10 replies to this topic

[neko de aru]

Dear All,

I have a 1989 Kenmore fridge, model # 8790682. Works fine, but whenever (what I suspect is) the compressor cycles off, it makes a sound like WACKA-DA-BOOP, fairly loud.

Am I losing my compressor? Is it the bearings? Or just a loose bolt?

 

 

[Mad Mac]

Model number? Should start 106. 253. or 363. followed by 7 or 8 digits. It should be on a label inside your refrigerator compartment, usually on the left hand side.

Sounds very like a broken spring inside your compressor, but give us that all-important number so we can make a reasoned assessment and give you some ideas on where to look.

[neko de aru]

Sorry, the model # starts with 106.

[Pegi]

This a Whirlpool Ref. with a Kenmore name on it.  The first thing to suspect is the broken spring inside of the compressor.  You could also have bad rubber mountings under the compressor feet or a freon line hitting something.  You would need to pull the box out and remove the bottom panel to see exactly where the noise if coming from.

[Mad Mac]

 

Older Whirlpool-build top freezer, simple and robust. There should be a panel at the lower rear which you can remove, see if you can pin down where the noise is coming from.

[neko de aru]

So if the chief culprit is a broken spring inside the compressor, what should I do? Have it fixed, or buy a new fridge? I understand a compressor replacement is not something I can do myself.

I love the fridge; even the icemaker continues to work flawlessly.

 

[Pegi]

If it is the compressor the repair would be several hundred $. This is not something you could do yourself and probably would not want to pay to have repaired at around $700.00 give or take.  All you could do is run it till the compressor bites the dust or replace the ref.

[ktsenya2]

I generally do this type of job for about 350 to 450 bucks including the parts (compresser, Filter/ dryer, and a half pound of refrigerant). If its R-12 the job gets costlier, however R-414B is a good substitute. Just be sure that is fed in via liquid so it wont fractionate.

Thers a lot of expensive equipment used in this kind of job, its exacting and time consuming work, so expect to pay a handsome fee for it.

Bob Sankie
Coastal Appliance, Heating & Air
North County San Diego
www.coastalappliances.com

[exsearsguy]

Unplug your fridge,give your compressor a good shake.If it's a bad spring, you'll hear it clank!  I'd let it run till something else happens, then make a decision about fixing it.

[neko de aru]

Thanks to everyone who responded for all the good advice.