Jordon Worktop 2 Door Cooler - Fixable?

[clearchris]

I have a Jordon Worktop 2 Door Cooler that came into my possession for nearly nothing. Build quality is pretty good, it has the thickest insulation I have seen.

I'm trying to determine if this unit is worth saving.

Upon inspection I find:

1. Nearly no refrigerant (R134a). Upon attaching the gauges, I got a weak hiss, and the needles didn't twitch. 0 psig.
2. No acid smell as far as I could tell.
3. The aluminum evaporator has a bunch of pinholes, widely distributed.
4. The condensor and compressor look nearly new under visual inspection.
5. Before figuring out that it wouldn't hold temperature, I ran it for 30 mins or so, the compressor was very quiet. This may be nothing. It's a techumseh.

So, I'd like to determine the condition of the rest of the system.

Here's what I figure I can do:

a. Cut out the evaporator, braze the pipes closed and pressure test the system without the evaporator.
b. Check the ohms on the compressor windings (no meggar )

Is there anything else you guys would suggest?

Is there anything I can assume from a rotten aluminum evaporator? This pinholes looked like they rotted from the inside outward.

How does one test the oil for acid on small appliances? Do I have to cut the compressor out of the circuit and pour it out? Can I force it out with nitrogen?

Even thought Jordon is out of business, I can get a replacement evaporator, same as the old one.

Thanks!

[clearchris]

Oh two other items.

I'm not worried too much about my time into this, as I'm chalking it up to my education.

I hold an EPA 608 Universal Certification and the required local licensing.