Actually, the compressor has always gotten hot since I owned it which is now about 7-1/2 years. What I did to get rid of what apparently was a vibration noise.

I took a couple of paper clips and wrapped them with electrical tape. I wedged these clips between the bracket that holds the compressor and the metal bottom of the refrigerator. That lifted the bracket off of the edge of the frame and took away the noise. It moved the compressor up about 1/8 - 1/4 of an inch but I don't see that as doing any damage.

My only question now is...does that affect any grounding? Is the compressor grounded by the end of its mounting bracket resting on the metal bottom fo the refrigerator? I see that the screws holding down the compressor rests on what appears to be rubber or plastic bushings.

to Tomtom: remove those paper clips. If you are lifting the compressor that much you could be putting stress on a solder joint, and possibly cause a crack.
To both of you, the noise you hear is your compressor attempting to start, therefore you will rapidly lose cooling in both sections. Due to the dangerous nature and popssibility for human error, which can result in serious bodily injury, even death, and severe property damage, and of course unless you have a compressor jump starter, you will need to have a refrigerator repair service inspect and diagnose your refrigerator. Small price to find out if you have a bad compressor or a bad start kit device.