1946 Philco Refrigerator

[tomandme]

Hello,
Have been searching for help regarding our fridge. It's a 1946 "Advanced Design" Philco. We got it 2yrs. ago, changed the gasket and it has been working great. We just had to defrost it because a lot of ice was building up between the back of the freezer box and the back of the fridge, as well as in the freezer itself, then the ice started melting.Once it was defrosted it would not get cold enough to use. We went through this once last year but it ran as normal after we defrosted it. The compressor is running well but won't shut off because it won't get to temperature. I'm thinking the thermostat is not working? Anyone have any advice? We are looking for someone who will look at it and who knows about old appliances.Anyone know of someone in the Eastern Massachusetts area? I know where to get a replacement thermostat kit but am thinking it may be beyond me to install. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks to all,
Tom

 

[goatfarmer]

If the thermostat wasn't working, it would run continually, but it would also be coldernell inside. That's "very cold".

 

[tomandme]

Goatfarmer,

Thanks, I guess that makes sense, but why won't ours get coldernell? This is driving me nuts cuz we don't want to get rid of this, want to get it to work again. Any idea where the thermostat is on these old fridges, are they right behind the control dial? Do these old ones ever need a Freon boost? Thanks again.

 

[goatfarmer]

Thermostat is part of the control dial. Possible that it needs a shot of refrigerant.