Can Silicone Filler Fix a Punctured Ice Box?

[McHeathen]

I decided to speed things up by scrapping off the ice and I punctured the side of the ice box. I used some silicone filler to seal it. Will it work?

 

[mgb_phys]

Did you only break into the insulation - you didn't puncture any coolant pipes?
Then any waterproof sealant will work although how well it sicks at low temperature varies.
The adhesive-backed aluminium muffler/exhaust repair tape works well in vacuum cryogenic systems.

 

[McHeathen]

Did you only break into the insulation - you didn't puncture any coolant pipes?

I never saw any pipes, but maybe I went into one. A hissing sound was heard.

The adhesive-backed aluminium muffler/exhaust repair tape works well in vacuum cryogenic systems.

What about 'Gun Gum'? It is used for repairing holes in exhausts.

 

[jim mcnamara]

"Hissing sound" was the coolant leaking out of the hole in one of the small pipes mqb is talking about.

The coolant circulates under some pressure. I don't know of a good fix because low temperatures degrade the sticking power of a lot of sealants. Somebody with special knowledge in the area may be able to help.

If there is a sealant that will work, you will need to recharge the coolant.

 

[Danger]

Hi, McHeathen.
The same thing happened to me a couple of years ago, and I also sought advice here. It was not forthcoming, despite the best intentions of my friends in PF. If you perforated a coolant line, then your unit is toast. I looked into everything from bubble gum through JB Weld and silver-soldering to brazing. The closest thing to a solution that I could find was designed for automotive A/C units, and is totally non-applicable to the aluminum tubes found in a household device. You can buy a new fridge for a lot less than it would cost you to have yours rebuilt by a professional.
Sorry.

 

[mgb_phys]

If you bust a tube tough!
Even if you could repair the hole. You would have to flush out any water/air/crud that got in the pipes, then you have to get it refilled.