kitchen aide ksss48dax03

[texasred]

Got this fridge with house I bought years ago. It has a Matsushita Rotary Compressor. Can these be replaced with a Cheaper compressor This one is $600. If I can what do you recommend?

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

As long as the compressor has the same BTUh rating and it comes with its own start relay you should be fine. I don't know of any specific replacements off-hand but I'll look around and see what I can find.

[nickfixit]

It depends on whether or not it is a standard compressor model, or the variable speed compressor model. If it has a relay and start capacitor, it's a normal compressor. If it's powered by an inverter board, you have to get the factory part.

What's the serial number? We can tell it's age and likely configuration from the number.

Nick

[RegUS_PatOff]

KSSS48DAX03 Tech Sheets

[nickfixit]

Looking at the tech sheet you can see it's not a variable speed compressor, so a normal compressor would work, if you can fit it into the space. The original rotary compressor is short and long, it don't know it you could get anything else to fit properly.

This unit may be old enough that you'll need R-12 refrigerant to recharge the system.

Nick

[texasred]

It is a standard compressor. I believe their is just enough room to fit a new one in. I have a tech friend install all my compressors. I have a question on R-12 and other refrigerants just for my info. Is it necessary to replace with R=12 or can you use hot shot or anything else. I am not certified but my friend is. Thanks for the info from all, you guys are a tremendous help.  

[nickfixit]

Now that I've had some time to think, I've done several jobs on units like yours. The factory replacement compressor is a piston type built to fit that space and system. It would be best to use the factory part.

The real problem is the old rotary compressor. Typically, the failed compressor grinds itself up and blows all kinds of debris into the system. You can bet the system is seriously contaminated, and may be restricted or completely plugged. You can bet the pan heater is full of junk, and the cap tube is often plugged.

Your tech buddy will have to blow out the entire system to clean it out. If you're real lucky, that will do the job. Don't be surprised if you need to replace the pan heater and heat exchanger.

These jobs often turn into total disasters. Don't expect this to be a "one and done" project. You're going to have restrictions and leaks popping up all over. Your tech buddy is going to be real sad he ever touched it.

Nick

[texasred]

Yep we agree 100%  Its going to the big scrap heap in the sky!! Thanks al for the info!

[nickfixit]

Good call, you saved yourself some grief for sure. Units like yours seldom end up being reliable after that repair.

Put that money and effort into a new one.

Nick