Ralph,
I am going to scan some pages from the service manual and send them to your email.
Lawrence
I am going to scan some pages from the service manual and send them to your email.
Lawrence
1957 GE Combination Project
- Thread starter rp2813
- Start date
Ralph,
Scanning did not work, I can try again tomorrow. Until then -
"To adjust the shelf up or down, the button on the shelf to e adjusted must be depressed as the shelf is turned each revolution. To adjust the shelf up, press the button and turn shelf counterclockwise. To adjust the shelf down, press the button and turn shelf clockwise. The rotating circular shelves consist mainly of the following parts:
1) Shelf
2) Hub assembly - attached to shelf with screws.
3) Shaft with keyway slot.
4) Thrust bearing assembly - threaded and screws on shaft.
The operation of these parts is as follows:
When the shelf is turned without depressing the button, the shelf and hub assembly attached merely spins on the shaft at the same position without going up or down. The hub assembly is not threaded but contains a nylon sleeve to protect the shaft finish and to provide smooth rotation on the shaft.
Directly under the hub assembly is the thrust bearing assembly with is threaded and screws onto the threaded shaft. A metal bar or slide and a spring are mounted in the thrust bearing.
When the shelf is in the meutral or regular position, the metal slide lines up with the keyway of the shaft and locks the thrust bearing in this position. This prevents the shelf from moving up or do0wn, but permits it to rotate on the shaft in one position."
Scanning did not work, I can try again tomorrow. Until then -
"To adjust the shelf up or down, the button on the shelf to e adjusted must be depressed as the shelf is turned each revolution. To adjust the shelf up, press the button and turn shelf counterclockwise. To adjust the shelf down, press the button and turn shelf clockwise. The rotating circular shelves consist mainly of the following parts:
1) Shelf
2) Hub assembly - attached to shelf with screws.
3) Shaft with keyway slot.
4) Thrust bearing assembly - threaded and screws on shaft.
The operation of these parts is as follows:
When the shelf is turned without depressing the button, the shelf and hub assembly attached merely spins on the shaft at the same position without going up or down. The hub assembly is not threaded but contains a nylon sleeve to protect the shaft finish and to provide smooth rotation on the shaft.
Directly under the hub assembly is the thrust bearing assembly with is threaded and screws onto the threaded shaft. A metal bar or slide and a spring are mounted in the thrust bearing.
When the shelf is in the meutral or regular position, the metal slide lines up with the keyway of the shaft and locks the thrust bearing in this position. This prevents the shelf from moving up or do0wn, but permits it to rotate on the shaft in one position."
Furthermore -
"Adjusting Shelf Up and Down: When the button on the shelf is depressed the lever arm is forced outward pushing the metal slide held by a spring out of the shaft keyway and clear of the shaft.
The thrust bearing can now screw up or down on the threaded shaft. By turning the shelf with the button depressed, the shelf can be adjusted up or down. To adjust down, turn clockwise; to adjust up, turn counterclockwise.
As the shelf completes each revolution and returns to the neurtral or normal position, the slide slips back in the shaft keyway and keeps the shelf from adjusting any further. The button must be depressed for each revolution of adjustment desired."
Lawrence
"Adjusting Shelf Up and Down: When the button on the shelf is depressed the lever arm is forced outward pushing the metal slide held by a spring out of the shaft keyway and clear of the shaft.
The thrust bearing can now screw up or down on the threaded shaft. By turning the shelf with the button depressed, the shelf can be adjusted up or down. To adjust down, turn clockwise; to adjust up, turn counterclockwise.
As the shelf completes each revolution and returns to the neurtral or normal position, the slide slips back in the shaft keyway and keeps the shelf from adjusting any further. The button must be depressed for each revolution of adjustment desired."
Lawrence
Why Didn't I Think of That?
Lawrence, thanks for that information. It makes perfect sense, as decided to bring a measuring can with me and a long neck bottle in case I was successful in raising a shelf.
The instructions were spot on, and as soon as I had the upper shelf adjusted to just allow clearance for a soda or beer can it became quite evident that it's a very simple system. With can just clearing, I gave the shelf a turn counter-clockwise and by the time the can, which was at far right front, got around back and out to the left side, it was hitting the strut for the stationary shelf above. These revolving shelves are always traveling up or down, depending on the direction they're turned. Don't keep turning it in the same direction every time or you're going to start having things fall over or get caught.
How can you not love that?
The Combination is the yang to the Thundering Thermador's yin. Quiet as a mouse but tons (OK 300 lbs.) of fun!
BTW, long necks will have to go on the top shelf, but more squatty beers will fit on the bottom rotator.
Bottom rotator doesn't want to for some reason. It functioned properly before I removed the whole tower for easy cabinet cleaning. I'll have to pull the assembly and see what's up.
Lawrence, thanks for that information. It makes perfect sense, as decided to bring a measuring can with me and a long neck bottle in case I was successful in raising a shelf.
The instructions were spot on, and as soon as I had the upper shelf adjusted to just allow clearance for a soda or beer can it became quite evident that it's a very simple system. With can just clearing, I gave the shelf a turn counter-clockwise and by the time the can, which was at far right front, got around back and out to the left side, it was hitting the strut for the stationary shelf above. These revolving shelves are always traveling up or down, depending on the direction they're turned. Don't keep turning it in the same direction every time or you're going to start having things fall over or get caught.
How can you not love that?
The Combination is the yang to the Thundering Thermador's yin. Quiet as a mouse but tons (OK 300 lbs.) of fun!
BTW, long necks will have to go on the top shelf, but more squatty beers will fit on the bottom rotator.
Bottom rotator doesn't want to for some reason. It functioned properly before I removed the whole tower for easy cabinet cleaning. I'll have to pull the assembly and see what's up.
STOP! Don't Click!
Do I need to join A*A?
This fridge is definitely a girl. She has me concerned about myself. She opens herself up to me and it's all pink inside and I'm both attracted and excited.
I don't know if I like what's happening.
"Run to the light! Run to the light!"
*Appliances[this post was last edited: 6/9/2010-19:40]
Do I need to join A*A?
This fridge is definitely a girl. She has me concerned about myself. She opens herself up to me and it's all pink inside and I'm both attracted and excited.
I don't know if I like what's happening.
"Run to the light! Run to the light!"
*Appliances[this post was last edited: 6/9/2010-19:40]
Heh
That fridge looks needlessly complicated, Ralph. Why not bring it up and I'll trade you the MUCH easier to use Frigidaire Gallery we have?
It has a light in the freezer, too. I mean, it's almost the same thing...
That fridge looks needlessly complicated, Ralph. Why not bring it up and I'll trade you the MUCH easier to use Frigidaire Gallery we have?
It has a light in the freezer, too. I mean, it's almost the same thing...
sudsmaster
Well-known member
Ralph,
I seem to recall we had a GE fridge with identical revolving shelving just like yours when I was a kid. I remember getting yelled at for pushing that button and turning the shelf... and being accused of "breaking it"... Of course I could stand there for hours turning those shelves, lol...
I think that fridge was either replaced with or preceded by a turquoise bottom freezer unit (I seem to recall a Westinghouse logo), which tended to confuse the hell out of my five year old brain. I was used to opening the lower door to get to the refrigerated stuff... couldn't understand why all I got was frost and oddly wrapped packages of mystery items, lol...
Anyway, your GE looks lovely and I'd like to refresh my memory by idly operating those shelves again someday... hahaha...
I seem to recall we had a GE fridge with identical revolving shelving just like yours when I was a kid. I remember getting yelled at for pushing that button and turning the shelf... and being accused of "breaking it"... Of course I could stand there for hours turning those shelves, lol...
I think that fridge was either replaced with or preceded by a turquoise bottom freezer unit (I seem to recall a Westinghouse logo), which tended to confuse the hell out of my five year old brain. I was used to opening the lower door to get to the refrigerated stuff... couldn't understand why all I got was frost and oddly wrapped packages of mystery items, lol...
Anyway, your GE looks lovely and I'd like to refresh my memory by idly operating those shelves again someday... hahaha...
Thanks Guys
She really did clean up way better than I imagined and has turned out to be quite the dazzler.
After re-reading Lawrence's post above re: shelf adjustments, I realized I've been doing something wrong. I've been pushing the button whenever I wanted to rotate a shelf. But, I also noticed that the shelves would still rotate without pushing the button. I thought maybe the mechanism was worn out, but if I understand correctly, the shelves are supposed to turn without pushing the button. With button depressed, the shelf is going to want to start winding up or down the post. I presume that with button left alone, the shelf will spin all day long and not go higher or lower. I'll check this tomorrow.
The fridge should be ready to move inside tomorrow. The one adjusting foot I took from an old-ish junker GE on RCD's pile worked fine. It replaced one that had stripped threads. I had to drill out the broken-off piece to remove the remains of the other front foot. I got a new replacement foot and was amazed to find that in spite of a bent-up threaded hole, the foot screwed into place fine with the help of channel locks used very gingerly.
Tomorrow I'll get out the bottle of touch-up and then she'll be ready for prime time. I get to do this all over again with the Whirly once it's out on the patio, although that will be a significantly less labor-intensive clean-up operation.
Once the Combo is in place and full of drinks I'll snap a picture for posting here.
Rich & Dan, I'll advise on a date when she'll make her debut for the locals. Pictures really don't do her justice.
Re: the shot below, it was taken before the front feet were replaced and grille hadn't yet been re-installed.
She really did clean up way better than I imagined and has turned out to be quite the dazzler.
After re-reading Lawrence's post above re: shelf adjustments, I realized I've been doing something wrong. I've been pushing the button whenever I wanted to rotate a shelf. But, I also noticed that the shelves would still rotate without pushing the button. I thought maybe the mechanism was worn out, but if I understand correctly, the shelves are supposed to turn without pushing the button. With button depressed, the shelf is going to want to start winding up or down the post. I presume that with button left alone, the shelf will spin all day long and not go higher or lower. I'll check this tomorrow.
The fridge should be ready to move inside tomorrow. The one adjusting foot I took from an old-ish junker GE on RCD's pile worked fine. It replaced one that had stripped threads. I had to drill out the broken-off piece to remove the remains of the other front foot. I got a new replacement foot and was amazed to find that in spite of a bent-up threaded hole, the foot screwed into place fine with the help of channel locks used very gingerly.
Tomorrow I'll get out the bottle of touch-up and then she'll be ready for prime time. I get to do this all over again with the Whirly once it's out on the patio, although that will be a significantly less labor-intensive clean-up operation.
Once the Combo is in place and full of drinks I'll snap a picture for posting here.
Rich & Dan, I'll advise on a date when she'll make her debut for the locals. Pictures really don't do her justice.
Re: the shot below, it was taken before the front feet were replaced and grille hadn't yet been re-installed.
Ralph,
Wow - you did a great job! That is a beautiful refrigerator, I hope you enjoy using it and showing it (and it's shelves) off. BTW - you're correct about the shelves. If you want to rotate them all you do is spin them around; don't press the button.
Lawrence
Wow - you did a great job! That is a beautiful refrigerator, I hope you enjoy using it and showing it (and it's shelves) off. BTW - you're correct about the shelves. If you want to rotate them all you do is spin them around; don't press the button.
Lawrence
Oh Ralph thats a beaut now after your cleaning
I always liked the square look and the rotating shelves but until now I never knew they came in the same machine! I always thought the shelves went out with the round models! Nice find!
I always liked the square look and the rotating shelves but until now I never knew they came in the same machine! I always thought the shelves went out with the round models! Nice find!
That turned out VERY nice.
Thanks again, everyone.
I need to acknowledge and give credit to Andy, who had the experience and wisdom to see that the machine could be brought back from neglected garage fridge hell, and to Nate for not only reinforcing how gorgeous it was even in such funky shape, but also for making the trip with me and loaning out his big tire hand truck. That particular item will get more use today as if all goes well with finding help, the Whirly will vacate and make room for the GE to settle into its new home.
What is most amazing about this fridge, especially considering it spent a lot of time in hostile territory, is that every last piece of interior and exterior trim is there and intact. Not one missing part (unless she came with her own butter dish). I hope she's good for another 53 years!
I did check the shelves just now and spun both around without pressing the button. It's almost ready for soda and beer!
Another pic or two when it's in place and cooling cokes.
Ralph
I need to acknowledge and give credit to Andy, who had the experience and wisdom to see that the machine could be brought back from neglected garage fridge hell, and to Nate for not only reinforcing how gorgeous it was even in such funky shape, but also for making the trip with me and loaning out his big tire hand truck. That particular item will get more use today as if all goes well with finding help, the Whirly will vacate and make room for the GE to settle into its new home.
What is most amazing about this fridge, especially considering it spent a lot of time in hostile territory, is that every last piece of interior and exterior trim is there and intact. Not one missing part (unless she came with her own butter dish). I hope she's good for another 53 years!
I did check the shelves just now and spun both around without pressing the button. It's almost ready for soda and beer!
Another pic or two when it's in place and cooling cokes.
Ralph
Ralph - The combo is nothing short of amazing. You have inspiried me to find a similar 57/58 combo fridge to replace the old reliable '51 when I get the 58 GE range restored for the kitchen.
You should be able to find a generic door seal in case the original finally tears apart. It may not fit perfectly, but would be better than nothing.
Ben
You should be able to find a generic door seal in case the original finally tears apart. It may not fit perfectly, but would be better than nothing.
Ben
I can't remember the last time I bought ice cream in a squared-off half gallon carton. If one of those fits in the freezer door, it will do so rather snugly, I think.
I'll be using the door storage for other things. If my pair of thick glass beer mugs from The Berghoff in Chicago will fit in there, that's where they'll go.
This fridge will be all about entertaining (us entertaining guests and the fridge entertaining everybody) and refreshments. The mundane everyday jobs will be handled by the kitchen fridge and the newly defrosted MW Tru-Cold freezer in the basement.
I'll be using the door storage for other things. If my pair of thick glass beer mugs from The Berghoff in Chicago will fit in there, that's where they'll go.
This fridge will be all about entertaining (us entertaining guests and the fridge entertaining everybody) and refreshments. The mundane everyday jobs will be handled by the kitchen fridge and the newly defrosted MW Tru-Cold freezer in the basement.
redcarpetdrew
Well-known member
WOW!!!
You're using Photoshop or using another frig's picture, aren't you? That can't be the same frig I sent home with you! You really did a class act job on cleaning her up. I thought that it would clean up but was worried. Thank goodness the chrome was intact in the first place. I can see that sending you home with the GE was the right choice! Sooner or later when I go to Concord to visit the folks, I'd love to drop by and see her all spiffed up... or... maybe not as I'd have very bad thoughts about 'rehoming' it once again... LOL!!!
Don't forget that one missing clip for the frozen juice retaining rail on the freezer door. Like it was noted in the other post, if you lose that, juice containers will never stay in the door again.
If that's the treatment the GE got, I'd love to see what you'd do with that KDS-20 I sent with you as well... Nudge...
RCD
You're using Photoshop or using another frig's picture, aren't you? That can't be the same frig I sent home with you! You really did a class act job on cleaning her up. I thought that it would clean up but was worried. Thank goodness the chrome was intact in the first place. I can see that sending you home with the GE was the right choice! Sooner or later when I go to Concord to visit the folks, I'd love to drop by and see her all spiffed up... or... maybe not as I'd have very bad thoughts about 'rehoming' it once again... LOL!!!
Don't forget that one missing clip for the frozen juice retaining rail on the freezer door. Like it was noted in the other post, if you lose that, juice containers will never stay in the door again.
If that's the treatment the GE got, I'd love to see what you'd do with that KDS-20 I sent with you as well... Nudge...
RCD
Another Question
The Combo is happily purring away in its new home, full of soda and beer. I'll get some pix posted here soon. I'm still working on adjusting the temperature control, but the fridge hasn't even been operating for 24 hours yet so I need to be patient.
I have a question about the revolving shelves. The lower one has a rather loud squeak to it when it's turned now that it's carrying cargo. Are there any particular points in the mechanism to apply lube? And yes, I'd probably use "lube" lube rather than any type of oil. The silicone-based stuff works great.
The Combo is happily purring away in its new home, full of soda and beer. I'll get some pix posted here soon. I'm still working on adjusting the temperature control, but the fridge hasn't even been operating for 24 hours yet so I need to be patient.
I have a question about the revolving shelves. The lower one has a rather loud squeak to it when it's turned now that it's carrying cargo. Are there any particular points in the mechanism to apply lube? And yes, I'd probably use "lube" lube rather than any type of oil. The silicone-based stuff works great.
Temperature Control
Well, the batteries died again as I started to take pix of the stocked fridge. I'll try again soon.
Meanwhile, I'm a little concerned that after 24 hours, the temp in the fresh food section is still only in the mid 40's. I have the control set to 7 now, and it only goes to 9. Just how long should it take for this machine to reach the set temperature, and does anyone know what the recommended control setting is?
Well, the batteries died again as I started to take pix of the stocked fridge. I'll try again soon.
Meanwhile, I'm a little concerned that after 24 hours, the temp in the fresh food section is still only in the mid 40's. I have the control set to 7 now, and it only goes to 9. Just how long should it take for this machine to reach the set temperature, and does anyone know what the recommended control setting is?
Ralph,
There is no mention in the service manual for a specific position for the control. There is a "no-load performance" chart, based on the control being at mid-position, and that's it. On my '58, the control had to be replaced, so I'm still getting accustomed to how it operates. As I noted in the other post, my Combination has a tendency to 'short-cycle' and I have been told to use the "4" setting on the control. The refrigerator section isn't as cold as I'd like it to be, but I've not lost any food (I've learned to buy smaller containers of milk - LOL).
Lawrence
There is no mention in the service manual for a specific position for the control. There is a "no-load performance" chart, based on the control being at mid-position, and that's it. On my '58, the control had to be replaced, so I'm still getting accustomed to how it operates. As I noted in the other post, my Combination has a tendency to 'short-cycle' and I have been told to use the "4" setting on the control. The refrigerator section isn't as cold as I'd like it to be, but I've not lost any food (I've learned to buy smaller containers of milk - LOL).
Lawrence
Use and Care Guide
Not much more information there:
"TO START YOUR REFRIGERATOR
When your refrigerator is properly cleaned and connected, it is ready to use. All you have to do is set the Temperature Control to the degreee of coldness you prefer. The dial is numbered 1 to 9. . . warm to cold. Start with position number 5, which is a normal, average setting, and adjust up or down to suit your own needs."
Lawrence
Not much more information there:
"TO START YOUR REFRIGERATOR
When your refrigerator is properly cleaned and connected, it is ready to use. All you have to do is set the Temperature Control to the degreee of coldness you prefer. The dial is numbered 1 to 9. . . warm to cold. Start with position number 5, which is a normal, average setting, and adjust up or down to suit your own needs."
Lawrence
Thanks Lawrence. It could be that the control on mine needs to be replaced too. I may have to try and hunt one down. I kind of doubt there is a refrigerant issue.
I turned it up a notch to 8 this morning. With it set on 7, it got things down to low 40's. Since this fridge is for drinks, and in particular, beer, I'm trying to get it to the optimum 37 degrees. Only a few more to go!
Ralph
I turned it up a notch to 8 this morning. With it set on 7, it got things down to low 40's. Since this fridge is for drinks, and in particular, beer, I'm trying to get it to the optimum 37 degrees. Only a few more to go!
Ralph
redcarpetdrew
Well-known member
Not a refrigerant issue...
I agree. When I had it running here, both fresh food and freezer evaporators had a full frost pattern. I am assuming you checked/cleaned underneath and made sure the condensor fan motor was turning decently...
RCD
I agree. When I had it running here, both fresh food and freezer evaporators had a full frost pattern. I am assuming you checked/cleaned underneath and made sure the condensor fan motor was turning decently...
RCD
Yes, I vacuumed the condenser and fan area and all is operating properly.
I just now hung in the vicinity of the fridge for a full cycle. It ran for appx 25 minutes. Thermometer in the water glass is still above 40, but things may yet cool down further.
Is there anything that triggers the machine to shut down after it has been running for a certain length of time so that the evap coils in the fresh food section can shed their frost? That's the only thing I can think of that would be making it take so long to reach a lower temp after setting the control to a higher number.
I just now hung in the vicinity of the fridge for a full cycle. It ran for appx 25 minutes. Thermometer in the water glass is still above 40, but things may yet cool down further.
Is there anything that triggers the machine to shut down after it has been running for a certain length of time so that the evap coils in the fresh food section can shed their frost? That's the only thing I can think of that would be making it take so long to reach a lower temp after setting the control to a higher number.
Control Module
I think the fridge may need a new control module. I have it cranked up all the way, and have managed to break into the 30's, getting it down to 39 as a result. That's tolerable for now, but I like my beer really cold.
Of course, the control should be set about mid-way for a fresh food temperature of 39, not all the way to the coldest.
The freezer is super cold, below zero. This absolutely is not a refrigerant issue. I started out with a setting of 4-1/2, right in the middle. That put things in the mid-to-upper 40's. Cranking things up to the highest, or half way further around the dial, only dropped the temp by several degrees. For this reason, I think the culprit is the control assembly.
It's probably easy to switch out. It's probably not all that easy to find a replacement.
I might have to start a separate thread to catch the parts stash people's attention.
If this were a refrigerant issue the fridge would be cycling a lot more and laboring to keep things cold, and the freezer temp wouldn't be below zero. It's not doing that. It seems to me that the the control unit isn't sending the proper message.
Suggestions and comments welcome.
I think the fridge may need a new control module. I have it cranked up all the way, and have managed to break into the 30's, getting it down to 39 as a result. That's tolerable for now, but I like my beer really cold.
Of course, the control should be set about mid-way for a fresh food temperature of 39, not all the way to the coldest.
The freezer is super cold, below zero. This absolutely is not a refrigerant issue. I started out with a setting of 4-1/2, right in the middle. That put things in the mid-to-upper 40's. Cranking things up to the highest, or half way further around the dial, only dropped the temp by several degrees. For this reason, I think the culprit is the control assembly.
It's probably easy to switch out. It's probably not all that easy to find a replacement.
I might have to start a separate thread to catch the parts stash people's attention.
If this were a refrigerant issue the fridge would be cycling a lot more and laboring to keep things cold, and the freezer temp wouldn't be below zero. It's not doing that. It seems to me that the the control unit isn't sending the proper message.
Suggestions and comments welcome.
Ralph, I think you're being a tad picky for an appliance of this age. Is your concern that 39 degrees isn't achieved in the middle of the control range? It could be that an internal spring has gotten weaker.
I once had a monitor top that didn't get cold enough so I opened the control and "recalibrated" it. I doubt I would do that again. It took me all day. I ended up getting it to never shut off.
If it were me, I'd be happy to have such a nice fridge and be content with 39 degree drinks or move to a cooler state!
I once had a monitor top that didn't get cold enough so I opened the control and "recalibrated" it. I doubt I would do that again. It took me all day. I ended up getting it to never shut off.
If it were me, I'd be happy to have such a nice fridge and be content with 39 degree drinks or move to a cooler state!
Travis,
Yes, I was hoping for some padding on either side of the dial for cooler or warmer. I don't know yet how well this refrigerator does at maintaining an even temperature under widely varying ambient conditions.
I agree about calibration. I don't want to even try that. I'd rather find a replacement module but you are correct that if it can hang at around 39 for the time being, that will do until I find a new temp control.
My concern is also that since I have the control turned up to the highest it will go, that the freezer is going to be too cold--if that matters. I wasn't expecting it to be below zero in there while the fridge section is struggling to stay below 40. I think with a new control, setting it in the middle around "5" as GE suggests would make it so the freezer would be more around zero instead of well below.
Yes, I was hoping for some padding on either side of the dial for cooler or warmer. I don't know yet how well this refrigerator does at maintaining an even temperature under widely varying ambient conditions.
I agree about calibration. I don't want to even try that. I'd rather find a replacement module but you are correct that if it can hang at around 39 for the time being, that will do until I find a new temp control.
My concern is also that since I have the control turned up to the highest it will go, that the freezer is going to be too cold--if that matters. I wasn't expecting it to be below zero in there while the fridge section is struggling to stay below 40. I think with a new control, setting it in the middle around "5" as GE suggests would make it so the freezer would be more around zero instead of well below.
I didn't check the freezer when I first had the control set in the middle. I'm going to guess that the freezer was at zero when the fresh food section was in the upper 40's. That's based on the fresh food section dropping several degrees when the control was set to the coldest, so it seems to follow that the freezer would be several degrees below zero, which it currently is.
I'll run another freezer temp check to make sure, though.
I'll run another freezer temp check to make sure, though.
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