Fermentation Fridge deal too good to be true. Help!

[jlivin28]

I managed to score an old industrial sized double door Stainless steel fridge of kijiji for next to nothing. In my head I could see the finished product, dual stage for lagers and ales, vinyl decals with brewing logo, beautiful forum post causing jealousy among fellow homebrewers. It seemed too good to be true. It was.

Went to pick it up, guy plugged it in, compressor kicked on everything was looking great. Get it back to my place and now the compressor is cycling on and off, not blowing cold air and actually warming up the space inside the fridge. Called every refrigeration place in town, either won't service because I am not a business or don't know what to do with a 1980s Foster refrigerator.

Only option that was worth following up is that it is in my garage. It's an insulated garage that definitely stays above freezing, going about as low as 4 degrees C (39.2f for you americans). I had seen it said that this might stop the fridge from working but my keezer right next to it seems to be doing just fine at bringing temp down when needed. So I am leaning towards this not being the problem.

I have a space heater in there holding temp for some ales right now but I really want to get the lagering side set-up. So I come to you for help. Here are the options I have in front of me:

Option #1: Fix Fridge

If anyone has any thoughts on how this might be possible please don't hesitate.

Option #2: Install window air conditioner in side of fridge

This would hurt me. To cut into the fridge and ruin its beautiful exterior but its a cheap option. Will the air conditioner work in my garage temperatures?

Option #3: Lagering freezer next to fridge with duct running to fridge

This option means I have another appliance to get and will have to cut a smaller hole, but I think I should be able to pipe over enough cold air to balance things out using the fridge for only ales. I could also add a return duct if needed. Will I be able to have enough BTUs from the freezer to cool the fridge to ale temps in the summer when its closer to 28 degrees C (82.4) in the garage?

I've turned these options over and over in my head but need an outside perspective at this point. Can you help?

 

[IslandLizard]

After transportation they need to sit for 24 hours to let the refrigerant ooze down. Did you?

Refrigeration service is expensive. My heat pump needed servicing and it is $100 per hour plus all materials and refrigerant added. From what I gather that is a very decent rate for domestic service. Businesses get gouged a lot more I bet, so you aren't worth their precious time. Look for a smaller company / fridge guy maybe? Still I'd say repairs may prove to be cost prohibitive.

 

[Stealthcruiser]

As mentioned, let it sit a day or two.

Option 3:, I vote no

Option 2: as a last resort.

Option 1 the way I see it............Someone will work on it.
You said you got a deal on it, figure where you wanna' cut your losses, and draw the line there.

 

[jlivin28]

I let the fridge sit for 2 weeks before touching it. So unfortunately that can't be the issue, unless something else in transportation cracked loose.

Any reason why the negative reaction to Option #3? Not enough power?

 

[EuBrew]

Post the specs on your compressor if you can get them. Google model number etc.

My guess is there is a leak in the system and the refrigerant has escaped. Depending on how handy you are you may be able to fix it yourself. The hardest part is getting the refrigerant given the mfg date though you might get lucky and find the refrigerant is available on eBay depending on what type it is. Talk to friends to see if you have any connections with hvac technicians or compressor service technicians. They use refrigerant in drying units for compressors.

You can get a dye kit and glasses on eBay to find the leak then it would be a solder repair. You'll need a line set rated for your refrigerant class to recharge the unit unless you get lucky and find its same type as older cars.

 

[Stealthcruiser]

I let the fridge sit for 2 weeks before touching it. So unfortunately that can't be the issue, unless something else in transportation cracked loose.

Any reason why the negative reaction to Option #3? Not enough power?

It was your thought that ya' didn't wanna' butcher up the beaitiful stainless, or however you worded it.

I wouldn't either, that's why I voted for "Fix it"!.........