Brand refrigerators Polyus, produced at the Krasnoyarsk plant, have proven themselves to be reliable equipment that can operate for decades. However, even the most durable units require periodic maintenance, be it replacing the compressor, removing a blockage in the capillary tube, or simply thoroughly cleaning the unit compartment from dust and cobwebs. Access to the main components of the cooling system in these models is limited by a metal casing, which is often called the cover or back wall.
The process of removing this cover seems elementary, but older models have their own design features that you need to be aware of in order not to damage the insulation or the panel itself. Improper dismantling can lead to deformation metal, which will make it difficult to reinstall, or damage the electrical wires laid along the housing. In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions, the necessary tools and precautions that are relevant specifically for Soviet and post-Soviet refrigerators Pole.
Before starting work, you need to prepare the workplace. You will need free space around the refrigerator, since the unit will have to be moved away from the wall. It is also important to ensure that the back of the case is well lit, as many fasteners may be hidden in the shadows or dirty. Remember that safety is a priority, therefore all manipulations with electrical equipment are carried out only after the device is completely disconnected from the network.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
The efficiency and safety of repairs directly depend on proper preparation. To dismantle the cover of the refrigerator's accessory compartment Polyus you do not need a complex professional tool, but you should have a standard DIY kit on hand. The main difficulty is often not the screws themselves, but their condition: over the years of operation, the metal could corrode, and the paint could “stick.”
You will need the following tools and materials:
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (size PH2) - the main tool for unscrewing the casing fastening screws.
- 🔧 Flat screwdriver —may be required for carefully prying latches or removing decorative plugs.
- 🧤 Work gloves —the edges of the metal cover can be sharp, and dust and small particles often accumulate inside the unit compartment garbage.
- 🧼 Rags and cleaning agent - for cleaning the inner surface of the lid and engine compartment before assembly.
Extremely important before starting work defrost completely refrigerator, if it is not was previously defrosted. Although the compressor is accessible from the rear, tilting or vibration of the housing can cause water to flow from the evaporator if there is ice in the system. In addition, a warm compressor may be hot to the touch, so allow the equipment to cool down after the last cycle of operation.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to begin work on removing the cover while the power cord is plugged into the outlet. Even if you are just planning an inspection, accidentally touching exposed contacts or energized start relay terminals can result in serious electrical injury.
Move the refrigerator at least 50-70 centimeters away from the wall. This will provide convenient access to the rear wall from all sides. If the floor is slippery, place cardboard or a rag under the feet to prevent the unit from moving away during operation. Make sure that nothing prevents you from moving freely around the equipment.
Design features of the rear panel of Polus refrigerators
Refrigerators Pole (for example, popular models of the 10, 12, 15 series) have a classic design with a rear-mounted unit part. The cover covering the compressor and condenser is a stamped metal sheet, painted in the color of the housing or covered with enamel. It is attached to the main body of the refrigerator along the perimeter.
The design of the fastening may vary depending on the year of manufacture:
- 🔩 Self-tapping screws perimeter is the most common option, where 8-12 screws are evenly distributed along the edges of the panel.
- 🔩 Combined fastening - a combination of screws and plastic or metal latches that require careful snapping.
- 🔩 Hidden fastenings - in some modifications, some of the screws may be covered with decorative overlays or located in recesses.
Particular attention should be paid to the condition seal. Between the metal lid and the body of the refrigerator there is often a layer of foam rubber or rubber to insulate noise and prevent vibration. If removed carelessly, this material may tear or crumble due to age, which will require its replacement to maintain quiet operation of the unit.
⚠️ Attention: On older models, the paint around the fasteners may be cracked. When unscrewing the screws, try not to tear off the caps, otherwise it will be extremely difficult to remove them without drilling, which will damage the integrity of the panel.
Examine the perimeter of the cover carefully. Sometimes the upper part of the panel can go under the visor of the main body, so you can’t pull it straight away. First you need to free the upper groove, if it is provided for by the design. Understanding the design of your specific model Polyus will help you avoid using excessive force.
Step-by-step instructions for removing the cover
The process of removing the cover requires consistency and accuracy. Do not try to rip off the panel, even if it seems that all the screws have been removed. Over decades of use, the metal could become deformed or “stick.”
Perform the steps in the following order:
- Disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply and move it away from the wall.
- Visually inspect the perimeter of the back cover and remove visible dirt around the screw heads with a brush.
- Start unscrewing the mounting screws. It is recommended to move diagonally or counterclockwise, gradually loosening the tension of the metal.
- If you encounter screws with stripped slots, use a rubber pad on the screwdriver or a special extractor, but do not use brute force.
- After removing all the screws, carefully grasp the lower edges of the cover and pull it towards you, at the same time lightly lifting it to remove it from the upper groove.
If the cover does not budge, it may be held on by additional hidden fasteners or is stuck. In this case, you can carefully use a flat screwdriver along the joint, being careful not to damage the insulation. Movements should be progressive, without sudden jerks.
☑️ Check before removal
After successful dismantling, inspect the inside of the cover. Often there are fragments of old sealant or insulation that must be removed before reinstallation. Also check the condition of the wires going to the compressor - they should not be pinched by the edges of the metal.
Typical problems during removal and their solutions
Owners of old refrigerators Pole often encounter a number of typical problems when trying to remove the unit casing. The most common of them is corrosion of fasteners. Rust tightly binds the screw threads to the body, making unscrewing impossible using standard methods.
To solve this problem, you can use the following methods:
- 🛠️ Penetrating lubricant - apply generously of WD-40 or a similar product on the head and threads of the screw, leave for 15-20 minutes to penetrate.
- 🛠️ Local heating - Gently heating the area around the screw with a hair dryer (not an open flame!) can help expand the metal and destroy rust.
- 🛠️ Drilling —as a last resort, if the head is torn off, the screw is drilled out, but this requires subsequent replacement with a new fastener of a larger diameter or the installation of a threaded insert.
Another problem is damage insulation. In refrigerators Pole the back wall often has a layer of polyurethane foam or felt. If you remove the cover carelessly, this layer may peel off from the main body or the cover itself. If the insulation remains on the lid, it must be carefully separated, cleaned the surface and re-glued or replaced with new material to maintain energy efficiency.
What to do if the screws are completely rusted?
If penetrating lubricant does not help, you can try to carefully cut off the screw head with a hacksaw or a grinder with a thin disk, being careful not to damage the body. After removing the cover, the remaining screws are unscrewed with pliers or drilled out.
Be careful with sharp edges. Old metal on cuts can be dangerous. Always wear thick gloves to avoid cuts, especially when you have to put your hands into the narrow gaps between the body and the lid.
Maintenance of internal components after removal
By removing the cover, you get full access to the “heart” of the refrigerator - the compressor, capacitor and start relay. This is the ideal time to perform preventive maintenance that will extend the life of the unit. Dust stuck to the black condenser coil significantly impairs heat transfer, causing the compressor to work longer and harder.
It is recommended to do the following:
- 🧹 Cleaning the condenser —use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a narrow attachment to remove dust from the radiator grilles. Do this carefully so as not to bend the thin tubes.
- 🔌 Checking the contacts - inspect the wires going to the compressor and thermostat. Make sure there are no melts, oxidation of the terminals or damage to the insulation.
- 🔍 Visual inspection of the compressor - check for traces of oil on the motor housing (which may indicate a freon leak) or severe corrosion.
It is also worth paying attention to the condition of vibration support the compressor. If the rubber washers or bushings on which the motor sits are dry or cracked, they must be replaced. This will reduce the level of noise and vibration transmitted to the refrigerator body Pole.
If you find traces of oil under the compressor, this is an alarming signal. Refrigerant circulates in the system along with oil, and its leak means a violation of the tightness of the circuit. In this case, simple cleaning will not help - you will need to call a technician to find the leak and refill it.
Table of common faults and symptoms
When units have open access, diagnostics are often carried out. Below is a table to help correlate visual signs with possible problems that can be identified after removing the cover.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Action required |
|---|---|---|
| The compressor hums, but does not starts | Malfunction of the starting relay or windings | Replace the starting relay, check the resistance of the windings |
| Strong vibration of the housing | Wear of vibration mounts or contact of tubes | Replace the rubber supports, bend the tubes |
| Traces of oil at the bottom of the compartment | Freon leakage through microcracks | Call a technician to find a leak and refill |
| Compressor too hot | Condenser contamination or malfunction | Clean the radiator, check the thermostat |
This table is for reference only. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a qualified specialist using a manometric manifold and other tools. However, any owner can carry out an initial visual assessment of the condition of the system.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to solder the refrigeration circuit pipes yourself without the appropriate equipment and skills. This can lead to a fire or complete failure of the equipment.
Regular cleaning and inspection of internal components after removing the cover is the best prevention of serious damage. Pay attention to this at least once every 2-3 years, and your Polyus will last even longer.
Installing the cover back and final check
After completing all maintenance or repair work, the assembly stage begins. Installing a cover may seem easier than removing it, but there are some nuances. The main thing is to ensure a tight fit and the absence of clamps for wires.
Procedure for installation:
- Make sure that all wires and tubes are inside the perimeter of the case and do not protrude beyond its limits.
- If necessary, restore the sound insulation layer on the inside of the cover.
- Place the cover onto the upper groove (if there is one) and press it tightly to the body along the entire perimeter.
- Screw in all the mounting screws, but do not tighten them all the way right away. First, tighten everything, then tighten it evenly diagonally.
- Check that the lid sits evenly, without distortions or gaps.
It is important not to overtighten the screws, especially if the metal is old and thin. Excessive force may cause the seats to become deformed or the threads to break. The metal should fit tightly, but without visible tension.
After installing the lid, turn on the refrigerator. In the first minutes of work, listen to the sounds. There should be no extraneous rattling noise that could indicate that the cover is touching vibrating parts or is not securely fastened. If everything is quiet and smooth, the work is completed successfully.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to operate the Polus refrigerator without the back cover?
Technically, the refrigerator will work without the cover, since it is not directly involved in the cooling cycle. However, operation without it is not recommended: the risk of dust getting on the electrical contacts increases, the noise level from compressor vibration increases, and the circulation of air flow is disrupted, which can lead to overheating of the motor. In addition, exposed wires are a risk of electric shock.
How to replace the seal on the lid if the old one has crumbled?
As a replacement, you can use a self-adhesive seal for windows and doors (rubber or foam), special automotive vibration insulation, or even thick felt. The main thing is that the material is heat-resistant and does not melt when the compressor heats up. The thickness of the layer should be sufficient to dampen vibration, but not interfere with the tight fit of the cover.
Why did a new sound or vibration appear after installing the cover?
Most likely, the cover was installed askew or one of the screws was not tightened evenly, creating a stress point. It is also possible that the edge of the cap has touched the condenser tube or wiring. You will need to remove the cover again, check the clearances and install it more carefully, making sure that it does not come into contact with moving or vibrating parts.
Do you need to lubricate the screws before screwing them back in?
Yes, this is a good practice. Lubricating the heads and threads of the screws with graphite grease or even regular machine oil will prevent future corrosion and make removal of the cap easier. This is especially true for equipment that can stand for many more years.
Where can I find an original cover for an old Polyus refrigerator?
It is almost impossible to find a new original cover for old models, since production has long been stopped. In case of loss or severe damage to the old panel, owners often make a plug from a sheet of galvanized steel, cutting it to fit the hole, or use second-hand spare parts from disassembly. The main thing is to ensure the rigidity of the structure and the absence of sharp edges.