Can Silicone Filler Fix a Punctured Ice Box?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using silicone filler to repair a punctured ice box, particularly focusing on the implications of potentially damaging coolant pipes and the effectiveness of various sealants in low-temperature conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the puncture affected insulation or coolant pipes, suggesting that any waterproof sealant could work if only insulation is damaged.
  • Another participant notes that low temperatures can degrade the sticking power of many sealants, indicating uncertainty about the effectiveness of silicone filler in this context.
  • A participant mentions the use of adhesive-backed aluminium muffler/exhaust repair tape as a potential solution for vacuum cryogenic systems.
  • Concerns are raised about the hissing sound indicating coolant leakage, with a suggestion that a proper fix would require recharging the coolant.
  • One participant shares a personal experience, stating that if a coolant line is perforated, the unit is likely irreparable and suggests that professional repair may be more costly than replacement.
  • Another participant emphasizes the challenges of flushing out contaminants and refilling the system if a tube is damaged.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the potential for repair, with some suggesting that it may be possible under certain conditions, while others assert that damage to coolant lines likely renders the unit beyond repair. No consensus is reached regarding the effectiveness of silicone filler or other sealants.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations related to the specific materials and conditions of the ice box, including the potential degradation of sealants at low temperatures and the need for coolant recharging if a pipe is damaged.

McHeathen
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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?
 
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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.
 
mgb_phys said:
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.

mgb_phys said:
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.
 
"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.
 
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.
 
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.
 

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