1957 Norge refrigerator issue

[travis]

I recently brought home this Norge because it was cheap and in very nice condition.  It also had a GE monitor top chiller tray with it.

 

The previous seller said it would run for awhile and then quit.  Sure enough, it did.  I caught it trying to start up, but it took three attempts.  I figured at the least the relay was going out.  I changed that last night with a generic replacement.  According to the wiring diagram on the back, this is frost-free and has two heaters. 

 

Can someone explain how that works?  The refrigerator section has a drain in the bottom and a tray to catch water behind the kick panel.  The freezer section doesn't have a drain or a fan.  I am hoping the thermostat isn't a problem.  It started right up with the new relay.  Cross your fingers it's running fine in my basement.

 

[goatfarmer]

Nice 'fridge Travis, let's hope the relay works.

 

[rp2813]

Wow Travis, that is a beautiful, clean and fairly rare Norge!

 

I have a feeling the Norge frost-free claim is the same as for GE's of the same vintage -- it only applies to the refrigerated section and the freezer still requires manual defrosting, which would be a lot more hands-on than a GE since the Norge's freezer has no drain.

 

The two heaters thing is puzzling.  Maybe there's one down below to help the drained condensate in the pan evaporate?

 

I hope the aftermarket relay resolves the quitting problem.

 

[norgeway]

Its a Cycle Defrost in the fridge,

But the freezer section is manual defrost, I would love this in my kitchen!! a Borg Warner special!! I like this much better than it being frost free, you can bet your ice cream will stay hard as a brick with no freezer burn issues, I DESPISE a frost free!

 

[travis]

Hans,

 

I haven't quite decided if I need to keep it, but would really like it to come to you at some point.  I mainly brought it home because someone should. 

 

Send me an email and we will stay in touch.

 

Travis

 

[polkanut]

My cousin Marvel had this exact same model fridge up until about 2 years ago when a power surge fried it to a crisp.  It was her main fridge from the day it was purchased new until 1978 when she and her husband built a new home at which time it served as their basement bar fridge.  WOW, talk about ice cold food & beverages!  The door handles always fascinated me.

 

[travis]

It's running and cold but has a control issue.  It seems to run for about 90 seconds and is off for 5-6 minutes.  Every so often, it will run for a long cycle.  I am betting on a thermostat issue.  Does anyone have a stash of Norge parts?  The thermostat also has the two heaters connected to it.

 

[neptunebob]

This one looks like the refrigerator in the Hitchcock movie, Rear Window.

Ever notice how in Hitchcock movies, everybody is a sharp dresser?

 

[brucelucenta]

Looks like the refrigerator my parents had. My father bought a Norge refrigerator and washer and dryer all at the same time. They were '57 models.

 

[goatfarmer]

Are you sure the compressor isn't getting hot, and shutting down?

 

[travis]

Kenny,

 

I am pretty sure it's not getting hot and stopping.  I went home last night and plugged the compressor in direct.  It started and ran fine for twenty minutes, until I pulled the plug.  Prior to my test, the unit had short cycled.