6 replies to this topic

[dahnn]

 Hi,

It has been a week since I replaced the defrost timer and thawed the ice from the evaporator coil.  Both the refrigerator and freezer are now working marginally.  The temperature in the frig is bouncing between 40 and 45, and the freezer between 10 and 20 and even dipped to about 8 degrees F.  During the past week the icemaker has made two rows of cubes, but evidently is not staying cold enough for ice making.  In addition to replacing the defrost timer I have checked the condenser fan, the evaporator fan, the door seals, food loading (now almost empty), cleaned the condenser coils, vacuumed the condenser coil again, the temperature control, and drain tube.

My evaporator coil is two rows of coiled tube hanging horizontally at the back of the freezer.  It was frosted up on the first 3/4th of the bottom coil with no build up on the remainder of the coils – is that a normal or expected frost/ice pattern, or should it be more evenly distributed?  The temperature near the bottom inlet is below 0 degrees F and goes up moving away from that end.  Should there be such a disparity in the temperature and frost on the coil??

The temperature control has tested OK – continuity/ low resistance when on and not when it is off.  But the resistance value (0.6 ohms) along the scale does not seem to change - is this normal?  I believe that over time we have had to keep turning the temperature control down, so from that perspective it is a little suspect.

Given the acceptable tests of the components, and lack of great cooling, is there anything else I can check to confirm that the sealed system is functioning correctly and charged properly?

Thanks,

Dave

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

When you checked the evporator, did it look something like this:



If so, either the sealed system has leaked or the compressor is shot.

[dahnn]

 Samurai Appliance Repair Man,
The configuration of the coils is different (larger tube, in a spiral, looks more like a spring) and the frost/ice is at the bottom right and on a larger portion of the coil, but the overall appearance is much the same.  How can I confirm the system charge?  Is there a port to hook up gauges?  I have not seen one, but I also have never had these symptoms.  Is there some test(s) I can perform to directly check the compressor?

I appreciate your insight since, based on the other tests I have performed, I suspect the sealed system/compressor.

Thanks again,
Dave

[Mad Mac]

Older GE, right? I recognise your description of the spring-like evaporator.

Domestic refrigerators do not come with access ports from the factory, they have to be fitted if service is required. You have a sealed system issue, may need a compressor. Sad to say, repair is generally not economic.

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

Ditto what the Mad One says.

[dahnn]

Mad Mac,

Thanks for the confirmation – even though it was not the answer I really wanted.  I appreciate your help.
Dave

[dahnn]

Samurai Appliance Repair Man,

I appreciate your help.  Now the only problem is finding a good replacement that has the same features and fits where the old one went.

Thanks again,
Dave