1930 Westinghouse Fridge - Compressor diagnosis...

[turbokinetic]

Had a 1930 Westinghouse fridge which was earth faulted. Two videos about it, including diagnosis and repairs.

 

Seems most of the early Westinghouse sulphur dioxide compressors have failed by now. There are Freon-12 models only 1 or 2 years newer, which still run like new. Something chemical is going on with the SO2.....

 

Part 1:

 

Part 2:

 

 Thoughts?

Thanks!

David

 

 

[rp2813]

Great Work!

Spot-on troubleshooting as usual, David!  I'm still awed by your knowledge level.

 

Travis might find a special place for this one among his monitor tops.

 

[stan]

Always

stay glued to ur videos when you post!
Don't understand all of the electricals.. But find it all fascinating.
Thank you for posting.

 

[retro-man]

All cleaned up looks better than new. With your rework on the compressor it is better than new! Very informative and well explained. Love your work and videos.

Jon

 

[combo52]

Great Work David

I really enjoyed seeing the cut open compressor, my brother Jeff and I cut open a few compressors in our day to see how they were built and worked.  

 

Also interesting the starting unloader, never knew this type of device was ever used on a home refrigerator.  

 

It does appear that a major part of the short was on that bottom terminal that heated up so much, but I also suspect that sulfur dioxide is not as stable a refrigerant with the low corrosive properties as an R-12 system when you are talking about 50-100 year durability, LOL

 

  My brother Jeff has a WH ref like this in his garage that also failed at the compressor terminals.  

 

Keep up the great work, you should plan a trip up to Beltsville some time, I could send you back with some very interesting projects.

 

  John L.

 

[supersuds]

Great videos, as per! I loved the explanation of the clacks and clunks.

 

[turbokinetic]

Thanks Guys!

Thanks for the  positive comments!

 

This one is working fine with its new (old) compressor!

 

I have attached some still pictures of the finished job, as well.

 

The astute may notice there's a capacitor in the circuit now. Originally, the SO2 compressor had the electric solenoid unloader in it. It never had to start against pressure because of this feature.

 

As designs evolved, Westinghouse moved on to a capillary tube system which would bleed off the pressure by its self after the unit stopped. This took time, and the compressor had a time period after stopping, during which it could not be re-started.

The original compressor used a "starting resistor" which is the white ceramic wirewound resistor visible on the control, with the cover off. It's at the upper right corner of the mechanism. 

 

The "new" compressor doesn't use this. It originally would have had just a plain relay to energize the start winding. To make it work with this control, I have bypassed the starting resistor, leaving it inplace for looks.  The capacitor is in the circuit in place of the starting resistor. I placed the capacitor inside the condenser shroud, where it's hidden from view.

 

With the capacitor start configuration, this compressor will start up at any time, without the unloader. It can even restart immediately after stopping, no problems.

 

[supersuds]

Such a beaut. The cold control alone is a work of art.

 

[turbokinetic]

Yes sir, I love those clockwork cold controls. Nothing like them today!

 

That's why it's worth the time to adapt the rest of the system to keep the original control 

 

[stan]

Curious

Dave
How was this refrigerator transported to you and how is it getting home?
I know these old girls are heavy!

 

[turbokinetic]

Stan, yes it is heavy! 

 

It was transported in the back of a box truck, upright, and strapped down. It will get transported home on a trailer, upright, and strapped down. We used an appliance dolly with straps to move it. It's heavy but nothing like the early 30's Monitor Tops, or the belt-drive Frigidaires.

 

There are two large flat nuts which are used to lock the compressor down against the deck, so it doesn't shake around too much in transit. You simply push the compressor down, and tighten the nuts to secure it for transport.

 

[stan]

Hi Dave

How far does she have to travel to get home on the trailer?

 

[turbokinetic]

It's about 500 miles from my home in AL to St. Louis where this is going.