Long story short…my Whirlpool side by side refrigerator is now working fine. Before I put the cover back on, I touched the compressor and it was very hot. Everything is working fine though. Is it ok to put the back on even though the compressor is very hot? I am so afraid it will catch the insulation (?..the stuff that lines the panel) on fire. 
A model number may be helpful.
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Is the condenser/compressor fan running?
It should be on when ever the compressor is on.
Is the compressor cycling normally?
On for 20 minutes or so and then off for at least 20 minutes
Are the front lovers in the kick plate clean?
Note that on some units the rear cover must be on so that the condenser fan can pull cool air over the compressor.