We're looking to replace a 12 yr old 25cu ft Whirlpool refrigerator with a newer but discontinued model, #ED5LVAXVQ. We're looking at a "scratch and dent" model that has about a 1/2" deep vertical dent in the silver metal back plate, starting in the crossbar above the compressor, and extending up about 10". I've looked at the online parts diagrams, but can't figure out if there's anything inside that area that the dent would have damaged. Our old refrigerator seems to have very similar construction, but again, there doesn't seem to be a way to open it up to see what's inside that area. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks for your reply. We just had the refrigerator delivered and so far it seems to be ok.

Mostly unrelated question:

The cardboard at the back is identical in shape to our old cardboard, which I kept. The new cardboard is just cardboard; the old cardboard has thick yellow fiberglass glued to it. Is the new version better? Or maybe just cheaper, so would it be good to replace it with the old cardboard? The new cardboard came slightly damaged, so actually the old part is in better shape, water stains notwithstanding. I noticed the compressor gets very hot (maybe due to working overtime during initial cool-down), and obviously some coolant lines run close to it. So maybe the extra insulation is/was detrimental? The insulation does seem to make the unit slightly quieter. I'm kind of surprised the cold coolant lines wouldn't be insulated from the compressor heat, since only a tiny amount of insulation would be required.

Paul