Brand refrigeration equipment Gorenje has been in deserved demand for many years due to its reliability and functionality. However, like any complex equipment, these units may require repair over time, and most often the cause of the malfunction is the failure of the compressor motor. Owners often wonder what kind of compressors are installed at the factory, whether they can be replaced with an analogue, and how not to make a mistake when choosing a spare part.
It is important to understand that the Slovenian concern does not produce refrigeration motors on its own, but purchases them from the world's leading suppliers. At different stages of production and in different model ranges, units from Secop (formerly Danfoss), Aspera (Embraco) or Tecumsehcould be used. Knowing the specific marking and type of motor is the first step to successfully restoring the functionality of your household appliances.
In this article we will analyze in detail the technical features of the motors used, explain the difference between linear and inverter models, and also provide an algorithm of actions for diagnostics and replacement. You will learn why you cannot rely only on the volume of the refrigeration chamber when choosing a spare part and what nuances are hidden by the markings on the nameplate.
Main suppliers and brands of Gorenje compressors
By analyzing the internal structure of refrigerators Gorenje, produced in different years, we can identify several key manufacturers whose units are most common. The main supplier for many years was the Danish company Danfoss, whose compressor production division was purchased and renamed to Secop. It is these motors that are considered the standard of reliability for classic dual-circuit systems.
The second most common brand is Aspera (previously owned by the concern Embraco). These compressors can often be found in models in the mid-price segment. They are compact in size and have good energy efficiency. Less commonly, but still found in older models are units from Tecumseh or LG, especially in two-compressor versions of large-volume refrigerators.
You can determine the manufacturer by looking at the manufacturer's sticker (nameplate) located on the metal body of the motor. The brand logo and model range are always indicated there. Marking usually contains information about the refrigerant, cylinder volume and oil type. For example, an abbreviation NL or NB at the beginning of the code often indicates a series Secop, while Aspera uses its alphanumeric designations starting with the letter R or T.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to select a compressor solely based on the refrigerator’s capacity. Two externally identical units may have different cooling capacity and requirements for the starting device, which will lead to rapid failure of the new motor.
It is also worth noting that modern models Gorenje with a system No Frost and electronic control often use quieter and more economical versions of standard piston compressors. They may have a modified casing shape or mounting method, so a visual comparison with the removed unit is a mandatory step before purchasing.
Differences between linear and inverter models
When looking for spare parts for a refrigerator Gorenje it is critically important to understand what type of motor is installed in your unit: classic linear (start-stop) or modern inverter. Linear compressors work cyclically: they turn on at full power, cool the chamber to the set temperature and turn off completely. This is the most common and maintainable design.
Inverter compressors are a more complex system where the motor does not turn off completely, but only reduces or increases speed to maintain the temperature regime. Such motors are quieter, consume less electricity and create less load on the network. However, their replacement requires not only mechanical installation, but also often re-flashing the control board or replacing the starting module.
They can be visually distinguished by the presence of an additional electronic unit on the compressor body or by the nature of their operation. The linear motor makes a characteristic click when starting and hums with periodic pauses. The inverter operates almost silently and continuously, changing the tone of the hum. In refrigerators Gorenje inverters began to appear en masse in models released after 2015-2016.
Is it possible to replace a linear compressor with an inverter one?
Theoretically, this is possible, but it requires a deep alteration of the electrical circuit. You will need to install an inverter control unit, re-solder the wires and possibly replace the temperature sensors. Economically, such a replacement is often impractical, since the cost of a new inverter kit can be up to 70% of the price of a new refrigerator.
If you are planning a replacement, remember: Direct replacement of an inverter compressor with a conventional linear one without changing the control system is impossible. The refrigerator electronics simply will not understand the commands from the new motor, and the unit will not start. Therefore, when purchasing, be sure to check the type of motor with the original.
How to correctly determine the model and characteristics
The most reliable way to find out which compressor is needed for yours Gorenje is to read information on the nameplate of the old motor. To do this, you need to unplug the refrigerator, move it away from the wall and remove the back metal cover at the bottom. Be careful: access to the compressor may be limited by a protective grill.
A silver or white sticker is glued to the top of the black metal barrel (casing). We are interested in the field Model or Type. It is this code that needs to be entered into a search engine or reported to a consultant at a spare parts store. Also important are the following parameters: voltage (220-240V), frequency (50Hz) and type of refrigerant (R134a or R600a). Using a compressor for another type of freon is strictly prohibited.
- 🔍 Model: main code, for example, NL9CL or HMK95CL.
- ❄️ Refrigerant: type of gas for which the system is designed (R134a, R600a, R404a).
- ⚡ Power: often indicated in BTU/h or W, important for selecting an analogue.
- 🔌 Starting device: relay type (PTC, induction), must match.
If the sticker on the compressor is worn off or missing (which often happens after unprofessional repairs), you can try to find information in the technical documentation of the refrigerator that came with the kit. Sometimes the type of motor is indicated on the main information sticker inside the refrigerator compartment, although more often only general electrical parameters are indicated there.
Compatibility table and popular analogues
Original compressors may be expensive or not available for sale. Fortunately, the market offers many high-quality analogues. Most compressors have standard foot dimensions and heights, which allows them to be replaced with equivalents from other manufacturers. Below is a table of correspondence between popular models installed in Gorenje.
| Original (Secop/Danfoss) | Analog (Aspera/Embraco) | Analog (Tecumseh) | Power (W) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL9CL | HMK95CL | CAJ9480Z | ~135 |
| NL10CL | HMK10CL | CAJ9510Z | ~165 |
| NB1112EV | R1112EV | CAJ9518Z | ~190 |
| TL55CL | T55CL | CAJ9460Z | ~105 |
| BD35F (Inverter) | FT15CLX | - | ~100 |
When selecting an analogue, pay attention not only to the power, but also to the type of oil. Synthetic oils (POE) and mineral oils (MO) are not always compatible. If you are changing a compressor Secop to Aspera, make sure that there is no old oil left in the system that could react with the new one. Ideally, when replacing the motor, the system should be flushed with nitrogen.
Cooling capacity is also important. Installing a weaker compressor will cause the refrigerator Gorenje to work non-stop, trying to gain temperature, which will quickly damage it. Installing a motor that is too powerful will cause frequent switching on and off, which is harmful to the system as a whole.
⚠️ Attention: The characteristics of compressors and their availability for sale may vary. Before purchasing, be sure to check the current catalog numbers with official distributors of spare parts or in specialized stores.
Typical faults and diagnostics
Before buying a new compressor, you need to make sure that this is the problem. Often, refrigerator owners Gorenje erroneously blame the motor, when in fact the start relay, thermostat is faulty, or there is a blockage in the system. Diagnostics begins by listening to the operation of the unit.
If the compressor hums, but does not start, and after a few seconds a click is heard, most likely the problem is start relay or jamming of the piston group. If the motor is silent and does not heat up, the thermal protection may have tripped or the winding may have broken. You can check the integrity of the windings with a multimeter in resistance measurement mode.
- 🔊 Loud knocking: indicates destruction of the internal motor suspension or valve group.
- 🔥 Strong heating: if the casing becomes red hot, it is possible interturn short circuit.
- 📉 Lack of cold: with the engine running may indicate a freon leak, and not a compressor breakdown.
Current current is used for accurate diagnosis of current strength ticks. Normal operating current for household compressors Gorenje usually ranges from 0.5 to 1.2 Amperes, depending on the power. Exceeding these values indicates an overload or malfunction of the windings.
☑️ Diagnostics before replacement
Instructions for replacing the compressor
Replacing the compressor in refrigerator Gorenje is a complex technical process that requires special equipment and skills in working with refrigeration systems. Simply “unscrewing and screwing” will not work here, since the system is sealed and filled with refrigerant under pressure.
The first step is always recovery of freon. It is prohibited by environmental regulations to release gas into the atmosphere, so craftsmen use special equipment to collect the refrigerant. After this, the service pipes are sealed and the old motor is dismantled. It is important not to bend the copper tubes during removal so as not to damage their integrity.
Installation of a new compressor involves several critical steps:
- Installation of a new motor on shock absorbers.
- Replacement filter-drier (required for any opening of the circuit).
- Evacuation of the system to remove moisture and air.
- Filling with the exact amount of refrigerant (weight is indicated on the nameplate).
- Sealing the service pipe and checking the tightness.
After assembly, you need to start the refrigerator and monitor operation for several hours. The temperature in the freezer should drop to -18°C, and in the refrigerator - to +4...+5°C. If the system works correctly, final sealing and installation of a decorative cover are performed.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to replace the R134a compressor with R600a in a Gorenje refrigerator?
No, this is strictly prohibited. These refrigerants have different chemical properties, operating pressures and require oil. A compressor running R600a (isobutane) is explosive if installed incorrectly, as the gas is flammable. In addition, the performance of compressors for different freons differs, and the cooling system will not work correctly.
Why does a new compressor get hotter than the old one?
Modern compressors often have a smaller casing volume and higher efficiency, which leads to more intense heat transfer. If the temperature of the casing does not exceed 80-90 degrees and the refrigerator gains temperature, this may be normal. However, if the motor overheats and turns off due to thermal protection, the power may be incorrectly selected or the capacitor is dirty.
How long does the compressor last in Gorenje refrigerators?
The average service life of a high-quality compressor (Secop, Aspera) is 10-15 years during normal operation. However, frequent voltage drops in the network, overheating of the rear wall and rare defrosting (for drip systems) can reduce this period to 5-7 years.
Is it worth changing the compressor in an old refrigerator?
Economic feasibility depends on the age of the refrigerator. If the device is more than 10-12 years old, replacing the compressor can cost 60-70% of the price of a new device. In addition, an old refrigerator may develop problems with leaks in the foam circuit or corrosion of the pipes. In such cases, it is often more profitable to buy new equipment.