R143A Leak Common After Fridge Sits for Long Time?

Question

My Westinghouse up down refrigerator freezer worked like a charm but after sitting unplugged in storage (upright) for 5 years it's now blowing out warm air. The compressor is humming, there's no leaks I see and I'm hearing fans running. Refrigerant leak? If so, how do I find it?

Answer 1

Refrigeration units are sealed from factory and normally do not leak unless someone has punctured a line or opened the system for repair. The humm you hear could be the compressor trying to start, sometimes after sitting for long periods of time the piston will lock or bind and the windings do not have enough strength to free it and start up. You might tap on the compressor several times with a hammer as it trys to start, the vibration will sometimes make it break free. There is also hard start capacitors you can purchase that will give it an extra boost to free it up. As for finding leaks, there are various types of leak detectors available, without one of these the only way is to look for oily areas on pipe or coils. God Bless and good luck

Answer 2

If the compressor is running then the refrigerant is okay.  After transport you should leave it sit unplugged overnight for the oil to settle.  After that leave it run it will take a while for it to run cold.

Answer 3

Put an amp probe on the common and see if the compressor is running or feel the discharge line for heat

The compressor could be stuck.You will hear a tell tell click when it tries to start and the external overload opens.

Tedg had a good idea,if it is stuck,whack it with a hammer and it sometimes will bust loose and start.

Also check if the cold control is stuck open with a meter.

If the compressor is running and it still won't cool,you will have to buy a piercing valve to check the charge.Good luck.