[NeedToKnow2000]

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I have a Whirlpool Freezer:
Model: EV201NXMQ02 L1
Serial: EWR1463296
Refrigerator Defrost Timer Manufacturer Model: 4357124
Age: It is 6 years old.
Problem: Intermittently, the food in the freezer defrosts for no apparent reason (No power interruptions, door is tightly closed, freezer temp is set correctly, etc.)

For the following reasons, it appears to me that the defrost timer is intermittently malfunctioning:
a. The evaporator fan does not always come back on after the defrost cycle should have had plenty of time to complete. The evaporator fan is off even though the compressor is running.
1. Often, if I do not manually advance the defrost timer, the compressor runs continuously, but the evaporator fan never comes on and everything in the freezer eventually defrosts.
2. However, if I wait for 1 to 2 hours after the glow of the defrost heater goes off (to make sure the defrost cycle has plenty of time to complete) and then manually advance the timer, the evaporator fan comes on and everything freezes fine.

I am trying to determine several things:
a. Am I correct in my thoughts that the defrost timer is bad?? If it is not the defrost timer, what do you think the problem is??
b. On the timer, it says it is a “12 hour timer”…does this mean that it should go through a complete defrost cycle every 12 hours??
c. There is no markings on the timer that indicates how long the defrost cycle should last. How many minutes should the defrost cycle last??
d. If it is the defrost timer that is the problem, is it better to replace it with the same OEM mechanical timer or to replace it with an electronic (no motor) type defrost timer?? If the electronic model is better, but more expensive, I don’t mind paying the extra money for a more reliable timer which provides me with more peace of mind.

Thank you very much in advance…you folks provide a great service to home owners and we appreciate it.

Thank you,
NeedToKnow2000

[richappy]

I would replace the evaporator motor, seems to be your only problem. If 115 volts stamped on the old motor, I would order a universal replacement AP4503254 (SM999) motor, around $20, much less the the original one at $77. Comes with complete instructions.

[NeedToKnow2000]

Originally Posted by richappy

I would replace the evaporator motor, seems to be your only problem. If 115 volts stamped on the old motor, I would order a universal replacement AP4503254 (SM999) motor, around $20, much less the the original one at $77. Comes with complete instructions.

Thank you for your quick reply and expert advice. I am happy to use a suitable substitute vs the more expensive original, but I have a couple of questions about the replacement part:
1. It is an open motor...the original is a sealed motor...is this a problem??
2. How do the specs of the two motors compare??
a. The original motor has a rating of 4.2 watts (.0365 amps) @ 115v (the wattage rating is blurry on the image...did I read it correctly at 4.2 or is it 42??).
b. The replacement motor has a rating of .45 amp (54 watts) at 120v.
c. What are the RPM spec of each??
3. Will my original fan blade fit on the replacement motor shaft?? (Are they the same diameter or will I need a different fan??

Hope I haven't asked too many questions...again, I appreciate your help very much.

Have a good nite.

[richappy]

I have used the SM999 motor for most of the evaporator motors I replace. It is a superior motor, never had a burnout. It rotates at 3000 RPM which should be the same as the original.Shaft diameter 3/16 inch.
However, you can opt to use the original motor, just add a 1000 joule surge protector to the wall outlet to prevent burnout.