[dmeyer4]

I need a new compressor starter relay - will the SUPCO kit work for me? The SUPCO specs say 1/12 - 1/2 hp, and the compressor on this ancient RCA Whirlpool freezer has no identifying marks on it. I assume it's somewhere in that range - anyone have a guess as to whether that would work out for me?

[Gene]

Did you test the compressor as richappy advised: Upright freezer - compressor cycling, burnt smell?

If you did, what is the result?

Gene.

[dmeyer4]

Originally Posted by Gene

Did you test the compressor as richappy advised: Upright freezer - compressor cycling, burnt smell?

If you did, what is the result?

Gene.

Gene, I finally figured out (correctly I hope) that you and Rich meant me to test the resistance between the 3 terminals on the compressor after disconnecting the roasted relay, to see if the compressor seemed electrically sound. Here are my results (the terminals and the wiring diagram on the back of the freezer refer to them as "C", "S", and "M" rather than C, S, and R. By process of elimination I guess that M goes to the run winding, and C=common, S=start.)

C-M: 3.1 ohms
C-S: 8.5 ohms
S-M: 11.3 ohms

I read up on compressor starter relays at e-refrigeration.com - Compressor Start relays and if I understand correctly, the start-run resistance should be equal to the sum of the common-start and common-run resistance readings. Is 11.3 close enough to 11.6 to pronounce it OK in my readings above?

[Gene]

dmeyer4,

Looks like there is nothing wrong with the compressor motor but there is a possibility that are mechanical problems. I found the right OEM replacement for the start relay and I believe 35 bucks is worth a try.

- The part number for the relay and overload assembly is AP3119970

Gene.
P.S. The part comes with the complete installation instructions.

[dmeyer4]

Fixed 'er up, sold it, made my money back and then some. Thanks for the advice!