Owners of brand refrigeration equipment Biryusa often face the need to carry out preventive maintenance or troubleshoot water drainage systems. The main reason you need to access the bottom of the freezer is because of ice accumulation or a leak on the kitchen floor. In old and new models with manual defrosting, the tray (evaporator) is the key element responsible for cooling, and it is on it that ice forms, which must be removed periodically.
Independent removal of this element requires care, since the design of the evaporator in different series of refrigerators may differ. Incorrect actions may result in damage to the refrigerant pipes or loss of system seals. In this article, we will analyze in detail the process of dismantling the pallet, consider the necessary tools and answer frequently asked questions about servicing equipment of this brand.
Before starting work, you need to completely de-energize the device. Unplug the power cord and gain access to the rear wall of the unit. This is the first and most important safety rule, ignoring which is unacceptable during any manipulation with electrical appliances.
Preparation for dismantling and necessary tools
High-quality preparation of the workplace and the availability of the right tools significantly speed up the process and reduce the risk of damage to plastic or metal parts. To remove the tray in the refrigerator Turk you will need a minimum DIY kit. First of all, prepare a container for water, since a significant amount can accumulate when defrosting.
The main tools that will be needed during the work process:
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (PH2) - for unscrewing the fastening screws.
- 🔧 Flat-head screwdriver - for carefully snapping off plastic latches.
- 🔧 Hair dryer (construction or household) - to speed up the defrosting of ice if it interferes with access.
- 🔧 Rags and sponges - for absorbing moisture.
⚠️ Attention: The use of sharp objects (knives, chisels) to chip ice is strictly prohibited. You can damage the evaporator tube, which will lead to a freon leak and costly repairs.
It is also recommended to empty the freezer of food in advance. If you only plan to remove the tray for cleaning, you can place the food in bowls of ice or another cold place while you clean. Make sure that the floor is covered with absorbent fabric, as water may flow out of the drainage holes during work.
☑️ Preparing to remove the tray
Design features of the Biryusa evaporator
Refrigerators Biryusa, especially classic models with a top freezer, are equipped with an open or semi-closed plate evaporator. This element is an aluminum plate with a serpentine tube sealed inside. The tray in this context is the evaporator itself, at the bottom of which there is often a groove welded for condensate drainage.
In more modern models, there may be a hidden evaporator located behind a plastic panel. However, requests to remove the tray most often concern open models, where ice freezes directly onto the metal surface. Understanding the design helps to avoid mistakes during dismantling.
The main components you will encounter:
- ❄️ Aluminum plate - the main heat exchanger.
- ❄️ Capillary tube - supplies refrigerant, requires careful handling.
- ❄️ Temperature sensor (thermostat) - often attached with a clip to the evaporator.
Why do aluminum evaporators leak?
Aluminum is susceptible to corrosion under the influence of acids and alkalis. If you frequently defrost the camera with aggressive chemicals or damage the protective coating, the metal may become thinner and leak. It is difficult to restore such a unit; replacement is required.
Stages of defrosting before removal
An attempt to remove the pan when it is covered with a thick layer of ice is doomed to failure and is dangerous. Ice acts as glue and mechanical retainer. Before unscrewing the fasteners, you need to wait for complete natural defrosting or carefully use a hair dryer.
If you choose the method with a hair dryer, direct the stream of warm air evenly, without lingering for a long time on one point of plastic or metal. Overheating can deform seals or melt plastic sensor mounting elements. The process can take from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the thickness of the ice.
It is important to collect all the draining water. In models Turk water often flows not only into a special gutter, but also along the walls of the chamber. Place a deep baking tray or use a syringe to pump water out of hard-to-reach corners.
Check the condition of the drainage hole. If the pan cannot be removed, water may have frozen at the joint or in the drainage channel. Warming this area with warm (not hot!) water from a syringe will help clear the way for drainage.
The process of dismantling the pan (evaporator)
After the ice has completely melted and the chamber has dried, you can begin mechanical removal. In most models Biryusa the evaporator is attached to the back wall of the freezer with several screws and plastic latches. A capillary pipeline can also be connected to it.
Sequence of actions for dismantling:
- Remove the shelves and drawers of the freezer for free access.
- Find the evaporator mounting points. Usually these are 2-4 screws in the corners or along the side edges.
- Carefully disconnect the thermostat. It can be inserted into a special slot on the evaporator or attached with a clip. Do not pull the wires.
- If the evaporator is stuck to the wall, shake it slightly, but without fanaticism. You can use a plastic card to carefully separate the stuck areas.
⚠️ Attention: In some modifications, the freon supply tube can be glued to the evaporator plate with hot glue. With a sharp jerk there is a risk of tearing off the tube. Proceed smoothly, warming up the joint with a hairdryer if you feel strong resistance.
Pay special attention to the model Turk 133 and analogues. In them, the evaporator may have an additional frame. Removal is carried out by bending the fastening petals, which are located around the perimeter. Use a flat-head screwdriver under the cloth to avoid scratching the metal.
Cleaning, maintenance and leak testing
The removed tray opens access to the space behind the freezer, where dust, lint and even traces of insects often accumulate. This is the perfect time for spring cleaning. Wipe the back wall of the chamber and the evaporator itself with a solution of baking soda or a special product for refrigerators.
If the reason for removing the pan was a leak, carefully inspect its surface. Aluminum wears out over time. Microcracks can be detected by pouring water into a dry pan and turning it over, or by blowing air through it under water (if the design allows it). For temporary repair of small fistulas, epoxy glue or cold welding is used, but this is a temporary measure.
Table of faults and methods for eliminating them:
| Malfunction | Symptom | Elimination method |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom corrosion | Water drips inside the chamber | Replacing the evaporator or sealing |
| Clogged drainage | Water standing in the gutter | Cleaning with a wire or syringe |
| Sensor displacement | The refrigerator does not turn off | Installing the sensor in its original place |
| Contact failure | Sparking or heating | Checking terminals and wires |
After cleaning, dry all surfaces thoroughly. Moisture is the enemy of electrical insulation and metal. Make sure that there is no debris left in the area where the evaporator is adjacent to the chamber wall that could disrupt heat transfer.
Assembling and installing the tray in place
Installation is carried out in the reverse order. Place the evaporator in place, making sure that it fits snugly against the back wall all the way around. Gaps reduce cooling efficiency. Secure the screws, but do not overtighten them to avoid stripping the threads in soft metal or plastic.
Connect the thermostat. If there are markings on it, make sure that the wires are connected correctly (although in simple circuits it is difficult to mix up the contacts, it is better to photograph the circuit before disassembling). Check if the wires are pinched by the housing during installation.
After assembly, do not rush to load products. Plug in the refrigerator and let it run for 2-3 hours in idle mode. This will allow the system to reach operating temperature conditions and assure you that there are no leaks or extraneous noise.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator without a tray (evaporator)?
No, operation is impossible. The evaporator is the main unit that creates cold. Without it, the refrigerator will work like an ordinary cabinet, and the compressor will fail due to continuous operation.
How to replace the evaporator if it is rotten?
Ideally, with an original spare part for your model Biryusa. If there is no original, craftsmen often install universal evaporators such as “crying shelf” or sheet aluminum, selecting the size and power. This requires qualification.
Why did the refrigerator start making noise after installing the tray?
Perhaps the refrigerant tubes are touching the housing or each other, causing vibration. Also check whether the fan (if your model has one) is not touching ice or fastening elements. Sometimes the noise is caused by the fact that the pan is not seated tightly and resonates.
How often do you need to remove the pan for cleaning?
You need to specifically remove the pan for cleaning only if there are malfunctions or heavy contamination. It is enough to carry out preventive defrosting 1-2 times a year, without removing the evaporator, but simply defrosting the chamber.