GE Side by side PHE25YGXAFWW Cools for a week then stops

[Jan H.]

Hi all,

My GE side-by-side seemed broke a few weeks ago, even after a technician replaced some parts (thermistors) and checked and added cooling gas. We had given it up but after a few days I plugged it back in and it suddenly started cooling again, with no problems, and without much effort (I mean it wasn't constantly running) (freezer at 0 and fridge at +38). It ran fine for about 10 days then stopped again, only to start again the following day (after unplugging and fiddling about...)

When it's not cooling I'm pretty sure the compressor is not running (and it's certainly not warm at all), so my question is:

can a faulty board or inverter explain this behavior ? 

all ideas welcome!
thanks,

[Quick]

You ask a loaded question. It sounds like you now have a over charged box with a defrost problem to me. 

[Jan H.]

yes I see how the question is loaded, but the board and inverter seemed like the only things I can easily replace given that the thermistors,and cooling gas were checked?

what exactly do you mean by an "overcharged box" ?

thanks,

[Quick]

2 hours ago, Jan H. said:

what exactly do you mean by an "overcharged box" ?

Freon is a chemical that does not wear out, discompose or mysteriously go somewhere. If you have to add Freon to anything it means the Freon leaked out. You can add Freon but you have no way to know how long it may last. Maybe a day, maybe a week, maybe a year. Depending on the size of the leak. Leaks do occur but usually last on the list. If the tech did not tell you that I'm not so sure he knew what he was doing. He may have overcharged your box. 

[Jan H.]

and what does "overcharging " mean in this case ?

[vee8power]

28 minutes ago, Jan H. said:

and what does "overcharging " mean in this case ?

It means you should call the guy back. When he comes see what he says next. If you don't hear it,  ask him why he added freon.The correct answer to that question will be that he fixed a leak (in a specific location) and recharged it.

[Jan H.]

Hi, I called him he says there was no Freon at all left in the system, he injected a sealant and filled it up with Freon.

He then waited more than an hour for the fridge to start cooling again but it never did and he said it was probably clogged, meaning best to buy a new one.

Which is what I was planning on, but by chance I plugged it back in after a couple of days and... it worked perfectly,... for a week

same scenario since then: works fine for about a week, then stops cooling until it's left turned off for a while, after which it works fine again.

I have my own thermometers inside and yesterday the freezer all of a sudden went down all the way to -18° before it's stopped cooling again... 

[Quick]

8 hours ago, Jan H. said:

Hi, I called him he says there was no Freon at all left in the system, he injected a sealant and filled it up with Freon.

That's not a practical practice in any shape form or fashion.

I would think at this point and time the entire sealed system needs to be replaced.

[Jan H.]

And replaced because there is a blockage somewhere ?

I think that would require a new fridge, given the cost. Is it possible to go for broke and try to unclog the system by rinsing it with some kind of solvent and air and then recharging it?

the system already has two bullet valves in place

[Quick]

8 hours ago, Jan H. said:

And replaced because there is a blockage somewhere ?

I think that would require a new fridge, given the cost. Is it possible to go for broke and try to unclog the system by rinsing it with some kind of solvent and air and then recharging it?

the system already has two bullet valves in place

I don't think it's worth trying to clean the system I.M.O.. A complete replacement of the sealed system would be in order. And even at that you may still have other problems... Sorry, but that's my thoughts on it. 

[Jan H.]

ok, Quick, thanks for your thoughts!