GE Fridge/freezer not cold enough

Refrigerator & Freezer Repair
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I bought this fridge/freezer as a garage unit. The fridge and freezer are both not very cold (i.e. freezer is about 36 degrees and the the fridge is not cold, perhaps 50-60 degrees). The evaporator is not frozen over, in fact it doesn’t seem to be very cold across the coils.

I’ve been able to locate the service manual and a youtube video that explains what can go wrong. I’ve concluded that the most likely problem is either the defrost thermostat is bad or the defrost control is faulty.

Verifications- the evaporator fan, condenser fan, and condenser is working. The temp control kicks on and off the compressor when the temp knob is adjusted. Could the defrost thermostat or the defrost timer be bad? perhaps its the refrigerant?

The tech service manual is here: http://appliance911seabreeze.com/GTR_GTS_GTT_HTR_HTS_HTT_GE_Service_Guide.pdf

EDIT: I plugged the unit on and the incoming refrigerant line is very cold (to the point where its frosted for the first 6 inches or so). The rest is not very cold, then again I just plugged the unit for less than 20 minutes.

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Here are some pics of the freezing incoming line

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It may take longer to cool down.
The above as a long shot because I think the unit has a sealed system problem.

If the compressor runs continuously for an hour or so and there is no frost on the evaporator coils ot frost in just one area then it is a sealed system problem.

This will be an expensive repair as you need a pro. often it makes more sense to put the dollars towards a new unit.