[finfin]

Old second refrigerator was clicking every few seconds. I located the problem as a crack in bimetallic disc in the Klixon thermal overload (MRT39AMN T.150-IO5S).

I have read that this overload is to protect the compressor/motor. In order to get it to run I removed the overload and wire nutted the two wires together. The old part is no longer available. There are similar looking parts on Eb*y for $10.00 My biggest question is, "what are the repercussions of continuing to run the refrigerator without the compressor overload?

[rickgburton]

It's never a good idea to run a compressor without an overload. Use Whirlpool #819098

[finfin]

what are the repercussions of continuing to run the refrigerator without the compressor overload?

The closest thing I can find to the part number you gave is a ERIC13. or ERIC15
Eric15 is a replacement for the 819098 but says it is not compatable to my model. I thought it was 1/4hp and should be the eric13 but it also say it is not campatable and not a replacement for the 819098.

[richappy]

I would use the GE klixon, WR8X122 provides very good power and thermal overload protection. Shorting the old one will provide no protection, so you run the risk of compressor burnout.

[finfin]

This site says that the WR8X122 is not compatible with my model. I can't see the picture of it (to small and has that word right across it. My old one is in a different form (round) so I worry about fit, even as it may have the same function. I found a better picture on a different site but it will not fit on my relay.

How do I find the size of my old compressor? I thought it was 1/4 hp. Most of the overloads I've seen want to give you a part number and no specs on how it is sized I can't find a part available for my model so I'm stuck trying to make other parts fit but I never know what size of compressor they are sized to.

[finfin]

Can I use a 220 vac 1/4 hp overload on a 120 vac 1/4 hp compressor?
I thought the voltage was just a contact rating and the heater of the overload didn't was just a function of power not voltage.

Can I use a 1/3 hp overload on a 1/4 hp compressor?

[richappy]

The overload I recomended trips out around 20 amp which seems to be common. A higher voltage unit just means the insulation is better and the contacts are bigger. You can probably use it as long as it fits in.

[finfin]

Cool! I ordered one for 1/4 hp. It cost $3.14 and should be here in a fortnight!
I got the hp from a replacement compressor part number. I suppose the possibility of a different refrigerant my change the hp specs on the compressor but I hope not.

Thank you to rickgburton and richappy for your excellent advise!

[richappy]

I was wrong on the probable drop out current, for the 220 volt overload, the drop out current would be around 10 amp which is based on the 220 volt rating. It should not be a problem though. It will just take longer to kick back in after an overload dropout. Normal current for your compressor is between 1 and 1.5 amp.

[finfin]

I guess it was a wake up call to clean those coils! I need to make an alarm so you know when it has dropped out. There is a normally open contact on there it would be easy enough to put a 120 volt low current alarm on there with a silence switch.
My wife was crippled for two years before she passed away in August. The laundry room where that refrigerator is, got really dusty. We have pets so I need to go pull out the kitchen refrigerator and clean it too!
Thanks again!