How We Repaired our Van Fridge (Isotherm 12 volt)
Is your 12V Marine fridge not cooling or do you have an obvious leak? In this video, we will show you from start to finish how to replace an evaporator plate, evacuate, and recharge your fridge! This video is specific to the Isotherm 130 Elegance.
Disclaimer: We are not experts or professionals. Our fridge DOES indeed work now, but we cannot guarantee anything for you. This is solely a resource from a couple of people who are stubborn and hate throwing things out if they can be fixed!
For a more detailed discussion of what goes on in this video, check out our blog at zakandfal.com
Materials:
Evaporator Plate (I ordered this from Beard Marine)
Glazing Putty- https://amzn.to/3HnwwIM
Pipe Insulation - https://amzn.to/3Bs9Ovb
Two 1/4" Flare Nuts - https://amzn.to/3VJBl3o
1/4" Flare Union - https://amzn.to/3VLKnNx
Flare Tool- https://amzn.to/3VPvlWP
Tubing Cutter- https://amzn.to/3FmbozM
Tru-Blu Thread Sealant - https://amzn.to/3HnzuNv
3 feet of 3/16" Copper Tubing - https://amzn.to/3YhluuO
Steel Wool -https://amzn.to/3VOxCle
Solder (Lead Free)- https://amzn.to/3iN9elf
Flux- https://amzn.to/3PjGGfe
Flux Brush -https://amzn.to/3BsOtSy
Propane - https://amzn.to/3Y70xm9
Propane Torch - https://amzn.to/3Ye5Dgd
Triangular Metal File - https://amzn.to/3W3t36R
Darning Needle (I had this at home)
Vacuum Pump- https://amzn.to/3UGUKkg
Gauge Set (with three tubes, blue, yellow, and red)- https://amzn.to/3FlrOsb
Small can of 134a Refrigerant -https://amzn.to/3FaVwQM
134a Can tap/ adapter- https://amzn.to/3FhGU20
Time Stamps:
0:00-0:39- Intro, Opening Comments
0:40-1:11- Disassembling the Fridge
1:12-2:37- Disassembling old Evaporator Plate
2:38-4:10- Removing old Evaporator Plate
4:11-5:35- Assembling and Inserting New Evaporator Plate
5:36-6:50- Attaching suction tube via Flare Fitting (Option 1)
6:51-9:35- Connecting the capillary tubes
9:36-12:56- Evacuating the System
12:57-13:44- Schrader Valve/ Depressor Troubleshooting
13:45-14:25- Soldering Suction Tube (Option 2)
14:26-16:17- Recharging the fridge
16:18-17:20- Closing Thoughts