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This fridge went out just before christmas, so we replaced it with a new one. It has been sitting out in my pole barn since. Now that the weather has turned warmer, I am trying to get it working for use as a backup/shop fridge. Originally it just wouldn't run (fans and compressor would not kick on) but the lights worked. The first thing I checked was the thremostat, and I found it to be bad. I replaced it a couple days ago and after replacement, everything kicked right on (cond. fan, evap fan, and compressor) and it kicks on and off appropriately when the thermo is turned up and down. The problem is, even though everything appears as it should, the thing is not cooling. Even though I can hear and feel the compressor running I metered it and got 2.4 ohms on one pin and 3.2 on the other. I also metered the start relay/ overload for voltage and it looks good on the output side for both pins. I have taken the cover off the evaporator and the coils are not getting cold at all. It seems like it is low on refrigerant, but everything that I have read says that is unlikely. Also, it seems to me like the compressor would not run if it was low on freon. Is that true? I am stumped right now and would welcome any suggestions for my next step. If I have left out any pertinent info, just let me know and I will get back with it. Thanks alot in advance. Dirk Martin
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You said that the compressor kicks on so I am assuming you can hear it. Also have you felt it? If it is vibrating and warm then it is running.
[COLOR="DarkRed"]It seems like it is low on refrigerant, but everything that I have read says that is unlikely. Also, it seems to me like the compressor would not run if it was low on freon. Is that true?[/COLOR]
Sounds more like it is out of freon. If it was just low on freon you would get some cooling on the coils. Usually you would see frost but only in one area, normally where the freon enters the coils.
No. The compressor will run if it is low or out of freon.
It may overheat because it is running continuously but it does not sound like that is an issue for you.
I am assuming that the unit has stayed upright until you plugged it in and gave it a try. If it has been moved on it's side or a tilt it should be left upright and unplugged for 24 hours before trying.
Unfortunately it does sound like a freon problem and usually that is the end of it's lifetime. You need a pro to fix it and it will be expensive with no guarantee of a long term repair. |
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Reading online, I have found that it is not uncommon for a sleeve type tap to be installed inline to provide a service port for refrigerators. What I'm thinkin is to install a service port, check for freon pressure and if nothing's there, pull a vacuum on it, then add some r134. I have worked on auto a/c units and have the necessary tools (sans the tap) to do this. Even if it doesn't hold long, I may be able to pinpoint where it is going in order to repair from the outside of line, and if not, maybe add some of the r134 leak stop, just to see. I know that this is less than ideal, but what have I got to lose at this point. I forgot to mention that the compressor on this fridge is only about 4 or 5 years old. It was replaced under warranty. And the fridge is in good shape. I want to give it every chance to be useful in some way without spending a ton of money on it.
Does this sound doable, or is there something that I'm not thinking of that will keep me from doing this?
Thanks
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Originally Posted by: denman  Thank jou denman, very helpful info. Diggler1971
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My post http://forum.appliancepartspros...r-2009-a.html#post392528is the same but when I moved it from my garage to the kitchen, it was plugged in for hours and didn't get cold at all, but the compressor was vibrating and the fan was running. I had to tilt it to get it past the door headers, so I was going to let it sit for 24 hrs THEN plug it back in again. So, I am assuming I should just let it sit for 24 hrs and try again? Heck the unit was manufactured in March of 2009! THanks, Dan
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Yes just let it sit unplugged. |
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