1951 Westinghouse Fridge Part 2.

[volvoguy87]

Update:

I have finished rewiring the fridge and the light works. Unfortunately, the compressor just hums and does not run. It will hum for a few seconds then there is a click and the humming stops (I assume its the overload protection switch). After the humming stopped, I unplugged the fridge and a few seconds later there was another click.

I am guessing the compressor is stuck due to sitting for too long. Is there any way to access the motor and give it a push to break it free, or is it time for a new compressor?

Thank you guys,
Dave

 

[classiccaprice]

oh fun... good luck Dave...

 

[thor]

Compressor humming

Dave, before atttempting to change the compressor I would change the start switch. Most probably, your compressor has two windings, the start winding and the run winding. When the compressor starts both the start winding and the run winding are energized, and after a couple of seconds the start winding is disconnected by the start switch, just leaving the run winding energized. The start winding gives the compressor the power boost needed to start runnning, and is disconnected right afterwards.

The hum you are hearing comes from the run winding working "alone", being strained to start the compressor without the boost of the start winding, which it can't do on its own for lack of sufficient power. After some seconds the run winding heats up (the motor is not running!) and the safety switch trips in, cutting power to "both" windings. After a while the run winding cools (it is not energized) and the safety switch trips back on.

If I were in your place, before even trying to replace the compressor I would just change the start switch and see what happens, the investment would be much less than changing the compressor. If the compressor does not start with a new start switch then it means the start winding is shot.

I hope this helps.
Emilio

 

[goatfarmer]

If you think it's stuck from sitting, try tapping the outside of the compressor with a hammer. Can't hurt to try! Keyword being "tap".

 

[thor]

Actually, you could try tapping the starter switch itself, which could be stuck in the "open" position. The switch has a moving part which is actually the contact itself, which powers the start winding for a coulpe of seconds during the start phase. If it is stuck open the starter winding will not be energized at all!

I hope this also helps!
Emilio

 

[rp2813]

Yeah, it's probably not advised but if I encounter a situation like you're having, I use a non-metalic item to tap around on key connections or relays and the like. Sometimes it can isolate the problem to a specific component or you can get lucky with just a loose or damaged wire or connection. Alas, nothing brought my '39 Westinghouse back to life when it died earlier this year and I let it go to a guy who wanted to restore it. After nearly 70 years of continuous service, I thought that was the fate it deserved rather than a trip to the krusher.

I personally have never had any luck with tapping on a compressor to get it moving again, but it's definitely worth a try.

 

[volvoguy87]

Thanks for the replies.

I cannot see any way to access the motor. The motor/compressor is just one solid mass. It has 3 wire terminals on it. The wires going to it were/are white, red, and black. The red wire goes through the Klixon overload switch. The cord to the wall was a 2 conductor cord with red and black wires. The red wire comes into play between the cold control and the compressor.

Any thoughts on how to access the start switch to test it or how this wiring works? I rewired most of the fridge but I made a diagram and made certain to reattach everything as I found it.

Thank you,
Dave

 

[athanasius80]

On all the GE's I've seen:

White is Start
Black is Common
Red is Run.

I'd expect your Westinghouse would be the same.
Good luck!

 

[appliances4me]

Good Luck

I got my 50s ish coke machine going again by lightly tapping it. And it sat out in the elements for years.