1950 Frigidaire Cooling Issue?

[tbryant76]

Hello,
I purchased a 1950 (or so) Frigidaire refrigerator for 50 bucks. Ive noticed that sometimes the cooling plate (where the freezer is) gets colder than it does at other times. Half seems icy cold and the other side will be just barely cool. I have replaced the cord when I first purchased and wiring all looks good. The compressor runs and sounds fine. Im wondering if there is an issue or not.

I apologize if Ive used the wrong terms in describing the parts. This is my first restoration job.

 

[beekeyknee]

You may have a low freon charge. If it is it's not an extremely easy fix and won't necessarily last. Refrigeration problems can be tricky.

 

[tbryant76]

I sure hope its not leaking, Ive already restored this thing.... Lesson learned I guess.

 

[rp2813]

Try placing a metal tray or pot of hot water (boiling hot is good) directly onto the evaporator (cooling plate) to "re-charge" the system.  You should hear a gurgling sound fairly quickly after the hot metal of the pot or tray makes contact with the colder evaporator. 

 

I don't know if it matters, but you may want to do this while the compressor isn't running.

 

If you don't hear much or any gurgling, that's likely an indication of a freon deficiency.

 

[tbryant76]

OK, I can try getting a pot in there to see what happens. I do have it running right now and its sitting about 35 degrees and just shut off since it reached temp.

 

[classiccaprice]

Side note: Can you take a picture of the drawers for me? I'm looking for them for my 50 Frigidaire! You may try to track down Volvoguy87 (Dave), he lives out there and may be able to give you a hand.

 

[tbryant76]

You guys are probably going to hate me but I restored this for use as a kegerator. I was scorned at the appliance parts place here in Cincinnati while buying the gasket for doing this I could tell the guy had a huge passion for these old things and actually suggested this site. I felt kind of bad...

I think I resurrected it actually since the guy was going to dump it. I painted it using automotive paint and buffed all the chrome back to its original luster. I love old hot rods and painted it two tone. I do have the shelves, clips and the one drawer that goes under the freezer.

 

[tbryant76]

Come to think of it.. .I bet thats volvoguy87 that works at Cincinnati Appliance. Super cool guy.

 

[classiccaprice]

That's him. I'm sure he'd take the clips, drawer,and shelves if you are getting rid of them. He actually is storing my fridge till I get there to pick it up.

As far as a kegerator goes, if it makes you happy, go for it. Though I will concur it isn't the preferred method of preservation on here, we accept all types.

 

[58limited]

It is your fridge, do what you want with it and don't worry what others think. I converted a 1982 Frigidaire into a kegerator. I kept my 50s fridges original since my kitchen is 1950s style.

 

[classiccaprice]

I completely agree, David.

 

[goatfarmer]

It does sound like it's low on gas.

 

BTW, I used a 73 Frigidaire, in Poppy, as a kegorator. It too, was destined for the scrapyard.

 

[58limited]

Mine was going to the trash as well, the owner gave it to me. It holds five of the 5 gallon Cornelius kegs of my homebrew. Frosty mugs up top, and I store hops in the freezer too.

 

[northwesty]

If it is getting down to 35 degrees I don't think you have too much of a problem but I am no expert.

 

[g3bill]

I'm no expert either, disclaimer we lov, but if you find later it is loosing freon its no big deal to put a saddle valve on a line and add some stop leak. Just saying don't toss it yet. Is there a pic of this gem?

 

[g3bill]

PS.

Forgot to say I bought a small chest freezer maybe 20 years ago. It worked for a couple months then half ass maybe like yours. Had to pull the plug and its been setting since, thonk its a '52. Its hard to get to and used for storage till I fix it. There were lots of dents or cuts in the aluminum the freon flows through so think theres a small leak there someplace. Cant use knifes and screwdrivers to defrost.