1952 GE fridge not cycling

[mrvintage1959]

Hello, I recently acquired a 1952 GE fridge/freezer combo. It runs, the freezer is frosting and the fridge is holding a temperature of 35 degrees but the fridge has been continually running for 26 hours now and I don't know why it won't cycle off. I've cleaned the compressor of dirt and dust. Tested the seals with the paper method and the door is tight. The freezer and fridge dials are set to 5. Any ideas? Is there a good repairman in the Metro Detroit area anyone can suggest? Thanks!

 

[combo52]

Hi Andrew, How cold is the freezer section ?

 

If it is well below 0F you have a bad cold control for the freezer, Try setting it to a lower #.

 

If it is above around +5F in the freezer you have a weak sealed system.

 

John L.

 

[mrvintage1959]

Hi John,

I had the fridge thermostat in for a few minutes and it got down to 12-15 degrees in the freezer.
I actually just turned the fridge off in fear of burning out the compressor because it's now been running for 29 hours straight.

Thanks, Andrew

 

[maytag85]

If it’s running constantly, there’s a probability there’s a leak somewhere in the sealed system since some of the refrigerant has leaked out causing it to run constantly and I’ve heard of this happening to air conditioners before since it’s a refrigeration system.

 

[combo52]

1952 GE Combination Refrigerator

Hi Andrew, Yes there is a problem in the sealed system, it could have a leak and be low on refrigerant, it could be restrained at the filter-drier, or it could have weak worn out compressor.

 

If you want to try getting it fixed you will have to find someone willing to fix an old refrigerator with the proper skills and tools [ gray hair helps as well ]

 

Theses were really good refs in their day and we saw so many running well for what seemed like forever but everything is going to have problems eventually. It can probably be saved if you get the correct help with it but it might be expensive as well.

 

John. L.

 

[mrvintage1959]

Hi John, Maytag85,
Thank you for the advice. I will see about finding someone to come and service it or look it over for I really want to use this fridge.
I am puzzled now though. Last night I turned the freezer dial behind the kick panel off which in turn, turned the compressor off. I did not unplug the fridge. This morning the fridge compressor turned on by itself and the setting behind the kick panel is off.
Is it experiencing a short and should I be concerned?

Thanks, Andrew

 

[mrvintage1959]

Update, it cycled on for about 25 minutes shut off and has cycled back on. I have put the dial behind the kick plate to 1. The freezer is sitting just below 20 degrees.

 

[kenwashesmonday]

I have the same refrigerator but one year older.  Mine started to run constantly, so I unplugged it and left it open for a week to dry out. 

 

It now works like it used to, running less than half the time, freezer at 3°f, and refrigerator at 36°f.

 

My theory is, because it had not been defrosted in so long the insulation in the cabinet must have become saturated.  Now that it's dried out, it works fine.

[this post was last edited: 5/30/2021-10:29]

 

[rp2813]

Here's a link to a thread about a GE Combination with the same problem.  It seems to have occurred as a result of the fridge having been transported, so may be worth reading.  A filter/dryer associated with the capillary tube was the culprit, and an experienced repair person was able to install a replacement which restored proper operation.

[this post was last edited: 5/30/2021-17:15]

1955 GE Fridge compressor running non-stop

Hello everyone, second time posting on here. You guys are my last hope since all my leads are coming up dry and no refrigeration techs want to help me out. I have a 1955 LH-12 GE refrigerator with a compressor that does not stop running. Fridge cabinet temps range from 32-40 deg with freezer...

www.automaticwasher.org

 

[mrvintage1959]

That was an excellent article and a source of hope for me. Thank you! I will now just have to find a good repairman near me to assist. Hopefully it'll be just as easy a fix.
Does anyone recommend or know a good repairman near Metro Detroit? I live in Southfield.

I unfortunately have no way of transporting this fridge anywhere unless I rent a truck and I'd prefer to have that as a last resort.

Thank you again everyone for your input and suggestions!

 

[maytag85]

One thing I’d do is get a backup refrigerator and I’d look from one from the 1960’s since and finding a refrigerator from that era is much easier than finding washers and or dryers along with dishwashers since there really isn’t much to go wrong with refrigerators since they are simple in terms of mechanical complexity.

 

[mrvintage1959]

So I have called dozens of repair shops near me and nobody wants to touch this fridge. Either because they see it as a lost cause, they can't find parts, etc.

One place went so far as to contact GE to see if parts are still made for it and unfortunately they do not. Which I figured.

I spoke to someone from Antique Appliances in Georgia, she believes I have a bad thermostat. I now have a new issue, if I buy this universal thermostat they sell, I don't know how to install it. I am not a professional by any means. I know this fridge has got to have the potential for repair, it still has life left and I'd love to enjoy her.

I kind of feel stuck right now.

 

[rp2813]

I think the bad thermostat diagnosis by phone should not be taken seriously.  It's unwise to take blind stabs at resolving the problem without doing some testing first.  And you are right -- a universal replacement will require some rigging with included brackets, etc. to make it fit, and I would be skeptical about such a part even working properly.

 

You're facing a common problem, and I had to let my nice '57 GE Combination go because I couldn't find anyone willing to replace the compressor, and it wouldn't have been cheap either.  If you just need a new filter/dryer, that's something that wouldn't cost much to do -- if you could just find someone to do it. 

 

The thread I linked above indicates there's someone in Indiana who made the repair.  I don't know what part of Michigan you're in, but you may need to consider driving the fridge down and letting this same guy get it working properly again.

 

One thing you may try is if you're on your local NextDoor board, post an inquiry to see if anyone knows of a refrigeration/HVAC person who would be willing to diagnose and do the work.  Maybe some retired guy still has the required equipment and can help you out.