How To Repair Aluminum Evaporator Coil

Does anyone have any proposition on the all-time method to repair leaking aluminum evaporator coils. Would it be easier to use some type of solder or epoxy. I was reading something about a green stick. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Peradventure others have been more than successful with this but my feel has been that whatever repairs made to aluminum will be temporary. I would replace the scroll.

I accept not had very skillful luck with this, have taken the coil to an aluminum welder before, but sometimes too thin for that. Non much luck with epoxy or solder either. Whatever the repair, information technology'due south a lot of trouble so you accept to hope it holds on aluminum. I take temporary set due west epoxy while waiting on new. May be a long lead time. I used some red two part epoxy that turns color, maybe aureate when cured. ...proficient luck

soldering aluminum is not easy.you lot will want to practise on something first if you attempt.
The repair solder is very close to the same melting bespeak equally the material.
I had much improve results with oxy/acetylene than map or other.
heat it up fast & get out fast.
If it is for a libation that holds salad or other high acid products I would become a new coil that is epoxy coated.

The "pot-metal" stick welding seen in hobbiest'south "heaven" and idolatry at "Weak Signals" Toledo Ohio gathering in the first week every Apr-
shows a successful person using the proper welding technique on pop cans to model engine xv,000 RPM loftier-vibration carburetors, all belongings and looking very well welded.

I used on a muffler on an engine, and it held 'til the side by side crash.

If I had to once more-, I think I would use the heat-dissipating paste near the weld
after a few other experiments. Of a few shops stopped in on: On A/C car lines , simply ane of 4 or v asked, would even try information technology on a common Al -to-threaded fitting, that would accept a new cut-in plumbing equipment done at a garage. - But I have seen it do well in harsh vibrations.

The JB weld held at a Trane Union on a compressor for almost ii seasons, getting through until the GeoThermal went on line. - REM: "clean-surface" only means clean, by definition.

soldering aluminum is non easy.yous will desire to practise on something outset if yous endeavor.
The repair solder is very close to the same melting betoken as the material.
I had much ameliorate results with oxy/acetylene than map or other.
heat information technology up fast & go out fast.
If it is for a libation that holds salad or other high acid products I would get a new coil that is epoxy coated.

For many years, Hussmann has recommended this for aluminum coil repairs:

REPAIRING ALUMINUM Coil
The aluminum coils used in Hussmann cases may exist hands repaired in the field. Materials
are available from local refrigeration wholesalers.

Hussmann recommends the following solders:

Solders
Aladdin Welding Products Inc.
P.O. Box 49510-7188
1300 Burton St.
G Rapids, MI 49507
Phone: 1-800-645-3413
Fax: 1-800-645-3414
http://world wide web.aladdin3in1.com/

Ten-Ergon
1570 E. Northgate
P.O. Box 2102
Irving, TX 75062
Phone: ane-800-527-9916

Annotation:
Hussmann Aluminum melts at1125�F (607�C)
Aladdin 3-in-1 rod at 732�F (389�C)
X-Ergon Acid cadre at 455�F (235�C)

Technique:
1. Locate Leak.
ii. REMOVE ALL PRESSURE.
iii. Brush surface area UNDER HEAT.
iv. Utilize PRESTOLITE TORCH ONLY. Number half dozen tip.
five. Maintain separate set of stainless steel brushes, and USE ONLY ON ALUMINUM
6. Tin surface around area.
7. Brush tinned surface Under HEAT, thoroughly filling the open up pores around leak.
viii. Repair leak. Let aluminum cook solder, NOT the torch.
nine. Don't repair for looks. Go for thickness.
10. Perform a leak check.
xi. Launder with water.
12. Encompass with a practiced flexible sealant.

The green tube is normally a heat stick. Good for a temp repair. Used to be used for former refrigerators when some one defrosted them with an ice pick.
The new 2 part red epoxy might be better. Still it is not permanent.

I picked up an Al brazing stick to try and repair a friends discharge line on his auto, to my surprise information technology worked very well, and has held the 300+ psig pressures fine for over a twelvemonth, the line from the dealer was $350 and the Al stick was less than $10

I tin can get y'all the name of it from my van if y'all like.

I have some Aluminum rod, haven't tried it yet. www.alumaloy.org
Might exist worth a look.

I don't desire to buy the warranty on a declining aluminum ringlet past repairing information technology. I always buy a new ane as the side by side leak is usually not far behind.

Ruddy Epoxy from Highside Chemicals. Awesome stuff. Mix it up, put it on the leak, striking it with a heat gun until it changes colour from cerise to gold. Evacuate, charge, and put it back in functioning.

Been using carmine epoxy for aluminum for years. It'south fast, and pretty foolproof. It works with all melals, not just aluminum.

Quote Originally Posted by GenesisRefrig View Post

Cherry-red Epoxy from Highside Chemicals. Awesome stuff. Mix it up, put it on the leak, hitting it with a heat gun until it changes color from ruby-red to gilded. Evacuate, accuse, and put it back in performance.

Been using red epoxy for aluminum for years. It's fast, and pretty foolproof. Information technology works with all melals, non just aluminum.

Does this also work on condensers with the heat and high pressure? How long does it concluding? What about the larger holes, leaks?

Not only is this true, but who gets blamed for the adjacent leak. The exception would be a leak caused by rubbing.

Quote Originally Posted by mspanky View Post

I don't want to buy the warranty on a failing aluminum coil by repairing it. I ever buy a new ane as the adjacent leak is usually not far behind.

Yes, co-ordinate to Highside it does. I've only used it on evaps though. Co-ordinate to their website, it's been tested in excess of 3,000 psi on stainless. It is good to 350F.
www.highsidechem.com/redepoxy.html

Quote Originally Posted past GenesisRefrig View Post

Yes, co-ordinate to Highside it does. I've merely used it on evaps though. According to their website, it'southward been tested in excess of three,000 psi on stainless. It is good to 350F.
www.highsidechem.com/redepoxy.html

Thanks for the info GR. I'll take to give that a try.

Bought some on eBay to go along on truck.

Appreciate all of the responses. Will definitely try some of these products. This is for vending machines where the pressures are commonly around x psi on the low side.