[MD_Bill]

Thanks for your help. I was given an Amana refrigerator, a 36558, side by side model. I have no idea but this unit is probably 15 years old more or less.

This is weird, I did not see this before but there is a factory 1/2 to 3/4 inch HOLE between the Freezer and "Milk" section. When I have placed drinks in the fridge near this HOLE, the drinks have frozen solid. I just saw the HOLE now and plugged it. Since the factory made this HOLE, am I screwing things up on the “Milk” side by plugging that HOLE?

One more thing. I was given this refrigerator. When I got it home I noticed it must have been dropped pretty darn hard as the case is very slightly out of square, meaning the corners are slightly off a 90 degree angle.

Is it possible there was some kind of factory plug that may have jarred loose / fell out during the hard fall?

The unit runs fine but I have been concerned either section “runs” a LOT. It seems to be fine, not excessively running but the HOLE might just have been “blocked” so the freezer did not overdrive the “Milk” section.

Appreciate all feedback on this

[denman]

Here are your parts
Replacement parts for AMANA 36558 Ref - SXS/I&W | AppliancePartsPros.com

Is it possible there was some kind of factory plug that may have jarred loose / fell out during the hard fall?
Take a look at Item 9 in Section 7. Looks like it is just a louvered cover.
Section 7 also shows the damper which is at the top of the fresh food section and regulates the amount of cold air entering the fresh food side.

With it blocked off you may have temperature regulation problems as the hole is part of the air circulation path for the unit.

[MD_Bill]

Replacement parts for AMANA 36558 Ref - SXS/I&W | AppliancePartsPros.com

That is a GREAT Diagram. Thank you for supplying it and your advice.

Section 7 Item 3 & 4 is what it looks like I blocked with the plug. Item 9 in Section 7 is still attached.

Item 3 & 4 is about a 3/4 hole and I agree with your assessment that it sure circulates cold air from the freezer to the fridge, a LOT of cold freezer air. I have thermometers in both sections to check operation. They are at 2 and 38 degrees and the unit seems to run much less than without the plug.

I am leery at blocking this HOLE since it is a factory designed item but again, this hole allows so much freezer air in the fridge that it freezes items on the same shelf in a 12-18 inch area. Since the hole has been plugged I have noticed the cooling units on either side run much less.

Do you think it would be OK to drill some holes in my PLUG so that it allows some circulation to occur but possibly not over-circulation to occur?

I appreciate your assistance and guidance with this. Thank you
*

[denman]

Do you think it would be OK to drill some holes in my PLUG so that it allows some circulation to occur but possibly not over-circulation to occur?

Sounds like a good plan to me.
The freezer should be 0 to -5 degrees.
The fresh food 35 to 38 degrees.
You want some air circulation by the freezer/evaporator fan otherwise there will be too much of a temperature difference between the top and bottom of the fresh food re: stuff on the bottom will freeze etc.
You can then monitor the temperatures till the unit runs correctly.
Always give it at least 12 hours for the temperatures to stabilize.

[MD_Bill]

Originally Posted by denman

Do you think it would be OK to drill some holes in my PLUG so that it allows some circulation to occur but possibly not over-circulation to occur?

You want some air circulation by the freezer/evaporator fan otherwise there will be too much of a temperature difference between the top and bottom of the fresh food re: stuff on the bottom will freeze etc.

Well, it has been 48 hours and it seems to be running fine but not running too much. The temps are good. Thanks for the advice and take care. I appreciate your time with this.