Owners of household appliances are often faced with the need to find out which engine is installed in their unit, especially when it comes to breakdowns. Refrigerators Indesit have been popular for many years due to their affordable price and simplicity of design, which makes their repair relatively simple. However, the variety of models and modifications can confuse even an experienced master, since the manufacturer used different types of motors during different periods of production.
Understanding what what kind of compressor is in the Indesit refrigerator is installed specifically in your case is the first step to successful restoration of the cold. Not only the difficulty of replacement depends on the type of engine, but also the choice of refrigerant, as well as the requirements for the pipeline cleaning system. In this article we will analyze in detail the main types of units, their characteristics and the nuances of selecting analogues for replacement.
The main types of compressors in Indesit technology
Historically, the company Indesit (previously Merloni Elettrodomestici) equipped its refrigerators with engines from different suppliers. The main and most massive supplier for decades has been the Italian concern Aspera, which is a subsidiary of itself Whirlpool. It is these motors that can be found in the vast majority of old and middle-aged models.
More modern lines, especially those that are labeled No Frost or belong to energy efficiency class A+, are often equipped with inverter motors. Such systems operate on a different principle, smoothly regulating speed, which reduces noise levels and energy consumption. However, classic piston models still dominate the fleet of operating equipment.
⚠️ Attention: You can visually determine the type of compressor (inverter or conventional) by the presence of a frequency converter on the control board or by a characteristic hum when starting. Inverter models do not emit a characteristic click when starting.
It is also worth noting that in some budget series there could be motors from other brands, such as Secop (previously Danfoss) or Chinese counterparts Jiaxipera. It is important to consider that technical characteristicssuch as cooling capacity and power consumption may differ even with the same appearance.
- 🔹 Aspera - a classic choice for most models, reliable and repairable.
- 🔹 Secop/Danfoss - often found in models in the mid-price segment, known for their quiet work.
- 🔹 Inverter systems - are installed in modern models, require complex electronic diagnostics.
How to find out the model of the installed engine
To accurately select a spare part, it is not enough to know only the brand of the refrigerator. You need to find the technical sticker on the compressor body itself. This information is key, since the appearance of the motors may be identical, but the mounting dimensions or type of freon may differ.
Usually the sticker is located on the metal casing; it is often covered in paint or contaminated with oil, which makes it difficult to read. Before attempting to read data, it is recommended to disconnect the device from the mains and allow it to cool, then carefully wipe the surface.
☑️ Finding information about the compressor
On the nameplate you are interested in several parameters: manufacturer's brand (for example, Aspera), model (set of letters and numbers), type of refrigerant (R134a or R600a) and electrical characteristics. It is based on the model that you can choose an exact analogue in spare parts catalogues.
If the sticker is unreadable, you can rely on the model of the refrigerator itself, indicated in the passport or on the inner wall of the chamber. Knowing the exact model of the refrigerator Indesit, an experienced technician can determine what type of engine should be installed there by the manufacturer.
Compatibility table and characteristics of popular models
Below is a table that will help you navigate the main types of compressors found in refrigerators Indesit. The data is for reference only, as the manufacturer may make changes to the design without prior notice.
| Compressor brand | Refrigerant type | Power (W) | Applicability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aspera NEK2140GK | R134a | 1/4 HP | Single-chamber refrigerators |
| Aspera NJ9220GK | R134a | 1/5 HP | Small refrigerators, minibars |
| Secop NL11FT | R600a | 1/6 HP | Modern No Frost models |
| Aspera HMK80CL | R600a | 1/5 HP | Two-chamber units |
When choosing an analogue, it is important to pay attention not only to the power, but also to the type of oil that is poured into system. Using the wrong oil can lead to rapid failure of the new unit or clogging of the capillary tube.
Is it possible to install a more powerful compressor?
Theoretically, you can install a higher-power motor, but this will lead to overload of the capacitor and thermal relay. The cooling system is not designed to remove excess heat, which will shorten the life of the refrigerator.
Symptoms of malfunction and the need for replacement
You can understand that refrigerator compressor has failed by a number of characteristic signs. Most often, owners notice that the refrigerator has stopped freezing, although the light inside is on. The engine may either not start at all, or turn on for a few seconds and immediately turn off with a characteristic click.
Another symptom is overheating of the motor casing. If, when you touch the rear grille in the area of the compressor, you feel that it is hot to the point where it is impossible to hold your hand, this indicates an interturn short circuit or a wedge in the piston group.
- 🔸 Humming without starting —the motor hums, but the shaft does not turn, often accompanied by a thermal click.
- 🔸 Lack of noise — complete silence when connected to the network may indicate a break in the winding or a malfunction of the starting relay.
- 🔸 Knocking out plugs — a short circuit inside the engine causes the circuit breakers in the apartment to trip.
Sometimes the problem lies not in the motor itself, but in the start-protection relay. This is a small part that fits onto the compressor contacts. Replacing it is much cheaper than buying a new engine, so diagnostics should begin with checking the relay.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a loud knocking or clanging sound inside the compressor when you try to start, further switching on may be dangerous. This is a sign of mechanical destruction of the components.
Instructions for replacing the compressor yourself
Replacing a compressor in a refrigerator Indesit is a complex technical process that requires special equipment. You will need a torch, rolling tool, vacuum pump and gauge station. Without these tools, it is impossible to do the job efficiently.
The first step is always dismantling the old unit. To do this, you need to bleed off the remaining refrigerant (in a workshop, this is done through a puncture or valve), then cut through the copper tubes and unsolder them from the condenser and evaporator. The old motor is removed from the frame, the mounting bolts are first unscrewed and the wires are disconnected.
Sequence of actions:1. Turn off the power.
2. Cut off the pipes of the old compressor.
3. Dismantle the old unit.
4. Install the new compressor on the frame.
5. Solder new pipes (using nitrogen purge).
6. Evacuate the system (at least 15-20 minutes).
7. Fill with freon according to the scale.
Particular attention should be paid to the cleanliness of the system. When the windings of the old motor burned, combustion products and acid could enter the tubes. If you do not flush the system or replace the filter drier, the new compressor will fail within a few months.
Nuances of refueling and starting the system
After installing the new engine and soldering the connections, it is necessary to evacuate the circuit. This is a critical step to remove air and moisture from the system. Residual moisture in the system with freon R134a or R600a can lead to the formation of ice jams and corrosion.
Refrigerant charging is carried out strictly according to the weight indicated on the technical sticker of the refrigerator. Overfilling or underfilling freon will negatively affect performance and can cause a “liquid shock” into the compressor, which will lead to its breakdown.
To start some models, it may be necessary to replace the starting relay with a new one that matches the characteristics of the installed motor. Universal relays (for example PTC) are often included with new compressors, but it is better to use original or proven analogs.
After refueling and starting, you need to check the operation of the unit for 30-60 minutes. Check the condenser outlet temperature, evaporator operation and vibration. Only after making sure of stable operation can you seal the process pipe and install the back cover.
Is it possible to replace an Aspera compressor with a Secop?
Yes, replacement is possible if the cooling capacity, type of refrigerant and overall dimensions match. However, it may be necessary to re-roll the tubes, since the location of the pipes differs between brands.
Why does the new compressor get hotter than the old one?
Modern engines often operate at higher temperatures due to increased energy efficiency and the use of new types of refrigerants. The main thing is that the thermal relay is activated and there is no overheating of the windings.
How long does the compressor last in the Indesit refrigerator?
The average service life of a high-quality compressor is 10-15 years. With proper operation and timely defrosting (for drip systems), it can last up to 20 years.