Repair of refrigeration equipment often requires a complete replacement compressor, which implies its careful dismantling. Owners of household appliances Indesit are faced with the need to remove the engine when the unit stops freezing or makes uncharacteristic sounds. This procedure is technically complex and requires not only physical effort, but also a special tool, as well as compliance with safety precautions.
Before taking active steps, you need to understand that the compressor in the refrigerator Indesit is a sealed unit, filled with oil and under pressure. Improper handling may result in personal injury or damage to other machine systems. It is important to prepare the workplace in advance, since the process may take several hours and require good lighting.
In this article we will look in detail at how to remove the engine from the refrigerator Indesit, what tools will be required and what nuances should be paid special attention to. Remember that subsequent operation of the system will require professional vacuumization and refilling with freon, since it is impossible to simply remove the engine without loss of refrigerant. Be prepared for the fact that after dismantling you will need to call a specialist to complete the soldering work and refueling.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
High-quality engine dismantling begins long before you pick up a wrench. The first step is to fill the defrosting refrigerator. Even if the unit is not freezing, there could be moisture left inside, which will cause problems if it gets into the soldering system. Leave the equipment unplugged for at least 12-24 hours so that all condensation from the thermal insulation layer evaporates.
To work, you will need a specific set of tools, which are rarely found in a standard home box. The main tool will be a gas burner, but you will also need wire cutters, pliers and a set of screwdrivers. Don't forget about personal protective equipment: gloves and goggles are required, since when cutting pipes, small metal particles may fly away.
- 🔧 Gas torch with a cylinder (for desoldering copper pipes).
- 🔪 Pipe cutter or high-quality metal cutters (for cutting pipes).
- 🔩 Set of open-end wrenches (usually sizes 10, 12, 14 mm).
- 🧤 Protective gloves and goggles (for eye and hand safety).
Pay special attention to lighting. The compressor area in refrigerators Indesit is often obscured by the housing and casing. Use a handheld lamp or headlamp to clearly see the fastening and soldering areas. Poor visibility is the main cause of errors when working with small parts.
Access to the compressor and removal of the protective casing
Brand refrigerators Indesit traditionally have a lower location of the compressor compartment. To gain access to the engine, the unit must be moved away from the wall and turned over or tilted heavily on its side. It is recommended to place the refrigerator on its back, having previously covered the floor with cardboard or soft cloth, so as not to damage the back wall and floor.
On the back wall you will see a metal casing covering the engine compartment. It is usually fastened with 4-6 bolts or self-tapping screws. Carefully unscrew them and remove the cover. Under it you will see itself compressor, a capacitor (radiator grille) and a starting-protective relay.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the casing, be careful with the edges of the metal - they can be sharp. Also check if there are any grounding wiring or other communications nearby that could be accidentally touched.
After removing the cover, inspect the condition of the wire insulation. If the wiring is dry and cracked, it will need to be replaced before installing the new engine. In older models Indesit insulation melting in places of contact with hot tubes is often encountered.
☑️ Check before removal
Disconnecting the electrical part and the starting relay
The next stage is dismantling the electrical components. There are three terminals on the compressor housing, onto which a starting relay and a protective thermal relay are attached. In refrigerators Indesit they are often combined into one black plastic case.
To remove the relay, you need to gently rock it from side to side, while simultaneously pulling it towards you. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic latches or damaging the contacts. Before removing, take a photo of the location of the wires so that when installing a new motor (if it comes without a kit), you will know where to connect what.
Disconnect the power wires coming from the thermostat. They are usually secured with terminals or screw clamps. If the wires are soldered to the relay, you will have to cut them, leaving a reserve for future switching. Start relay is a sensitive element, and if you plan to use it again, handle it carefully, do not drop it.
- 📸 Take a photo of connecting the wires before disconnection.
- 🔌 Carefully remove the plastic relay casing from the compressor terminals.
- ✂️ Cut the power wires if they interfere with access to the tubes.
- 🧹 Clean the contacts from oxides and carbon deposits when necessary.
It is important to check the condition of the contacts on the compressor itself. If they are blackened or melted, this may indicate poor contact or overload. In this case, the new engine can burn out quickly if the cause is not eliminated (for example, a thermostat malfunction).
Draining the oil and unsoldering the copper pipes
The most important and dirty stage is working with copper lines. The system contains pressurized freon and compressor oil. Before cutting pipes, the gas must be vented. To do this, a puncture or cut is made in the process pipe (usually it is sealed), after which the gas hisses out.
After releasing the pressure, you need to drain the oil. To do this, cut through the filling tube and tilt the compressor towards the fitting, substituting the container. The oil may be dark and have an unpleasant odor, which is normal for waste material. In some models Indesit the oil is drained through the suction tube if you cut it closer to the body.
The order of unsoldering the pipes:1. Cut through the filling tube (to relieve pressure).
2. Cut through the suction tube (thick).
3. Cut through the discharge tube (thin).
4. Drain the oil through the open fitting.
Next is the unsoldering of the tubes from the condenser and evaporator. Using a gas torch, heat the soldering area until it turns cherry red. When the solder has melted, gently pull the tube. If it does not work, the heating can be increased, but do not overheat the copper so as not to damage other elements of the system. Freon should be completely removed by this point.
⚠️ Attention: When heating copper pipes with a flame, take care of the plastic elements of the refrigerator body and wires. Use a metal screen or a wet rag to protect adjacent units from thermal radiation.
Why can’t you just cut the pipes without unsoldering?
If you just cut the pipes with wire cutters, copper shavings will get into the system. It will clog the capillary tube and the new compressor will fail after a few hours of operation. The pipes must be soldered or carefully cut with a pipe cutter without crushing them.
Removing engine fasteners
When all the pipes are disconnected and the engine is freed from the lines, we proceed to removing the fasteners. Compressor in refrigerators Indesit attached to a metal base (chassis) using 4 bolts with rubber bushings. These bushings dampen vibrations, so it is important not to damage them when removing them if you plan to reuse them.
Use an open-end wrench or socket of the appropriate size (usually 10 or 12 mm). The bolts may be too tight, so apply force. If the threads are soured, treat them with a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes.
After removing the bolts, the compressor may still adhere to the pipes or wires. Check if everything is disconnected. Carefully lift the engine. It is quite heavy (about 10 kg), so be careful not to drop it on your feet or on the floor.
| Mounting type | Tool | Removal nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Threaded (bolts) | Wrench 10-12 mm | Save the rubber bushings |
| Spring hangers | Pliers | Rarely encountered, you need a stop |
| Welded (rarely) | Glinder/Hacksaw | Chassis replacement required |
In some modifications, spring hangers may be found instead of rigid bolts. In this case, the compressor must be lifted slightly to disengage the springs from engaging the chassis hooks. Act smoothly so that the spring does not jump off or hit.
Removing the compressor and preparing for disposal
After freeing all fasteners, the engine can be removed from the niche. Lift it with both hands, holding the body, not the tubes. The tubes can be sharp, so gloves are a must. Pull the unit out and place it on the prepared surface.
The old compressor contains residual oil, which is strictly prohibited from being poured down the drain or onto the ground. Collect it in an airtight container and take it to a hazardous waste collection point. The engine housing itself is also subject to disposal as scrap non-ferrous metals, but first it is better to remove copper (windings) from it if you are doing this professionally.
- 🗑️ Do not throw the compressor into a regular trash can.
- 🛢️ Collect the remaining oil in a separate container.
- 🧼 Wipe the engine installation area from oil stains and dust.
- 🔍 Inspect the chassis for corrosion or damage.
Clean the installation area. Over the years of operation, a lot of dust could have accumulated there, which is an excellent heat insulator and interferes with the cooling of the new motor. Wipe the metal with a dry cloth. If rust is found, clean it with a brush and coat it with anticorrosive.
Frequent errors during dismantling and safety measures
The most common mistake is neglecting to drain the oil before cutting the pipes. This results in fluid splashing all over the floor and a potential fire if the oil comes into contact with the open flame of the burner. Always make sure that the system is empty.
The second mistake is damage to the suction tube when removing the relay. The copper in this area is very thin. If you bend the tube, it will be difficult to restore its cross-section, and the distortion can disrupt the operation of the new motor. Use only suitable tools.
⚠️ Attention: Never plug in a new compressor without the cooling system (condenser and evaporator) connected. Working “on air” without load will lead to overheating and instant failure of the valves.
Tightness is also often forgotten. When reinstalling (if you are replacing only part of the system), you must use only high-quality solder and flux. Ordinary tin solder is not suitable for plumbing; you need refractory solder for refrigeration equipment.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to remove a compressor without a burner, just by cutting through the pipes?
Theoretically, you can cut through the pipes, but this is highly not recommended. When biting, copper shavings enter the system, which is guaranteed to damage the new compressor or clog the capillary. In addition, without heating the solder, it will be very difficult to remove the pipes from the condenser fittings; the condenser itself can be damaged.
How much does the compressor from an Indesit refrigerator weigh?
The weight of the compressor varies depending on the model and volume of the refrigeration chamber. Typically, motors for household refrigerators Indesit weigh from 9 to 12 kilograms. This is a fairly heavy unit, so you need to lift it alone with care so as not to break your back.
Is it necessary to vacuum the system immediately after installing a new motor?
Yes, this is a mandatory step. After soldering all connections, the system must be evacuated with a special pump for 15-20 minutes. This will remove air and moisture. Without evacuation, moisture will remain in the system, which will freeze in the capillary and block the circulation of freon.
Can an old compressor be used for other purposes (for example, as a pump)?
Yes, old compressors are often used as air compressors for airbrushing or inflating tires. However, remember that they are not designed to operate in this mode for long periods of time and can quickly overheat. They can also blow out oil vapors, which requires the installation of additional separator filters.