We got the call from a customer from Woodside, CA. The main complaint was Viking refrigerator VCSB483 no cold.
I arrived at the place and conduct some tests to find out the source of the problem. I measured the pressure in the sealed system and there was no freon inside. The most likely unit had freon leak on heat exchanger or evaporator coil. Considering the age of the unit and normal wear and tear of Viking refrigerators I offered to replace the whole sealed system. As an option, I offered also to find the leak and patch it. The customer chose to replace the whole system and avoid all future problems. So I ordered all parts from Viking supplier.
This type of job is a big project and it takes on average 6 hours to finish it and requires to remove the unit from the cabinet.
Here are the steps to follow in this type of repair:
The first step, I removed the unit from the cabinet using special sliders not to damage the wood floor.
The second step I cut old compressor, evaporator coil, heat exchanger and dryer filter.
The third step is To install a new compressor, new evaporator coil, run heat exchanger line set on the back of the refrigerator. After I welded all these components using acetylene/oxygen torch.
The Fourth step is to test the sealed system with nitrogen. I connected the gauges and fill system with nitrogen. I monitored the pressure for 10 minutes and make sure that there are no pressure leaks.
The fifth step is to charge the system with freon. I created the vacuum using a pump and filled Viking sealed system with the amount of freon specified on the unit label. I am using a digital scale to charge the system with the proper amount of freon. Because overcharging or low charge can cause inefficient work of the refrigerator or cause future problems.
Finally, I install all panels, shelves, wiring, control panel back and push the unit back to the cabinet. I adjusted refrigerator legs and mount a Viking fridge to the back wall.
Another happy customer!
