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My Matag frig (model PSD265LGES) compressor sometimes fails
to start. Had the 'clicking sound' from the compressor area, the compressor ohmed out fine. The PTC in the relay was shattered and the contacts were burned, so I replaced the Overload Relay (p/n WPL 67002527) and Capacitor (WPL 65889-4) and all was well for about a year --- now its happening once again, although the overload relay seems to be okay and I've replaced it twice.
The Start Cap checks out okay, replaced the relay once again and the frig cycles fine for a few days, but the compressor fails to start every few days.
((While waiting for the relay to be delivered, I was able to start the compressor every time with a breadboard rig where I discharge the cap thru a power resistor and then close a switch for a fraction-of-a-second to energize the start windings ))
What I don't understand is --- how can the compressor cycle fine for many days and then all of a sudden fail to star? When the compressor runs, the temp goes down fast and it seems to control the temp just fine.
It doesn't appear to be the relay ( I bought two this time ), or the start cap and the compressor windings seem okay...
Is there somthing else that can cause this (thermostat chattering, defrost problem) ?
Thanks in Advance for your help.
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 9/10/2007(UTC)
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Your compressor now may be hard starting due to start winding damage. If you monitor the outlet voltage when it fails to start, you might find it is failing to start during peak usage times when the line voltage goes lower.If the compressor is very hot when it fails, you might have a condenser motor going bad, or just clogged condenser coils.
If you have a meter, you could check the compressor input voltage when it fails to start, might be a burn wire somewhere, although rather rare.
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Rank: Member
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Joined: 1/29/2011(UTC)
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Originally Posted by: richappy  Your compressor now may be hard starting due to start winding damage. If you monitor the outlet voltage when it fails to start, you might find it is failing to start during peak usage times when the line voltage goes lower.If the compressor is very hot when it fails, you might have a condenser motor going bad, or just clogged condenser coils.
If you have a meter, you could check the compressor input voltage when it fails to start, might be a burn wire somewhere, although rather rare. THANKS for the info richappy --- the frig ran day and all night (but I'm sure it'll fail to start once more ;). I do have a couple of DVMs and will record the voltages next time. The condenser and evaproator coils and fans appear good ( this bout of trobble is especially annoying since I regularlly blow the dust from the coils and keep the frig real clean) The compressor is never too hot to keey your hand on it, although at time of stall it is quite warm. It does seem that If the unit is turned off for about a half hour after a failure, then it will start okay. I've recorded about 5+ ohms across the start windings and 4 across the run windings --- is that about right? any other compressor test I might do? Any other tests that might uncover the problem ( got plenty of clip leads and meters, o'scope around. I actually enjoy this stuff (enjoy debugging a lot more when I'm sucessful ) I see that you're from the happy valley --- great place, I'm an alumi and seldom miss a home game :)
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Senior Expert
Joined: 9/10/2007(UTC)
Posts: 9,586
Was thanked: 2 time(s) in 2 post(s)
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If the compressor stalls and overheats, you just might have either varnish buildup, or damaged windings. If so, probably new compressor time. The fact that it is intermittent might mean a burnt wire someplace.
Go to my article in the refrigerator section. Put in the search box "replacing compressor start devices"
In there, I mention using a GE PTC device that has 5 ohms cold. If less than yours, it just might reliably start your compressor, but it will not prevent compressor stall. Then add a 1000 joule surge protector to the wall outlet to prevent further damage.
Also, when you go to the next home game at Beaver stadium, stop by the Knights of Columbus concession stand # 7 directly in from gate B, I'm the manager there, just ask for Rich, will give you a free hot dog!
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