Kenmore upright freezer 253.9200182 won't cool as well anymore

[brianl0646]

This is an old freezer from 92, but it's a good size and has always worked well. It usually stays around 10 degrees, but recently it's been hoovering around 32. It's making noises, but I can't tell if that is the compressor running. I don't remember how loud it usually was. I notice the coils on top inside are not frosty like they usually are. I don't really know where to start to troubleshoot.  I was thinking of trying the start relay because it's easy and cheap. But if I hear it click on,  that is most likely not the issue I'm assuming.

 

Where should I start?

[16345Ed]

6 hours ago, brianl0646 said:

I notice the coils on top inside are not frosty like they usually are. 

Is there any frost at all? Or are all coils bare?

[MrApplianceMatt]

If it's hovering around 32 then the compressor is running to some capacity. Likely you have a low refrigerant condition in a unit that is almost 30 years old. Where is the unit located, inside the house or in a garage/shed?

[16345Ed]

I agree with Matt. I suspect a sealed system issue. Unfortunately time for new freezer. 

[brianl0646]

I checked the coils this morning and they are cold and not bare like I saw before. They don't have a buildup on them, but they are cooling. It is located in a finished basement. It is running, and I hear it click on and off. Still 32 though. Would vacuuming out the coils behind and under do anything. It's pretty dusty in there.

I have no problem buying a new one, except I can't find one this size anywhere. It's 10 cubic feet, most are 13.8 which is too big for the space, or smaller. Plus my experience with new appliances is they break all the time, I figured this would go forever. 

[MrApplianceMatt]

It's worth a shot if they're all covered in dust and lint, but I wouldn't get my hopes up.

[vee8power]

3 hours ago, brianl0646 said:

I hear it click on and off

How often is it clicking on and off? That could be the overload clicking on and off as the compressor tries to start, in which case a new relay/ overload may fix it.

 

3 hours ago, brianl0646 said:

Would vacuuming out the coils behind and under do anything. It's pretty dusty in there

Definitely. The dirty condenser may have been what caused the whole issue in the first place.

[Vance R]

Looked at parts list, it has a static condenser on the back. Clean it with a brush and vacuum. Your description indicates no frost on shelves, agree with  MrAppilanceMatt and 16345Ed on sealed system issue. Do you have sealed system tools? If you want to keep it you'll have to tap into system. Easiest way into system is a 3 in 1 bullet valve for diagnostic proposes.

[16345Ed]

1 hour ago, vee8power said:

How often is it clicking on and off? That could be the overload clicking on and off as the compressor tries to start, in which case a new relay/ overload may fix it.

I don’t think since it’s doing some cooling. He reports temp of 32 degrees. 

Edited June 2, 2019 by 16345Ed

[brianl0646]

Thanks for everyone's help!

I'll try the vacuum route and see what happens, maybe I'll get a few extra degrees

I hear it click on and run normally. It just doesn't get super cold like it used to so I assume it's running,

As far as sealed system work, that is way above my ability, I'm not a pro, just a relatively handy homeowner.

I do see that Danby makes a 10.1 CF model that will fit in this space, so I do have an option if this one dies.

I appreciate all the responses!

[brianl0646]

It has a frost buildup inside, would de-frosting it help things along?

[brianl0646]

I figured out the problem! The thermometer I had in it was innaccurate, and the one I put into it was an indoor thermometer that won't go below 32. I put an outside wireless one in and it''s staying steady at 4 degrees. The one I took out says 90 degrees in the house, so it was off by about 20 to 25 degrees.