Repair Question - Help!

Discussion in 'Home Bar' started by Jwale73, Aug 6, 2014.

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  1. Jwale73

    Jwale73 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,966) Aug 15, 2007 Rhode Island
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    One of the solder points on my kegerator (it's a Beermeister, which I understand is a converted Danby) gave way last night. I heard, what I assume is the coolant escape. Can it be fixed? The piece that was damaged is accessible and I assume it could easily be re-soldered, but can the coolant be recharged?

    Thanks for any insights - I'm seriously bummed.
     
  2. DougC123

    DougC123 Savant (1,186) Aug 21, 2012 Connecticut

    Shouldn't be a big deal if it's just that joint and not something bigger. Call an appliance repair guy and see what they say, but first save the beer. Stop writing and start drinking!
     
  3. mikehartigan

    mikehartigan Maven (1,421) Apr 9, 2007 Illinois

    My guess is that the repair would be too costly to justify. Most low end units (I don't know if yours fits that category) are considered not repairable, even by the manufacturer. An honest repair guy will tell you over the phone if your brand/model is worth a trip to your home.
     
    Eriktheipaman likes this.
  4. zero_signal

    zero_signal Initiate (0) Aug 8, 2013 New Jersey

    Might be beating a dead horse. Throwing money at it at this point.
    Likes others said should be able to get a approx quote over phone
     
  5. billandsuz

    billandsuz Pooh-Bah (2,097) Sep 1, 2004 New York
    Pooh-Bah

    ouch. the unmistakable sound of hissing gas. I am not too proud to admit I bricked a chest freezer while it was undergoing "modification". power tools and beer don't mix folks...

    as everyone else has said, it doesn't look good. you might perhaps find a service that will accept your delivery of the appliance. this will at least save some money on the service call. maybe.
    Good luck.
     
  6. mikehartigan

    mikehartigan Maven (1,421) Apr 9, 2007 Illinois

    That's true on so many levels!
     
  7. Jwale73

    Jwale73 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,966) Aug 15, 2007 Rhode Island
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Well, I spoke with an appliance repair company - they said they could fix the weld and recharge the coolant. I will report back with specifics. Fingers-crossed.
     
  8. zero_signal

    zero_signal Initiate (0) Aug 8, 2013 New Jersey

    I hope it was under $300
     
  9. Jwale73

    Jwale73 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,966) Aug 15, 2007 Rhode Island
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    They are quoting about $150 - if that is the case, I can live with that. The unit with shipping cost around $900.
     
    zero_signal likes this.
  10. zero_signal

    zero_signal Initiate (0) Aug 8, 2013 New Jersey

    Oh then definitely worth fixing I thought beermeister units were only $400-500 units.
    Good Luck..
     
  11. Jwale73

    Jwale73 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,966) Aug 15, 2007 Rhode Island
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Thanks :slight_smile: It's a pretty nice unit - it may be a modified Danby, but it is dual tap, dual regulator, perlick faucets, stainless steel tower, came with a new 5lb. CO2 tank. Holds steady at 38 and can go lower and is pretty quiet. I've been pretty happy.
     
    zero_signal likes this.
  12. Jwale73

    Jwale73 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,966) Aug 15, 2007 Rhode Island
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    $185 repair job - I feel like I got burned a little since it took him about 30 minutes to repair the weld, replace the dryer and recharge the coolant. That said, I'm just happy to be pouring cold beer again :slight_smile:
     
  13. zero_signal

    zero_signal Initiate (0) Aug 8, 2013 New Jersey

    You didn't get burned... With parts coolant and service call that sounds like a pretty good deal!
    Guy isn't gonna walk in the door with out whacking you a $100 minimum to just look at.
     
  14. IceAce

    IceAce Pooh-Bah (2,274) Jan 8, 2004 California
    Pooh-Bah

    Gotta agree with zero_signal on this one. This is a classic example of what we refer to as the 'Call Girl Principle' in the business.

    The principle is simple...the value of a service diminishes rapidly after the service has been performed. This as also why plumbers and realtors negotiate their price up front.
     
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  15. Jwale73

    Jwale73 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,966) Aug 15, 2007 Rhode Island
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Well, he'll be back - not holding temp, so I'm assuming he missed a weld spot and the coolant leaked out.
     
  16. zero_signal

    zero_signal Initiate (0) Aug 8, 2013 New Jersey

    How did this soldered joint break free to begin with?
     
  17. Jwale73

    Jwale73 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,966) Aug 15, 2007 Rhode Island
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Long story - involves dogsitting, a baby gate and said baby gate getting hung up on the dryer which was sticking out of the back about an inch (had no idea). I think my wife accidentally stuck it behind the unit and it got hung up; she insists the dog forced the gate apart - I mean it could be plausible, I've heard of a mythical breed of shitzu that has retractable opposable thumbs.
     
    zero_signal likes this.
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