(EDIT: Never mind !! -- see the NEXT post
)



It finished the defrost, the timer exited to COMPRESSOR mode, having run for 30 mins.
I left the DEFROST circuit CLOSED, 'cause the timer is out of defrost mode, anyway.

However, still NO POWER to the timer, even though

. timer is in non-defrost mode

. Cold Control is *closed* (compressor & all fans running and freezer is cooling

. Defrost Bi-Metal is *closed*

So, why would the timer not be running??

bv

Quick follow-up.
Since the old freezer bi-metal thermostat seemed to be working now (after I removed it, heated and froze it a few times, and banged it around a little), and the heater is working (although with a flakey wiring connector), I decided to put the old thermo back in line and manually test the defrost cycle.

I let it run in cooling mode for while to let the thermo get to low temp.
Then I manually advanced the defrost timer defrost mode and let it run.
The heater came on and started defrosting, so the thermo was definitely closed.
I let it finish the defrost, but I didn't check whether the thermo opened up at high temp before the full 30 mins of defrost mode on the timer expired. Doesn't really matter since a brand new one is on the way in the mail.

Anyway, I left it all hooked up and let it run normally the rest of the day and overnight.
This morning I checked it and the defrost mode had just finished not too long ago and the evaporator coil was clean as a whistle.

Again, I think that I'll be good with the new thermo and heater wiring.

bv

UPDATE: All is working fine now!

I fixed the faulty heater wiring connector.
Actually, I just cut out the old connector and then used a Raychem heat-shrink DuraSeal butt connector. I also put additional heat shrink around that (belt & suspenders :>) to be sure no moisture could get in.
BTW, this was a pretty big PITA.
The heater wiring is way in back and very hard to access to get a good crimp on the connection.
Furthermore, the freezer is very narrow, so I got a good workout contorting myself sideways, with one arm above and the other one below. I think that the next time I do this to an 18-yr old fridge, I'll just strip, twist, tape, and heat-shrink and avoid trying to crimp!

I was still waiting for the new bi-metal defrost thermostat to arrive,
but in the meantime everything was working, albeit with the old thermo.

The new thermo arrived yesterday and I just installed it last evening.
Again, I used the same technique as above to connect it in.
With longer wires and being a little more in the front, it was a lot easier to deal with.

Manually tested everything -- OK.

I left it overnight and it's gone thru a full cycle on its own and it's looking good!

I'm putting it back together now.

bv