The refrigerator turns on, both fans run, compressor gets pretty hot but no cooling. I first thought there could be a problem with dust in condenser coils. Cleaned that. There does seem to be an intermiittent clicking from compressor area. Could compressor get hot but not be running? It seems to be running but maybe just trying to, or maybe cycling due to low refrigerant. Any help or answers appreciated.

Thanks for the advice-I'll check the device when I get home. Would the compressor "black ball" still get that hot if this were happening-(compressor turning off and on- or trying to run?) Thanks!

I took out the start device you spoke of which has a capacitor attached to it. It does not "rattle" when shaken but does make a very light sound that could be described as ticking but not quite rattling. I was expecting to hear something much louder. Is this light minor ticking, rattling enough to indicate a problem? I was going to test the capacitor but will have to check it with my good fluke meter which is at the shop. I did manage to check resistance and from the 2 terminals which the red/white wires connect to the device there is continuity to two of the three posts which connect to the compressor. one has continuity to one and the other has continuity to a different one and neither has continuity to the third terminal. Thanks.

Are you referring to the 2 female terminals of the 3 that plug into the compressor male pins? Ie: the bottom 2 side terminals that would be the bottom of the 3 terminal triangle arrangement of compressor terminals. If so they're open. There is no continuity between any of those 3 compressor female terminals on the start device. Thanks for the responses!!

So, where those 3 female terminals that plug into the compressor 3 male terminals the right ones to test? And there should be continuity between the 2 that are across from each other horizontally? Just wanted to verify I was checking the correct terminals. Thanks alot Appliance Ninja appreciate the help on this.