I picked up a cool old 1940 something Hotpoint that I want to restore. I was told it ran great up until a few months back. When I plug it in, I hear a click and sounds like the compressor is turning (although quietly) then after 10 seconds or so, it clicks off. The condenser fan does not turn on.

I wanted to at least update the brittle wiring and put in a new style start relay. I am confused as to how I would wire it though. Any suggestions or tests?

Also, does anyone know how I can find out the year of this thing. I think it's a 1940, but I'm not sure.

Thanks in advance!

You might have a burnt wire someplace, best to fix before cleaning it. If no burnt wire, check the current with an amprobe, maybe a bad compressor.