The operation of refrigeration equipment often ends when the unit ceases to perform its functions or simply becomes obsolete. Owners of old equipment ZIL, Biryusa or Soviet models Saratov often face the need to disassemble the device for repair or preparation for disposal. Understanding how to properly dismantle components is critical for the safety and preservation of the functionality of individual parts.
The disassembly process requires not only physical strength, but also knowledge of the design. Older models often have mounting features that differ from modern counterparts. Improper dismantling can cause injury or damage to valuable components such as the compressor or heat exchanger. In this article we will analyze in detail the stages of working with large household appliances.
Before taking active steps, it is necessary to ensure safe working conditions. The workplace should be well lit, and all tools should be prepared in advance. Ignoring safety rules when working with electrical appliances and refrigerants is unacceptable.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
High-quality preparation is the key to successful completion of work. To disassemble old refrigerators, you will need a set of specific tools, since Soviet equipment was often assembled using screws and fasteners designed for a long service life without the possibility of quick disassembly.
First of all, make sure that the device is completely disconnected from the power supply. Unplug the plug from the socket and visually check the integrity of the cable. If the cord is damaged, you need to work with it with extreme caution to avoid a short circuit due to accidental contact.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flathead of different sizes) for removing panels.
- 🔧 An adjustable wrench or a set of open-end wrenches for working with pipes.
- 🔪 Construction knife or metal scissors for cutting insulation.
- 🧤 Protective gloves and glasses to protect from sharp edges and dust.
It is important to clear enough space around the unit. Old refrigerators have an impressive weight, so it is better to carry out the work with an assistant. Cover the floor with cardboard or thick fabric so as not to damage the floor covering and not to lose small parts that may roll out of the mechanism.
Dismantling of doors and internal fittings
The first stage is always the removal of hanging elements. Old refrigerator doors often have heavy construction and heavy-duty hinges that could become stuck or rust over time. Before starting work, remove all shelves, drawers and egg trays.
To remove the door, you must lock it in the open position so that it does not slam shut while unscrewing the hinges. Use a stop or have an assistant hold the structure. Unscrew the top and bottom hinges using the appropriate size wrench or screwdriver.
⚠️ Attention: The hinges on older models may be spring-loaded. When unscrewing the last screw, the door may move sharply, so hold it tightly.
After removing the doors, proceed to dismantling the internal fittings. Plastic shelves in older models often become brittle over time. Act carefully so as not to crumble the plastic, which will then be difficult to remove from the mechanism.
- ❄️ Remove the evaporation plates if they are not part of the monoblock.
- 🚪 Remove handles and decorative trims if they interfere with access to the insides.
- 🧊 Remove the freezer if it is a separate box.
Disassembling the compressor-condensing unit
The heart of any refrigerator is the compressor. Older models, such as KhTZ or Dnepr, use piston compressors that are attached to the frame on shock absorbers or springs. Before starting work, it is necessary to bleed off the refrigerant, if this has not been done previously.
To access the compressor, remove the rear metal panel (crankcase). It is usually attached to several screws around the perimeter. Under it you will see a black cylindrical tank - this is the motor-compressor, as well as the condenser grill.
Disconnecting the compressor requires caution. The tubes leading to it are sealed. If your goal is to preserve the compressor for use (for example, to create a compressor for an airbrush), you should not resaw the tubes. In this case, a special tool is used for flaring or careful cutting with subsequent sealing.
| Type of fastening | Tool | Dismantling features |
|---|---|---|
| Spring suspension | Pliers, screwdriver | You need to compress the spring and remove the hook, being careful. |
| Rubber shock absorbers | Key, knife | Rubber often drys out, careful care is required cutting. |
| Rigid frame | Spanner wrench | It is necessary to unscrew the bolts securing the compressor feet. |
Can I use an old compressor?
Yes, old compressors from refrigerators Great for creating homemade low pressure compressors. They are capable of pumping air up to 6-8 atmospheres, which is enough for aerography or tire inflation, but require the installation of a receiver and an oil filter.
Removing the heat exchanger and radiators
The condenser and evaporator in old refrigerators are made of copper or steel. Copper tubing is the most valuable when it comes to recycling, but dismantling it is the most labor-intensive process. The radiator grille is often glued to the back wall of the case or built into it.
To remove the condenser, you need to saw off or cut off the tubes connecting it to the compressor. Be prepared for the fact that in older models the tubes may be steel and very durable. Use a hacksaw or powerful wire cutters.
The evaporator inside the chamber is often filled with foam or glued to the wall. In models with a “crying” wall, you can try to separate it by carefully prying it with a spatula, but most often you have to cut out part of the body or thermal insulation.
- 🔥 Use a construction hair dryer to soften the bitumen mastic if the radiator is glued.
- ✂️ Carefully cut the insulating layer so as not to damage the colored metals inside.
- 🧱 In models with a foamed circuit, heating may be the only way to get to the pipes.
⚠️ Attention: When old materials are heated, acrid smoke may be released. Ensure strong ventilation of the room or work outside.
Working with thermal insulation and internal casing
The internal volume of old refrigerators is filled with thermal insulation material. In very old models it could be glass wool or slag wool, in newer ones (late 80s - 90s) - polyurethane foam. Disassembling the case is impossible without removing this layer.
If you plan to use the inner plastic or metal box for other purposes (for example, as a water container or cellar), the thermal insulation must be removed as cleanly as possible. Polyurethane foam is difficult to remove mechanically.
The most effective method is burning or using chemical solvents, but this is dangerous and requires special protection. The mechanical method (picking with a screwdriver and knife) is the safest, but takes a lot of time. There will be a lot of dust, so a respirator is required.
☑️ Safe disposal
Recycling and sorting of materials
After complete disassembly, you will find a pile of various materials in front of you. Proper sorting will not only make cleaning easier, but will also allow you to hand over some of the components to recycling collection points, receiving a small compensation.
The main mass is ferrous metal - the body of the refrigerator. It should be compressed or cut into manageable pieces if transportation is planned. Non-ferrous metals (copper from tubes, aluminum from evaporators, brass from bushings) must be collected separately, as their price is much higher.
Plastic and rubber must be disposed of as municipal solid waste if there are no special containers for plastic in your region. Electrical wires should also be collected in a separate bundle - the copper core in them is valued by secondary metallurgical plants.
Freon refrigerant, which could remain in the system, evaporates into the atmosphere when the tubes are destroyed, so special measures for its collection at home are not provided, but ventilation of the room after work is mandatory.FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to turn over an old refrigerator entirely as scrap metal?
They can accept it, but the price will be much lower, since the receiver will have to disassemble the unit himself. In addition, many items require prior removal of plastic and rubber. It is more profitable to hand over disassembled non-ferrous metals separately.
Is freon from an old Soviet refrigerator dangerous?
Old models used freons R12 and R22. In small quantities they are not lethal when depressurized, but when heated with an open flame they can form toxic compounds. Ventilate the room.
What to do with the oily liquid inside the compressor?
This is compressor oil. It should not be poured down the drain or onto the ground. Collect it in a sealed container and take it to a collection point for hazardous waste or used oils.
Do you need to invite a specialist for disassembly?
For simple disposal, a specialist is not needed, a set of tools is enough. However, if professional repairs or refilling with freon are required, it is better to contact licensed specialists.