Refrigerant in Stinol refrigerators: types, check and replacement freon

Refrigerators Stinol are one of the most common in the post-Soviet space due to their reliability and affordable price. However, when repairing or servicing, owners are often faced with the question: what refrigerant is used in their model? Not only the cooling efficiency depends on the type of freon, but also the safety of operation, as well as the cost of refilling.

In this article we will look at what refrigerants were used in refrigerators Stinol of different generations, how to determine the type of freon in your model, and what to do if required refueling or replacement. You will also learn about the key differences between R134a and R600a the two most common refrigerants in household appliances.

Important: information about the refrigerant is critical during repairs. Using the wrong freon can lead to breakdown of the compressor or even explosive situation (in the case of R600a fuel). Therefore, before any manipulations with the cooling system, check the data specifically for your model.

What refrigerants are used in Stinol refrigerators

For the history of production Stinol (from the 1990s to the 2020s years) three main types of freons were used in refrigerators of this brand:

• 🔹 R12 —an obsolete refrigerant, used in the earliest models (before 2000). Today it is prohibited due to harm to the ozone layer.
• 🔹 R134a - the most common freon in models of 2000–2015. Safe, non-flammable, but less environmentally friendly compared to modern analogues.
• 🔹 R600a (isobutane) - used in refrigerators Stinol from 2010 to the present. It is environmentally friendly, but flammable at high concentrations.

Since 2015, most models Stinol (including popular series STN 167, STN 185, STN 200) have switched to R600a. However, you can still find R134ain budget or outdated lines. For exact information, see compressor nameplate or in the technical data sheet.

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator was manufactured before 2000, most likely it contains R12. This freon is not produced today, and its replacement with modern analogues requires a complete rework of the system (flushing, oil change, etc.).

How to determine the type of refrigerant in your model

There are three reliable ways to find out what kind of freon is charged in the refrigerator Stinol:

1. Technical data sheet. Look for the “Characteristics” or “Technical Data” section. Typically, the type of refrigerant is indicated next to the compressor power.
2. The nameplate on the compressor. The sticker on the back of the refrigerator (on the black compressor block) contains the brand of freon. For example, the inscription Refrigerant: R600a or Gas: R134a.
3. Model marking. Some series Stinol have a standard refrigerant:
   • 📌 Models with an index NF (for example, STN 167 NF) — R600a.
   • 📌 Models with an index K (for example, STN 185 K) — R134a.

If the documentation is lost and the nameplate has been erased, you can rely on year of manufacture:

🔍 Tip: If you cannot identify the refrigerant, take a photo of the compressor nameplate and show it to the technician. An experienced specialist will be able to identify freon even by indirect signs (type of oil, design). capillary tube).

R134a vs. R600a: comparison of refrigerants

These two freons are most relevant for refrigerator owners. StinolLet's look at their key differences:

• 🌍 Environmentally friendly. R600a has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP=0) and minimal impact on global warming (GWP=3). R134a less environmentally friendly (GWP=1430).
• ⚡ Energy efficiency. Refrigerators on R600a consume 10–15% less electricity with the same cooling power.
• 🔥 Flammability. R600a flammable at a concentration in air of more than 1.3%. R134a non-flammable.
• 💰 Cost. R600a 2–3 times cheaper, but requires more volume for refueling.

📊 Comparative table:

⚠️ Attention: If there is a leak R600a it is strictly forbidden to check it with an open flame (matches, lighter) Use! electronic leak detector or soap solution.

What will happen if you mix R134a and R600a?

Mixing these refrigerants will lead to unstable operation of the system: the compressor will overheat, and the temperature in the chambers will fluctuate. In addition, different freons require different types of oil, which will accelerate wear of parts. In the worst case, this can cause compressor breakdown. hydraulic hammer and compressor failure.

Signs of refrigerant leakage and diagnostics

If the refrigerator Stinol does not freeze well, but the compressor works without stopping, the first reason is freon leak. Main symptoms:

• ❄️ The temperature in the chambers does not drop below +10…+15°C.
• 🕒 The compressor works constantly (no shutdown cycles).
• 💨 The condenser (grid at the back) remains cold.
• 🔊 Extraneous sounds (hissing) in the first minutes after switching on.

🔧 How to check the leak yourself:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and defrost it.
2. Inspect solder spots tubes (especially in the area of the compressor and evaporator) for oil stains.
3. Apply a soap solution to suspicious areas. If there is a leak, bubbles will appear.
4. If you have an electronic leak detector, run it along the contour (especially along the capillary tube).

🛠️ What to do in case of a leak:

Independent refueling is possible only if you have the equipment (vacuum pump, manometric manifold, cylinder with freon). Without experience, it is not recommended to refuel R600a - there is a risk of flammable gas leaking into the room! It is better to call a specialist.

Disconnect the refrigerator from the network|Defreeze and dry the chambers|Check the integrity of the tubes|Prepare a cylinder with the required freon|Have pressure gauges and a vacuum pump on hand-->

How to fill a Stinol refrigerator with refrigerant

If you decide to fill the refrigerator yourself, follow this instructions. For R600a special care is required!

🔩 Required tools:

• 🔧 Gauge manifold with hoses.
• 🔥 Vacuum pump (for pumping out air).
• 🛢️ Refrigerant cylinder (see the table above for volume).
• 🔍 Leak detector (electronic or soap solution).

📝 Step-by-step instructions:

1. Bleeding the remaining freon. Connect the manifold to the service pipe (usually on the compressor) and release the gas by opening the valve.
2. Vacuuming. Connect the vacuum pump for 15–20 minutes to remove moisture and air from the system.
3. Refilling.
   • For R134a: refill in the liquid phase through a filter drier.
   • For R600a: refill in the gaseous phase, the cylinder must be upside down!

Checking the pressure. Turn on the refrigerator and monitor the pressure on the pressure gauge (for R600a: ~0.5 bar at suction, ~5–6 bar at discharge).

⚠️ Attention: When refueling R600a ensure ventilation of the room! The gas is heavier than air and can accumulate near the floor, creating an explosive concentration.

Common mistakes when working with refrigerant

Inexperienced technicians often make critical mistakes that lead to repeated breakdowns. Here are the most common:

• 🚫 Incomplete evacuation. If moisture remains in the system, it freezes in the capillary tube and blocks the circulation of freon.
• 🚫 Refilling. Excess refrigerant is as harmful as its lack: the compressor works with overload, and the temperature in the chambers is unstable.
• 🚫 Using the wrong oil. For example, filling R600a with mineral oil instead of polyester oil leads to jamming of the compressor.
• 🚫 Ignoring the leak. If you do not fix the leak before refueling, freon will leak out again within a few months.

🔧 How to avoid mistakes:

Use only original components (filter drier, capillary tube) and keep an eye cleanliness of the system. After soldering the tubes, blow them with nitrogen to avoid oxidation.

📌 Practical example: In workshops there are often refrigerators Stinol with a “tired” compressor after repeated use refueling R134a without vacuuming. In such cases, not only refueling is required, but also an oil change, otherwise the engine will burn out in 1–2 years.

Where to buy refrigerant for Stinol and how much does it cost

Refrigerants R134a and R600a are sold in cylinders of different volumes. For a one-time refill of the refrigerator Stinol a cylinder is enough 300–500 g.

🛒 Where to buy:

• 🏪 Refrigeration equipment stores (for example, “Cold”, “Frion-Service”).
• 🌍 Online sites (AliExpress, "VseInstrumenty.ru", "220 Volt").
• 🔧 Service centers (sometimes they sell freon with refills).

💵 Cost (for 2026):

• R134a — from 800 to 1500 rubles. for 500 g
• R600a — from 500 to 1000 rubles. for 500 g
• Refilling at the service — from 2000 to 4000 rubles. (including work).

⚠️ Attention: Buy refrigerant only from trusted suppliers! Fake freon may contain impurities that destroy the compressor. Pay attention to quality certificates (for example, standard AHRI 700).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the refrigerant in Stinol refrigerators

Is it possible to replace R12 with R134a in an old Stinol refrigerator?

Theoretically yes, but it will be necessary:

1. Complete oil change to polyol ester (POE).
2. Rinsing the system with a special solvent.
3. Replacing the filter drier.

However, in practice such a replacement often unjustified - it’s cheaper to buy a new refrigerator. In older models Stinol (before 2000), the metal circuit may be incompatible with R134a, which will lead to corrosion.

What refrigerant is in the refrigerator Stinol STN 167?

The model Stinol STN 167 (and its modifications STN 167 NF) uses R600a (isobutane). data-i="245">50–60 g. This is indicated in the technical data sheet and on the compressor nameplate. The filling volume is about 50–60 g.

What to do if after refueling the refrigerator does not freeze?

Possible reasons:

• 🔹 Insufficient vacuum before refueling (moisture remains in the system).
• 🔹 Clogged capillary tube (nitrogen purge required).
• 🔹 Faulty compressor (check the resistance of the windings).
• 🔹 Wrong type of freon (for example, filled with R134a instead R600a).

Solution: repeat vacuuming and filling, first checking the system for blockages.

Is it possible to fill a Stinol refrigerator with R134a automotive freon?

No! Automotive R134a often contains additives (for example, dyes or lubricants) that are incompatible with household refrigerators. Use only pure refrigerant labeled Refrigerant Grade.

How much refrigerant is needed to refill Stinol STN 185?

For model Stinol STN 185 (with compressor Danfoss NL6) required:

• R134a — 80–100 g.
• R600a — 40–50 g.

The exact volume is indicated on the compressor nameplate in grams (for example, Refrigerant Charge: 90g).