11 replies to this topic

[Dodger]

I have a problem with a not-cold refrigerator section and a freezer that does not cool evenly. I had ice building up on the back corner of the freezer. I removed the panel at the back of the freezer and found more ice above the coils in the corner. I let everything defrost and plugged it back in. It cools good, but ices up again. I noticed the evaporator fan is not turning. I assume the fan should be on at all times.

Is my assumption correct? Is the evaporator fan to be moving air at all times?

If the fan is not working, is there something else besides a bad fan that could cause the fan not to run.

If it matters it is a Kenmore (build by Whirlpool) freezer on top, model 106.8682880.

Thanks,
Mike

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

Did you have ice built up in one corner only, like in the pic below:



Or was the ice caked evenly on the whole evaporator coil?

[Dodger]

Just like in your photo. Ice in the upper left hand area (mostly on the wires).

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

Bad news, compadre:  you got yerself a sealed system problem.  It's either an inefficient compressor or the sealed system has leaked.  Either way, it's a world of hurt.  Probably not worth fixing, you're better off going shopping.

 

[Dodger]

Thanks for the quick response. The fridge is 17 years old, so I guess it's time to replace it.

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

Hold on there, Bubbalouie! I'm re-reading this thread and it occurs to me that perhaps I've been too hasty in my condemnation of your fridge. There's a chance that the evaporator fan is the root of all evil here. See if the fan is getting voltage-- you may need to press the freezer door switch in while doing this to make sure you're measuring under the right conditions. If you're getting voltage to the evap fan but it ain't turning, then the odds are much greater that the evaporator fan is your problem and not the sealed system. Much less expensive than buying a new fridge!

Sorry about the confoosion.

[Dodger]

Now you tell me!

I just finshed putting the whole thing back together. I will take it apart tomorrow and check the voltage to the fan. If the voltage is bad, what would be my next step?

One good thing about taking it apart is that it is now really clean. Of course I ended up with four screws left over. I figured out where they go after I reassembled it.

On a unrelated issue, how do I remove the 'floor' of the freezer. In the past, I have had to unclog the freezer drain to avoid water in the frig part and it is getting clogged with paint that has flaked off the back panel and has accumulated under the 'floor'.

Thanks a lot for your help.

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

Now you tell me!

I posted my last reply a scant seven minutes after your last reply!  ;)

If the voltage is bad, what would be my next step?

I wouldn't expect the voltage to be bad but rather the voltage to be good and the fan motor bad.  It's possible the voltage would be bad (non-existent or something far less than 120vac == junk voltage), just less likely.  Measure it and lemme know whatcha get.

how do I remove the 'floor' of the freezer.

Post your model number so I know what breed you gots.

[Dodger]

Kenmore (build by Whirlpool) freezer on top, model 106.8682880.

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

You don't need ton nremove the freezer floor, just the back:

[Dodger]

The voltage going to the fan is 120. I applied 120AC to the fan on my workbench and all it did was hum. The fan is dead.

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

Thar she blows!  You found the el problemo-- nice shootin', Hoss.  Bad evaporator fan will cause trouble in doggie land.  Come git you one.