Refrigerator compressor ”top” broke

[Fridgeguy7]

Hello,

I have a situation with my fridge, where the plastic top/cover of the compressor of my fridge (shown in the images attached) broke off when I touched it.

The plastic has deteriorated significantly and breaks apart from even the smallest force.

I have no knowledge of fridges whatsoever, so my question regarding this topic is, is this a big deal? -After looking up the compressor, the plastic at the top doesn’t seem to come stock with the  compressor, so I don’t know of the importance of said plastic top. 

If this plastic does serve some minor-to-important role, I would be very glad to hear of it. Thanks!

[Budget Appliance Repair]

That isn't a part of the compressor - it is a separate part.

It's the evaporator condensation drip pan to catch the water that comes off the evaporator when the refrigerator goes into a defrost cycle.

The water comes out the white plastic tube just above the pan.

A new drip pan will be listed in the parts breakdown but I can't help you any further without a model number.

If you don't replace this part you will have water leaking onto your floor behind the refrigerator every 8 hours or so when it goes into a defrost cycle.

[ServiceTech_Daniel]

@Budget Appliance Repair Do these drip pans still use a thermal paste applied to the top of the compressor/bottom of the drip pan? It's been probably 15 years since i have replaced one lol.  if so @Fridgeguy7 you might want to pick up a tube of thermal paste , i don't know if the new drip pan will come with any if it's needed .

 

[Budget Appliance Repair]

@ServiceTech_Daniel I'm pretty sure the new drip pan doesn't come with thermal paste - a very small tube of any of the manufactures thermal paste is outrageously expensive.

It's been a very long time since I've had to replace one - I believe I've been able to salvage the old thermal paste on the one or two that I've ever had to deal with.

[Guest]

Non appliance manufacturer thermal paste is really inexpensive now.  I'm no scientist but I'd bet there's no negative difference using computer thermal paste. It's nearly a cheap as banannas.

 

[Budget Appliance Repair]

6 hours ago, Dr. Horshenschwartz said:

Non appliance manufacturer thermal paste is really inexpensive now

Good to know and I'm sure this would be OK - this isn't a supper critical electrical connection - just a heat thermal transfer from the compressor to the plastic drip pan to evaporate the condensate water in the pan.

[ServiceTech_Daniel]

7 hours ago, Dr. Horshenschwartz said:

Non appliance manufacturer thermal paste is really inexpensive now.  I'm no scientist but I'd bet there's no negative difference using computer thermal paste. It's nearly a cheap as banannas

As i stated above , it's been probably 15 years since i had to do a job like this .. but good to know , i'll have to pick up some computer thermal paste! 

[Fridgeguy7]

@Budget Appliance Repair I appreciate the very thorough answer you gave me!

Regarding the thermal paste @ServiceTech_Daniel and @Dr. Horshenschwartz it’s also good to know that, I happen to have computer thermal paste lying around already, so it’s more than perfect, that I can get the job done with just that.

Thank you all for your help!