Whirlpool refrigerator Model ET21PKXGW03 condenser fan stops and then doesn’t restart on its own

[FriedaB]

Yesterday after watching the Samurai Repairman’s video on hot refrigerator door gaskets, I checked to see if the condenser fan on my fridge was working. It was not, but after I nudged it with a wooden spoon handle, it took off spinning. Today the gaskets were hot again, so I checked: The fan was not running. It started up readily with a nudge, but I’m wondering: 1) Is the fan meant to run constantly? 2) If it is not, what are the possible causes for the fan not starting back up when it’s supposed to be running? 3) Is this a case for the “unusual fix” mentioned in the above video, or is there another, more conventional solution?

[Budget Appliance Repair]

Very simple, replace the condenser fan motor - it should run anytime the compressor is running.  The bearings/bushings are getting gummed up so it can't start on it's own after it has stopped, (your spoon nudge gets it going again until the next time the compressor cycles off then it can't start without help when the compressor cycles back on).