The fresh food evaporator was not to difficult but freezer evaporator was a bit tedious due to its location and also removing those infamous "dimples" made the welding space quite cramped. (There was only perhaps 2 1/2" of capillary left after removing the dimples.) However, after calculating my torch angles I was able to get it installed with a minimal charing of the plastic. (I did use a lot of wet rags!) I think my situation was somewhat unlike Houptee's in that LG had already changed the compressor under a warranty agreement (it was only 4 years old) and had not had dye introduced. (I was also actually able to access the LG tech's service notes from the compressor change) I also was able to eliminate other leakage potentials by separating and pressure testing the various sections of the sealed system. The yoder loop (or "hot loop" as LG calls it) was intact. So my effort on this one were rather extensive but after evaluating all my info and testing I considered it to be worth the effort and risk. Not sure I would want to do it every day but in this case I think it paid off. But between you and me and the fence post, for a box that's long on eye candy, I am amazed at how cheaply these units are made. The evaporators just hang on the plastic liner. Nothing secures them. I suppose they are depending on the evap covers to hold them securely in place.
So in answer to "do I do a lot of sealed system work", I wouldn't call my experience extensive but I have done a number of them, mostly compressors that have failed, and have usually had good success with them. This was my first time to work on an LG sealed system. I lived and worked in a Christian ministry that had a donation line and one of the favorite things people donate to these types of organizations are broken down appliances. So I essentially had my own laboratory. Somewhat of a unique situation I suppose. I'm retired now, but I continue to rebuild these devices on a limited basis and resell them to folks who need a bargain. I must admit the pandemic has curtailed some of my activity. Thanks for the inquiry and for this website. It has usually been a great boon in my work and has aided me often in my efforts. I even put a donation in the pot once when someone shared a schematic with me. So thanks again and as I have often said, "May the Lord bless you till you're better paid!" That might be a bit cliche but I genuinely mean it. Sincerely, Redemption
