Kenmore Refrigerator 253.63712302 Always Running

[foogoo]

Apparently this has been happening for years but my friend only told me about it recently. The freezer and refrigerator are both set at the recommended setting and are cool enough, the compressor just never turns off.

• Condenser coils have clearance and are clean, I cleaned them again anyway.
• Cleaned the seals and checked with a dollar bill and business card, no obvious weak areas.
• Evaporator fan is working.
• Opened up back and evaporator coils are not frozen over.

What else could it be?

[Vance R]

5 hours ago, foogoo said:

Opened up back and evaporator coils are not frozen over.

How was the frost pattern? This style of refrigerator runs about 80% of the time.  BTW the compressor shuts off when it goes into defrost.

[foogoo]

14 hours ago, Vance R said:

How was the frost pattern? This style of refrigerator runs about 80% of the time.  BTW the compressor shuts off when it goes into defrost.

There is none, the coils were just moist. Someone else suggested it a sealed system leak. Do you think it's been leaking so long it's barely keeping things frozen at this point?

[Vance R]

1 minute ago, foogoo said:

Do you think it's been leaking so long it's barely keeping things frozen at this point?

If you touch the frost with a moist finger you should stick to the evaporator. If the frost melts when you touch it usually indicates sealed system issue - ineffiecent compressor, restriction and leaking. Leaking is the most common with this style of refrigerator.  If the temps are good it is just barely keeping up with heat load.