1936 Fridgidaire Meter Miser

[butch]

I just inherited a '36 Frigidaire Meter Miser. I don't see any model number on it anywhere except for D-3-36. The data plate says 1/16 HP. It ran until about 10 years ago when it was moved the last time. The compressor hums, but that's about it. I tend to suspect the run relay, but really have no experience with these things. The relay is not a sealed unit like some of the YT relays I've seen pictures of, but it wires the same way as some I've seen (5 connections for compressor, line in, thermostat). Questions: If the compressor is humming, does that likely mean the relay is working? If I decide to try a new relay, would a YT relay with these same 5 connections work? Any suggestions on tests to run or parts to try?

 

[kenmore71]

Doe you have a "dropbox"?  I have the full factory manual for that series of refrigerators scanned but it it too big to email….

Alas…..

 

[butch]

That would be great! I don't have a drop box but I will have a co-worker email you a link to his if that works for you. The fridge has a lot of sentimental value to me as it was my Dad's as long as I can remember.

 

[supersuds]

Slightly OT

Was Frigidaire using R-12 by 1936? Histories of the invention of Freon are vague about when it was put into use. From what I've read on here, other brands were still using caustic refrigerants until after WW II.

I have a 1940 Frigidaire ad that talks about a new "F-114" refrigerant, which presumably was their name for R-114. So they definitely had a chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant in use well before the war...

 

[philr]

The first Frigidaire refrigerators that used Freon had "dichlorofluoromethane" written on their dataplate. 

 

Some internet sources say it's R21 but others say it's R-12. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Midgley,_Jr.

 

[philr]

Another link:

http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Freons.aspx

 

[philr]

One more link:

http://books.google.com/books?id=7W...=onepage&q=dichlorofluoromethane frigidaire&f

 

[travis]

That model uses R-114.  I don't recall the name of that, but it's not R-12.

 

 

[butch]

Kenmmore 71 - I got the manual printed off today and it is going to be a great help - thanks a ton! I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[butch]

The data plate on mine says DICHLOROTETRAFLUOROETHANE.

 

[goatfarmer]

R 114

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1,2-Dichlorotetrafluoroethane

 

[butch]

I've confirmed that the start/run relay is bad and I'm now looking for something to replace it with. Has anyone tried a Supco APR5 adjustable pickup relay for something like this? Other than that, any suggestions for a replacement?