Micro DC powered fridge systems need to operate with extremely clean gas (usually R134a) and oil. In many countries so called R134a can be purchased over the counter in small canisters. The problem is that these cans of gas are aimed at the Auto air con market and auto air cons are vastly different and less 'refined' than your typical tiny marine fridge unit. Many of these R134a cans contain additives.
Recently an overseas cruiser with an Ozefridge system had a gas top-up using a product that is only 50% R134a and the rest is 'sealant additives'. Couldn't be anything worse! The system is now contaminated having to be replaced, so just a warning that if your marine system needs re-gassing be sure to only have pure R134a added and not anything with additives.
Cheers OzePete
Select to expand quoteOzePete said..
Micro DC powered fridge systems need to operate with extremely clean gas (usually R134a) and oil. In many countries so called R134a can be purchased over the counter in small canisters. The problem is that these cans of gas are aimed at the Auto air con market and auto air cons are vastly different and less 'refined' than your typical tiny marine fridge unit. Many of these R134a cans contain additives.
Recently an overseas cruiser with an Ozefridge system had a gas top-up using a product that is only 50% R134a and the rest is 'sealant additives'. Couldn't be anything worse! The system is now contaminated having to be replaced, so just a warning that if your marine system needs re-gassing be sure to only have pure R134a added and not anything with additives.
Cheers OzePete
Pete, thanks for the heads up. 
Was the cruiser advised by a local "expert" by any chance or did they merely take a punt?
Select to expand quoteUncleBob said..OzePete said..
Micro DC powered fridge systems need to operate with extremely clean gas (usually R134a) and oil. In many countries so called R134a can be purchased over the counter in small canisters. The problem is that these cans of gas are aimed at the Auto air con market and auto air cons are vastly different and less 'refined' than your typical tiny marine fridge unit. Many of these R134a cans contain additives.
Recently an overseas cruiser with an Ozefridge system had a gas top-up using a product that is only 50% R134a and the rest is 'sealant additives'. Couldn't be anything worse! The system is now contaminated having to be replaced, so just a warning that if your marine system needs re-gassing be sure to only have pure R134a added and not anything with additives.
Cheers OzePete
Pete, thanks for the heads up.
Was the cruiser advised by a local "expert" by any chance or did they merely take a punt?
Hi Bob, In the cruisers defence he contacted me to see if that canister offered to him by an American cruiser, was the correct gas. The canister was in Spanish but did say R134a so I assumed (wrongly) that is was ok!!!
When problems arose I searched further (Googled) and found that the can he had was only 50% R134a and the balance 'sealants' what ever that is!! (Could not be worse!) So unfortunately this 'expert', me, has to fork out for an entire new system due to the contamination. These cans are a real trap which we fortunately don't see down under so I thought it worth the warning, Use only refrigerant supplied as pure from qualified tradespeople and avoid refrigerant designated as for air conditioners.
Select to expand quoteOzePete said..UncleBob said..OzePete said..
Micro DC powered fridge systems need to operate with extremely clean gas (usually R134a) and oil. In many countries so called R134a can be purchased over the counter in small canisters. The problem is that these cans of gas are aimed at the Auto air con market and auto air cons are vastly different and less 'refined' than your typical tiny marine fridge unit. Many of these R134a cans contain additives.
Recently an overseas cruiser with an Ozefridge system had a gas top-up using a product that is only 50% R134a and the rest is 'sealant additives'. Couldn't be anything worse! The system is now contaminated having to be replaced, so just a warning that if your marine system needs re-gassing be sure to only have pure R134a added and not anything with additives.
Cheers OzePete
Pete, thanks for the heads up.
Was the cruiser advised by a local "expert" by any chance or did they merely take a punt?
Hi Bob, In the cruisers defence he contacted me to see if that canister offered to him by an American cruiser, was the correct gas. The canister was in Spanish but did say R134a so I assumed (wrongly) that is was ok!!!
When problems arose I searched further (Googled) and found that the can he had was only 50% R134a and the balance 'sealants' what ever that is!! (Could not be worse!) So unfortunately this 'expert', me, has to fork out for an entire new system due to the contamination. These cans are a real trap which we fortunately don't see down under so I thought it worth the warning, Use only refrigerant supplied as pure from qualified tradespeople and avoid refrigerant designated as for air conditioners.
Pete, kudos to you, you made the mistake and you are prepared and willing to remedy it, well done.
Yes. Plus one on that Pete. This is what the forum is about, amongst other things, information that
helps us to avoid such errors and makes life easier. Well done on posting.
