[AKBAYBEE]

My Kenmore (ffu21c3aw1) stand up freezer quit freezing but would click. The top of the compressor was really hot (not too hot to touch though). I tested the resistance between the three pins on the compressor and got 3.5, 5.2, 8.0. Based on some posts I thought my compressor was bad but took it to a local repair guy as a double check. He said those resistances were close enough and put a Supco RC0410 3 n 1 on it which got it working. Then I read some more posts and found out if my compressor is not bad now it probably will be if the 3 n 1 is used. Is that true with this model freezer? Also, would buying OEM parts be advisable given the resistance I have? Thanks.

[richappy]

I would replace the Supco start device as soon as possible. They have been known to start house fires, do not have temperature overload protection, poor overload protection and will eventually damage the compressor.
I would order the right device AP4367355 and make sure you plug in the run capacitor.

[AKBAYBEE]

Thank You, I have not used it yet pending the right parts. Is there any assesment that can make about the life of the comressor? Most of the posts talk about this problem being a signal that the compressor is on its way out. Is that nessesarily true? Do the resistance values indicate a upcoming problem? I don't want to fix it if I cannot trust it down the road. Thanks again.

[richappy]

Resistance measurements of the compressor windings only verify they are not blown open. Only way to test is with a test box or a start device. Generally, if a start device will not start the compressor, it is mechanically locked up, or compressor windings damaged.