GE Monogram ZISW42D. Fresh Food Section Not Cold Enough

[SteveOr]

I have a pretty old GE Monogram ZISW42D built in side by side refrigerator that is having major issues keeping the fresh food section cold and there is a build up of moisture in there too. Both gaskets have been replaced and I have slathered petroleum jelly on them just to make sure air isn't coming in from the outside. I have checked the damper and it seems to be functioning.  There was frost build up in the ice chute but I have sealed that off.  I believe it may be an airflow issue. 

In the past I have had to take apart the defroster and snake a heating element in the drain tube.  So I fear I may have compromised the airflow up top.  How critical is the integrity of all of the stuff up there?  I.e. if I didn't get it as completely sealed up like it was before, will that effect the airflow so dramatically?  It isn't like I have panels flopping down but because of the added wire, I can't get the sheet metal panels completely in like before. 

[SteveOr]

I think I solved my problem, knock on veneer (who has real wood anymore?). Apparently the seal of all the panels, foam, and permagum is pretty important.  Because the evaporator and defrost area is not a completely closed system, I dismissed the need to replace all the premagum that came off during my repairs over the years.  Although I thought I sealed it up pretty good anyway.

Grasping at straws, I globbed a bunch of plumbers putty all over and now my fridge is working like a champ. Hopefully the putty doesn't dry out too much since Mr. Google suggests it isn't the same as permagum.   

[Slav]

Air-tight refrigerator box is very important, but I'm glad you've figured it out and fixed it yourself!

[16345Ed]

On 8/18/2019 at 1:17 PM, SteveOr said:

I think I solved my problem, knock on veneer (who has real wood anymore?). Apparently the seal of all the panels, foam, and permagum is pretty important.  Because the evaporator and defrost area is not a completely closed system, I dismissed the need to replace all the premagum that came off during my repairs over the years.  Although I thought I sealed it up pretty good anyway.

Grasping at straws, I globbed a bunch of plumbers putty all over and now my fridge is working like a champ. Hopefully the putty doesn't dry out too much since Mr. Google suggests it isn't the same as permagum.   

Buy permagum and replace the plumbers putty. The putty is going to dry crack and fall off.