Working on a domestic for the first time

[Benjimo]

Being from an industrial background I haven't had any experience in domestic refrigeration. A friend's dad wants me to change the compressor in a 20 year old fridge as the compressor is open circuit across 2 of its windings. I told him to get a new because of the hastle and cost of parts but he's sentimentally attached and willing to pay anything so I need to fix it. Being so old I'm guessing the unit is on R12, I'll need to change it to R409a and change the drier, just wondering of there are any tricks, hints or what the suction pressure should be? Its a standard upright fridge with a freezer compartment on top. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Brian_UK]

Good luck with it, retrofit details given here...
http://www.arkema-inc.com/index.cfm?pag=36

[mikeref]

I think you are heading for trouble with a fridge of that age. Old fridge pipework will be an issue. Door heat circuit will leak on the bends at the bottom corners of the cabinet, then if its a cycle defrost (not frost free), the evaporator pipes in the walls of the freezer will be weak from age and will give out... Something to consider, Mike.

[Tankerbox]

every thing that has been mentioned here is true. but if the owner insist on changing out the comp. you might won't to go with R134. thempture and pressures are cloes to
R12 good luck.
Harvey.

[vickgr]

Change drier and flush the coils and a good vacuum at least an hour. Then go for 134a comp as Tanker said.
Will work fine if you don't take shortcuts. I have done it before and the fridge still works.
Regards