Kenmore 106.51103110 no freezing/cooling

[shopgirl]

This side by side unit is 5 years old this month. Two years after purchase it began leaking water from the bottom front, randomly, I never had it repaired. A week ago I noticed the ice maker wasn't making any ice. Within a couple days I discovered my food was starting to thaw in the freezer and the refrigerator was not as cold. I noticed through the vent in the back of freezer there was ice on the bottom coil. I have cleaned the coils, forced hot water through drain hole, checked vents between both sides for no obstructions, removed back cover, felt and heard compressor kick on and continue running, evaporator fan is running. I removed the back panel from inside freezer, fan is running. What I discovered is the line coming from the back of the freezer into the thermostat and then to the coils is heavily frosted across the top coil, all the way down the right side coil, across the bottom coil, but when it goes up to the next coil there is no frost anywhere on the rest of the coils. Basically just the top coil, side and bottom coil has frost. Any help would be truly appreciated. Kenmore model 106.51103110

Read more: http://forum.appliancepartspros.com/refrigerator-freezer-repair/567265-side-side-freezer-refrigerator-not-cooling.html#ixzz4LeIo3GLI 
http://forum.appliancepartspros.com

[AlboGator]

You're describing a frost pattern that's low on freon. The coils should be evenly frosted top to bottom, left to right. If you could post a picture of the frost that would help. 

[shopgirl]

Ok, thanks. I'm trying to figure out how to get the photo from my android phone to here, my take a little bit.

[AlboGator]

38 minutes ago, shopgirl said:

Ok, thanks. I'm trying to figure out how to get the photo from my android phone to here, my take a little bit.

It may be easier to post them to imgur and link them here. 

 

[shopgirl]

Sorry I just can't get it to work. I have tried for quite some time, I have been able to upload my image but it won't allow me to share it. I've googled as well as read this site and followed the directions but I'm not tech savvy enough to figure it out. I'm guessing that sadly this is not a cost effective repair for this refrigerator. Anyway thanks so much for your response, I appreciate it.

[Hiroshi]

You have a refrigerant leak shopgirl, your description was detailed enough to make the call, but AlboGator and the rest of us would hate to "shoot" your machine without all the evidence available...

Yes, it is time to begin pricing replacement machines...

[shopgirl]

http://m.imgur.com/account/shopgirloh/images/XZF8AjK                 

[AlboGator]

27 minutes ago, shopgirl said:

http://m.imgur.com/account/shopgirloh/images/XZF8AjK                 

Pic isn't showing up and like Hiroshi said we just don't want to put down a refrigerator without confirmation of the problem. 

[shopgirl]

http://i.imgur.com/XZF8AjKs.jpg

Sorry I am having problems getting this image over here, lets see if this works.

[AlboGator]

Barely, it's tiny but I don't see any frost on it.

[shopgirl]

http://imgur.com/XZF8AjK

Trying again, thanks for your patience.

[16345Ed]

Time to go shopping for new refrigerator. ?

[AlboGator]

2 hours ago, 16345Ed said:

Time to go shopping for new refrigerator. ?

yup. It's time. 

[shopgirl]

Thanks everyone for your assistance and for giving of your time to come here and help us out,  I truly appreciate it!

[BrewHobbyTech]

19 hours ago, AlboGator said:

yup. It's time. 

But doctor......the patient can be saved....LOL   

Yeah, it can be saved but it's probably not cost effective. If you were a tech that did system work it's probably worth the time and expense, because the labor is free, and it depends where the leak is. 

[Hiroshi]

Wasn't that the line from the beginning of "the 6 million Dollar Man?"

No use in making this the "6 Thousand Dollar Refrigerator!"

[Koi Guy]

I agree with the diagnosis... an easy identification of a typical sealed system leak. The typical repair would be to replace the evaporator coil. While others are saying it's time to get a new fridge, I disagree. Your unit is a very robust unit and is way more servicable than a new fridge. But if you want to go out and spend a couple thousand on a new piece of junk, feel free. Before you buy, browse the forums a bit and see what kind of problems others are having with these newer fridges, you might be better off repairing yours. 

[Rudy215]

The reason why your fridge leaks water is because of the clogged drain tubes and the reason why your ice maker is not making ice properly is because your ice maker may not be filling properly.I had a similar problem with an LG fridge that I bought from a kitchen appliance store called best brand appliance.Since you have done almost everything capable of a DIYer I think it is better you seek professional help