lead to injuries or complete failure of the equipment.
It is worth immediately noting that a complete "disassembly" of the metal housing of the compressor in domestic conditions is impossible and impractical. Usually, by this term, craftsmen mean dismantling a unit from the niche of the refrigerator, disconnecting the pipes and electrical parts. It is this algorithm of actions that we will consider in as much detail as possible, step by step.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Before touching refrigerator, you need to provide yourself with comfortable and safe working conditions. The unit is heavy, and the space behind it is usually limited, so it is best to move the equipment to the middle of the kitchen or into the hallway. Prepare all the tools in advance so as not to interrupt the process of finding the right screwdriver.
For high-quality dismantling Atlant compressor you will need a specialized kit. Without certain equipment, it will be extremely difficult or impossible to carry out desoldering of copper tubes. Do not try to cut through the tubes with wire cutters - this will choke the system with shavings.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for removing the casings.
- 🔥 Gas burner or construction hair dryer for soldering copper connections.
- 🔪 Pipe cutter (only for copper tubes, not for steel!).
- 🧤 Protective gloves and glasses to protect against splashes of oil and metal.
Pay special attention to lighting. The niche of the refrigerator where the motor is located is often dark, and it is important to see the colors of the wires and the condition of the tubes. If you are working with Atlant models old model, you may need more space for maneuvers.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Unplug the plug from the socket. Working with live electrical wiring is deadly.
Have a container underneath to collect oil that may leak from the compressor when it is tilted. Also, stock up on rags to immediately wipe the surfaces from technical grease.
Access to the motor: removing the rear panel
In most models Atlant refrigerators the compressor is located in the lower rear part of the housing. To get to it, you need to remove the protective panel. Usually it is secured with several screws, which can be hidden under decorative plugs or rubber feet.
Use a suitable screwdriver to unscrew the fasteners. Be careful not to strip the threads, especially if the refrigerator is old and the metal may have oxidized. Once the fasteners are removed, the panel will usually slide down or to the side.
If the panel does not come off, do not use excessive force. Inspect the perimeter to see if there are additional hidden screws or latches. In some modern Atlant models access may be organized differently, so a visual inspection is required.
After removing the panel you will see the unitcondenser (grid at the back) and the tube system. Clear the space around the motor from dust and cobwebs so that they do not get inside the system when opening the circuit.
- 🧹 Thoroughly vacuum the compressor niche.
- 🔍 Inspect the tubes for obvious damage or traces of oil.
- 📸 Take a photo of the wire connection diagram before disconnecting.
Cleanliness in the work area is the key to success. Fine dust, getting into an open copper tube, can subsequently clog capillary and damage the new compressor.
Disconnecting the electrical part and the start relay
The next stage is disconnecting the electrics. A plastic box is installed on the compressor housing, inside which there is starting a thermal relay. They are the ones who give a signal to start the engine and protect it from overloads.
Remove the cover of the protective contact casing. It is usually held on by a spring clip or screw. Carefully remove the terminal block from the compressor. Do not pull the wires, just grab the plastic connector.
Check the condition of the contacts. If they show carbon deposits or oxidation, they can be cleaned, but when replacing a compressor, this unit is often replaced entirely or transferred from the old motor, if it is in good condition. Atlant refrigerators is characterized by the use of relays of certain series, the compatibility of which must be checked by marking.
Remember or sketch which wire is connected where. Color coding can fade over time and relying solely on it is risky. Standard circuit: phase, neutral and grounding, but it is better to double-check.
⚠️ Attention: The starting relay is a fragile element. If handled carelessly, the internal “tablet” or coil may crumble, which will make the relay unsuitable for further use.
After disconnecting the wires, you will have free access to the metal pipes of the compressor. Now you can move on to working with the refrigeration circuit.
Opening the refrigeration circuit: unsoldering the tubes
The most crucial moment is disconnecting the copper tubes. Freon circulates in the system under pressure, so you can’t just unscrew anything. The tubes are soldered to the compressor fittings.
To disconnect, use pipe cutter or cutting (only as a last resort and with subsequent pressure testing). If you are planning to install a new compressor, you can simply eat the old one, but you need to do this in a well-ventilated area, as the gas will come out.
If you need to maintain the integrity of the system for further repairs (which is rare when replacing the motor), you must use a torch. Heat the soldering area and carefully flare the joint. However, with a complete replacement Atlant motor most often the tubes are simply sawed through.
- ⚡ Bite off or saw through the suction tube (thick).
- ⚡ Bite off or unsolder the discharge tube tube (thin).
- ⚡ Be prepared for residual gas and oil to escape.
It is important to prevent air and moisture from getting inside the tubes for longer than necessary. Immediately after disconnecting, plug the openings of the compressor and the refrigerator tube with rubber plugs or fingers (wearing gloves).
The oil that leaks from the compressor is technical and toxic. Do not allow large quantities to come into contact with skin or drains. Collect it in a prepared container.
⚠️ Attention: Never use open fire near the plastic elements of the refrigerator! The burner flame must be directed strictly at the copper connection, otherwise the insulation or plastic parts of the housing may melt.
After disconnecting the tubes, the compressor is actually free, but still attached to the frame.
Removing the compressor from the refrigerator frame
Now that the motor is not connected to anything, it needs to be removed from the base. The compressor is Atlant refrigerators mounted on shock-absorbing studs or bolts through rubber washers. This is done to reduce vibration and noise during operation.
Use a wrench or socket of a suitable size. Often a 10 or 8 wrench is required. Unscrew the nuts carefully, holding the compressor itself, since it is heavy (weighs about 10 kg) and can fall, damaging the condenser tubes.
Remove the motor from the studs. If the rubber gaskets have hardened over time, it is better to replace them with new ones, otherwise the new compressor will be noisy. New fasteners are sometimes included with new units.
Check the condition shock absorbers. If they have lost their elasticity, vibration will be transmitted to the refrigerator body, creating a hum. When installing a new motor, make sure that it stands level and does not touch the walls of the niche or condenser.
Remove the old unit from the niche. Be careful not to bend the condenser tubes (grids at the back), as they are made of thin steel and are easily deformed.
☑️ Ready to remove the compressor
Diagnostics and fault table
Before throwing away the old compressor or installing a new one, it makes sense to understand the cause of the breakdown. The motor does not always fail on its own; often it is to blame starting relay or a freon leak.
Ring the windings with a multimeter. The resistance between the contacts must be within certain limits. If the device shows an open circuit (infinity) or a short circuit (zero), then the engine has burned out. Also check if there is a breakdown in the housing.
Below is a table of the main symptoms of malfunctions that can be identified during external inspection and testing:
| Symptom | Possible cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Buzzes, but does not start | Stuck piston or relay | Replacing the relay or motor |
| Silent, does not respond | Breakage of winding or thermal relay | Test with a multimeter |
| Warm, but not cold | Freon leak or clogged capillary | Looking for leaks, vacuuming |
| Strong vibration | Wear of shock absorbers | Replacement of rubber washers |
If the windings are intact and the relay is working properly, but the compressor does not pump, a mechanical breakdown may have occurred inside the valve group. In this case restoring the sealed housing at home is impossible, a complete replacement of the unit is required.
Also pay attention to the color of the oil that leaked from the old compressor. If it is black and has a burning smell, it means the motor was overheating. If it is greenish, there was acid in the system, which requires thorough flushing of the entire circuit before installing a new unit.
Why can’t you open the compressor housing with a grinder?
The compressor housing is under pressure even when it is turned off. When sawing, there may be a sharp bang and scattering of metal fragments. In addition, there are parts inside that cannot be assembled back without factory equipment.
Installation of a new unit and startup
Installation of a new one Atlant compressor is performed in the reverse order. Secure the motor to the studs, making sure it is stable. Put on new rubber shock absorbers if the old ones have become unusable.
Connect the electrical part. Install the starting relay and thermal protection on the contacts according to the diagram. Put on the protective cover. Make sure that the wires do not touch hot parts or moving elements (although there are none in the compressor, vibration can throw off the clamp).
Next comes the step of soldering the tubes. This requires skill. The tubes need to be rolled or adapters used. After soldering, the system must be vacuumed with a special pump to remove moisture and air, and only then the refrigerator is filled with with freon the required brand and in the required quantity.
Without vacuuming and proper filling, the refrigerator will either not work or will fail in a short time. The pressure in the system must be strictly according to the product passport.
- 🔌 Check the reliability of fastening of all electrical contacts.
- 🔥 Check the quality of the soldered seams (they must be smooth).
- 💨 Check for tightness with a soap solution.
After assembly, turn on the refrigerator. It may be noisy for the first few minutes - this is normal until the oil and refrigerant pressure stabilizes. After 15-20 minutes, check whether the condenser (grid at the back) begins to heat up - this is a sign of the compressor working.
⚠️ Attention: It is forbidden to turn on the compressor without connecting to the cooling system (open) for more than 1 minute. This can lead to overheating and jamming of the motor due to the lack of heat removal and oil circulation.
If you are not confident in your abilities at the soldering and refueling stage, it is better to entrust this part to professionals, since working with gas under pressure requires a license and special equipment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to repair an old Atlant compressor, or just replace it?
In 99% of cases, compressors only need to be replaced. They are hermetically sealed, and opening them violates the integrity of the case. Repair is possible only in specialized overhaul workshops, but its cost often exceeds the price of a new unit, and reliability will be lower.
Which compressor is better to install instead of the original Atlant?
It is optimal to install the original compressor Atlant, since the seats and power are selected ideally. However, you can use analogues from Danfoss, Secop or Embraco if they are suitable in size, power and type of refrigerant (R134a or R600a). The fittings will need to be re-soldered.
Why does the refrigerator not freeze after replacing the compressor?
There may be several reasons: insufficient evacuation of the system (moisture remains), incorrect amount of freon charged, blockage in the filter-drier or capillary, or poor-quality soldering, which led to blockage of the tube with solder.
How long does the compressor need to work normally?
The operating time depends on the load of the refrigerator and the ambient temperature. Typically the operating cycle is 10-20 minutes, followed by a pause. If the motor runs without stopping for hours, this is a sign of a freon leak or loss of performance.