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All,

First of all, I apologize for being 'that guy' who joins the forum and makes his first post, asking a question that has been asked before many times. I've done a lot of research on my problem, and I'm quite confident that I have a refrigerant leak. I'm just looking for confirmation from the experts before I send my new (used) fridge to the scrap heap.

I purchased a GE GSL25JFPA side by side used recently in seemingly good condition. This is one of GE's newer computer controlled models. Upon initial inspection it was cooling and all the fans were running. I got it home and plugged it in for a few days and it was working fine. Then things went..warm.

The compressor is running an warm to the touch, the evaporator and condensor fans are running. I've checked the resistance on all the thermistors, and confirmed that the compressor was getting voltage (obviously since it was running), and the defroster is not stuck on.

Looking at the evaporator coils, there is only a small amount of frost on the first foot or so where the small high side feeder side enters the larger coil. Beyond that, the coils are cool (not cold) to the touch and no frost. (see picture below)

Upon further investigation, I found that someone has also already installed a tap in the copper 'pig tail' (proper term?) on the compressor. My heart sank when I saw this as I think it indicates there is a refrigerant leak, and it has already had an after market recharge at some point. (photo below)




Again sorry for jumping in with a "HELP ME" post. I've read dozens of other similar posts and I'm pretty sure I know the answer.. just looking for confirmation.

Thanks!

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It may be worth noting that the only work I did to the fridge before it went warm was related to the freezer door assembly. I've disconnected the wiring harness in the front door. I've reviewed the wiring diagram several times, and I do not believe that removing this wiring harness could have any impact on the cooling capabilities of the freezer.

[denman]

I think you have hit the nail on the head (freon leak).
If the compressor runs, the evaporator coil should get cold.

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Thank you for the reply. The only thing unsettling about this diagnosis is that it worked so well for several days before I unplugged it to work on the door. I suppose it is plausible that the guy I bought it from had *just* recharged it, and it has a pretty big leak.

Just confirming, short of a low refrigerant/leak situation, there isn't anything else that would cause this? That, and it there is no other reason that I would find a tap on the pigtail from the compressor?

Thanks again. This forum has been very helpful to me while learning about this stuff.

[denman]

Just confirming, short of a low refrigerant/leak situation, there isn't anything else that would cause this?
Could be a partially blocked orifice maybe even a compressor problem but it will be in the sealed system.

That, and it there is no other reason that I would find a tap on the pigtail from the compressor?
That would also be my guess.

[fall-line]

Thanks again, denman.

I'm going to salvage all the bits I can from this (main board, motors, solonoids, ice maker, etc) and send it to the scrap yard this weekend. Live and learn I guess.

cheers