[cfleisher]

I just got a "Superior" brand 3-tap keg system from someone, and while the compressor and fan appear to work well, it struggles to keep anything cold. It's a hand-me-down system and probably at least 20 years old. The guy who gave it to me said it could use some freon, but was unsure of what type it needed. Anybody have advice on what type of freon this would need, and also how I could go about charging it?

[bigchicken]

A 20 year old refrigerator of any type will almost certainly require refrigerant (freon) that requires a license to purchase. Your 1st steps to fixing this thing would be to give all the tubing you can find a thorough cleaning. Dust builds up bad on refrigerators making them work harder because they can't transfer heat. If it really is a refrigerant issue, you'll want a professional to look at it. Be prepared to pay a pretty penny! A family member of mine reconditioned an old glass front soda refrigerator. He said it would have been cheaper to buy something new.

[bo]

Look closely. I'll bet there's a tag on it somewhere telling you what Freon and how much it takes. Most likely it's R12, but it could be R134.

[cfleisher]

Thanks guys. I'll check it out. Guess it was free for a reason.

[speed]

should be a tag on it somewhere that tells what freon it takes. could even be r504 but more than likely r12. you can get piercing taps that clamp right on the tube so you can add freon. just make sure you tap into the low side not the high side.

[cfleisher]

Yup...just checked. It's R12. Looks like I'll be consulting a professional.

[Gribble]

toss it, r 12 is so expensive, it might just be cheaper to buy a new one.

[ckpash88]

Do hvac for a living and fixing the fridge if it's low will cost more then a cheap new one. Fixing and r12 unit isn't worth it. I would clean it all up first make sure there is enough air space around it and if that doesnt do it send it to the junk yard

[weazletoe]

Do hvac for a living and fixing the fridge if it's low will cost more then a cheap new one. Fixing and r12 unit isn't worth it. I would clean it all up first make sure there is enough air space around it and if that doesnt do it send it to the junk yard

+1 Be sure the coils are clean. If they are dirty and plugged, it wont get any air circulation, and not cool. I've fixed a LOT of a/c's just by changing the filter. A fridge / freezer is no different.