Amana SXD22S2W - lazy condenser fan motor

[three_jeeps]

The water from the water dispenser got noticeably warmer than it used to be.  Took off the rear panel and notice the condenser fan (adjacent to the condenser) was not turning.  Spun it by hand and it very slowly turned.  Took off fan blade and sprayed shaft with very light weight machine oil.  Fan now turns a little faster but definitely sluggish, and noticed that it stopped a few times.  Fan speed seems to vary from slow to rather fast, and is somewhat erratic in speed variations.  While I was there, vacummed as much of the heat exchange coils as I could reach...some areas were quite dense with dirt.  I also noticed that the compressor was hotter than I have seen in the past. 

As a test, I put a 5"x5" muffin fan in the cavity where the condenser fan is located, and have it running continuously over night (airflow same direction of condenser fan) .  Checked water temp from dispenser and it was back to being cooler. Condenser fan speed still erratic.

Stuck a RTD in the middle of the freezer and noted the temp is about 28 degrees, food is still frozen, icecream is soft.  Freezer temp control is about 90% of cold range.

Perhaps a related issue, this morning I noticed the ice maker not working - I'll check the water valve.  After that..? not sure.

Guidance & suggestions appreciated.

Thanks

J

 

 

[three_jeeps]

As a follow-up - Ice maker water valve coil is OK,  no voltage at the ice maker water valve plug.  The ice maker level arm is fully depressed into the ice bucket.
Ice crusher and auger work fine.

 

[three_jeeps]

Forgot to add, the freezer door switch that controls the water dispenser valve works - when door open, no water from water dispenser.  Freezer door closed, water dispenses.

Also, fridge portion temp is 38 degrees F.   Over the last few weeks, I noticed the frame around the freezer door was warm (the defrost coil). Over last few days the frame has been cool.

[three_jeeps]

more checking: On compressor: run to neutral = 3.2 ohms, start to neutral = 5.4 ohms, run to start = 8.7 ohms,  seems OK

start cap measured 15.3 uf,  marked as 15 uf.  - seems OK

PTC relay lugs 3-2 measures 5.3 ohms

Compressor run current = 0.55 amps

During period when compressor is running, condenser fan will sometimes stop.  If I spin it, it will start spinning are a fairly good speed.  At some point is slows down a lot, then later it stops.

I am scratching my head on this one.  Any suggestions???  anybody home??

thanks

 

[Vance R]

29 minutes ago, three_jeeps said:

Compressor run current = 0.55 amps

Run current for compressor is low. From your description of dirty condenser and intermittent condenser fan motor the comnpressor may have been over worked. Please check the forst pattern on the evaporator. More than likey there are sealed systems issue.  BTW at 28 deg f  the ice maker won't work.

[three_jeeps]

thanks - Emptied the entire fridge.  both temp control on max cool.  Freezer is 40 degrees, fridge is 52.  condenser fan still intermittent/lazy.  been monitoring compressor current...on startup, draws 11A for 2-4 sec, hear a 'ping' then current drops to zero - apparently overload kicks out.  wait a while and hear compressor running, current is ~1.5 A, sometimes 0.5 amps...

Fan in freezer seems to run continuously.

 

[Vance R]

2 hours ago, three_jeeps said:

on startup, draws 11A for 2-4 sec, hear a 'ping' then current drops to zero - apparently overload kicks out.  wait a while and hear compressor running, current is ~1.5 A, sometimes 0.5 amps.

This is the compressor only starting up sometimes, verify that you have 120 vac to compressor during start up. You may have a start device or compressor issue. Try replacing the start device first to see if that corrects intermittent start of compressor. If it doesn't corrcet intermittent start the compressor will need to be replaced.