Freezer compressor only runs when freezer is on it’s so

[kj_hetzel]

I have a small freezer that worked just fine for quite a while. However, we unplugged it about 8 months ago. We were going to give it to someone so I decided to plug it in just to be sure that it still worked. Well it didn’t. Got power and can hear a whining sound like something electrically was engaging but stuck or something. While still plugged in I tilted the dolly/freezer to move it a little bit so I could better investigate why it had power but not running and when I tilted it the compressor kicked in. However, when I set it back upright it bogged down and stopped. I looked everything over and all components were in tact and no corrosion or anything I could notice even took the wires off connectors and removed the starter plug and nothing. Logically I’m thinking tilting it shouldn’t have anything to do with the compressor kicking in but that’s what is happening. Any ideas about this would be greatly appreciated!

[Vance R]

Your description kinda points to a loose connection some where. Just a reminder if the compressor has been running it won't restart until the sealed system equalizes. Usually the compressor will just hum and go out on the overload. When the overload cools down it will try to start again. This process will repeat until the system pressure equalizes.  

[kj_hetzel]

All connections are solid…I checked all of them and no signs of corrosion or loose connections…no matter how long it sits upright it doesn’t work unless it’s tilted about 45 degrees and then the compressor kicks in