chest freezer gasket

**Donner** · 07-06-2010, 07:45 PM

I've got condensation inside my used freezer. I can tell several spots where the gasket has pulled away from the top lid and is leaking cold air. I assume this is causing the problem.

I just did a quick search for gasket replacement parts and the parts will cost me twice as much as the whole freezer did, so i'd kinda like to avoid that.

Is there a generic (read cheap) gasket that would be available and if not, does anyone have any suggestions for what to do to seal the leaks without replacing the gasket? I was thinking superglue to reattach the gasket to the lid...

**Ohio-Ed** · 07-06-2010, 07:51 PM

Condensation is a pretty common problem with "keezers" especially if you use picnic taps, because every time you open the lid, you let humid air inside.

You can try a product called DampRid which will absorb some of the moisture. You can get it at Lowes or HomeDepot.

I know that doesn't answer the gasket question... I was just offering some input on something else you may have to deal with or, could solve the problem.

Good luck.

**Donner** · 07-06-2010, 08:14 PM

thanks. This isn't a keezer, but a fermentation chamber, so i don't think it will get opened too often. i've got some damp rid in there, but it's still having problems. It isn't like it's been raining in there, mind you, but i can literally feel the cold air coming out in a few places and know that if it's coming out then it's like contributing to the problem.

I need to drill some holes in the lid to get my temp probe inside (no drain hole, so don't suggest that one). When i thought it was just from the probe being between the gasket then i thought placing the probe through the lid would fix the issue, but now that i've found two other spots, i need to figure out how to seal it up.

**daugenet** · 07-06-2010, 08:40 PM

you could try going to the hardware store and get some of the "frost king" insulation tape. dont know if this would be the best option but it is definitely a cheaper one

**Bobby_M** · 07-06-2010, 08:46 PM

Lift up the edge of the gasket on the inside and run a small bead of silicone behind there. Put the lid back down to hold the gasket tight until it sets up.

knightbeer39 · 07-06-2010, 08:54 PM

It depends on whether your freezer is a "self defrosting" aka "Frost free" , if its not they will all have condensation in them to some degree or another. The frost free/self defrosting models are more expensive. Most of us use the others and thus are more likely to experience condensation.

**Donner** · 07-06-2010, 08:57 PM

yeah, i don't think this is frost free. I knew going in there would be a condensation issue to some degree. Some further reading pointed towards seal leaks as being a big cause. When i started looking at it, it became clear that there are at least two leaks. I am sure i'll still have some condensation, but getting the leaks plugged should help, i'd imagine.

Bret86944 · 07-06-2010, 09:01 PM

If you can feel the cold air coming out, then there has to be warm, moist air going in. Like Bobby M said, put some sealant on there as best you can.

Catt22 · 07-06-2010, 11:25 PM

A well sealed freezer will usually only accumulate minor amounts of condensation. Excessive condensation is a sure sign of an air leak. It can be challenging to build a collar straight and true with air tight corner joints. It looks much easier than it actually is. Even a tiny pinhole leak will cause condensation problems. Been there as they say.

**Donner** · 07-06-2010, 11:26 PM

i'd imagine. I don't plan on building a collar. I just don't want to drop $100 on the new gasket...