O/T Refrigerator problems

RayP(MI) · Jul 5, 2010

For the last several weeks, refrigerator has had a buzzing sound lasting for 15 to 20 seconds, followed by a click. Up until today, refrigerator has maintained it's own, but seems far worse today. Compressor is warm to the touch, coil on back of machine not warm, indicating compressor not running. Buzzing is periodic like a thermal relay cycling. Reminds me of my air compressor when the unloader was not working. Refrigeration has been pretty normal up until lately, (Been very hot, ambient temperatures.) Just checked freezer - still 0 degrees. Any idea what I"m in for here? compressor starting device? Compressor overload? Relay kit? Capacitor?

Ky Hauler · Jul 5, 2010

My central air has been doing that for weeks but gets the house cool. Kicks out a couple times a day due to overheating. The compressor motor has a thermal switch inside that is going bad and it is not serviceable. Your fridge may be doing the same.

GordoSD · Jul 5, 2010

How old is the reefer?

Gordo

RayP(MI) · Jul 5, 2010

donno, at least fifteen years. Yeah, I know, but checkbook is choking.

Michael Soldan · Jul 5, 2010

Move the fridge out from the wall about three or four more inches and see what happens.

circus · Jul 5, 2010

Maybe it's starting so often that the built up pressure doesn't have time to dissipate between cycles. Just guessing.

super bob · Jul 5, 2010

If the starting relay isnt working, it will try to start then kick off on overload, that is my first and cheapest guess. Good luck.

okierob · Jul 6, 2010

The older fridges and freezers had a current relay. it will have a large coil and a set of contacts.plugged into the terminals on the compressor. that may be your problem. although 15 yrs ago i dont know if they still used them. you may have a overload trippin out on the compressor also.

MarkB_MI · Jul 6, 2010

Check the voltage at the outlet when the refrigerator tries to cycle. It could be you have a house wiring problem that's causing the voltage to drop too low to start the compressor.

GordoSD · Jul 6, 2010

I just replaced my 20 year old small 19 cf refrig. My electric bill went down $18 a month.
I have two meters, one for the 220 volt items, ac, water heater, well, dryer,and compressor.and the small stuff is on anothere so I pretty much know what's using what.

Gordo

O/T Refrigerator problems

RayP(MI)

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Ky Hauler

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GordoSD

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RayP(MI)

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Michael Soldan

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circus

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super bob

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okierob

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MarkB_MI

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GordoSD

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