GE PSI23SGNABS Refrigerator, Freezer Not getting Cold enough

[digitalreality]

Hello Everyone,

 

First time poster here!  So I have a GE PSI23SGNABS side by side Refrigerator.  My freezer is getting cold, but just not cold enough.  Fridge side is staying at 37 degrees.  I checked the condensor fan and it runs when the compressor kicks on.  I cleaned the condenser grill with a vacuum cleaner.  I checked the compressor, it gets pretty hot when running, so I thought to do a current test on the black wire running onto the Start Relay, and it showed 1.06 Amps, which I assume makes it a good compressor.  I replaced the defrost thermostat limiter.  Evaporator fan runs as it should.  Evaporator does ice up but when defrost heater turns on, which when I timed it, it runs for 15 minutes, because I could see the glass heater element glowing orange/red, it completely melts the evaporator coils and drains properly thru hole in pan and into the condensate reservoir out of the fridge.  The unit has been running this way, around 10 degrees on freezer digital display for last 1 week after cleaning the dirty condenser coils.  It just isn't getting cold enough on the freezer side!  What could be wrong?  Leaking freon?  I have a freon/halogen gas leak detector and couldn't spot any leaks.  Do I need to test anything on the motherboard?  I was thinking if heater element is coming on for 15 minutes and defrosting the evaporator coils sufficiently, I am good?  Or are there any other tests I need to perform?

Thanks!

Prashant

[johntech]

Was the evaporator evenly frosted from top to bottom. If not then you most likely have a sealed system leak.

model number you provided is no good. There may be an missing after the n. 

[16345Ed]

Laser gun temp of condenser coils if possible. 

[digitalreality]

7 hours ago, johntech said:

Was the evaporator evenly frosted from top to bottom. If not then you most likely have a sealed system leak.

model number you provided is no good. There may be an missing after the n. 

It was relatively evenly frosted over.  I have a halogen gas leak detector and didn’t find any leaks. 

The model number is PSI23SGNA BS (BS must mean Black Side or Black and Steel)

[digitalreality]

9 hours ago, 16345Ed said:

Laser gun temp of condenser coils if possible. 

There is a metal tubular cage around the coils, but I tried to get a reading an it registered at 96 degree F.  The compressor was 126 degrees at the bottom and 113 towards the top.

[16345Ed]

96 should be ok as long as your room temp is about 66.