1962 Frost Guard Refrigerator Needs Repair

[combo52]

Older GE Ref With Possable Compressor Problems.

These older GE refs often had three winding's in the compressor rather than the regular two sets of winding's that are common on 99% of compressors ever built.

 

The things that need checking out are, the resistance of all three winding's to see if they are within specs, you also want to check if the winding's are grounded to the case at all. Also check the amps when the compressor is running, if they are too high the winding's may be shorted.

 

You could have a sticking or bad relay that could cause problems.

 

Keep in mind the compressor will run hot if you try and run it with the back panel removed.

 

It is very likley that this compressor is worn out, this can be easily tested by attaching a gauge to the low-side port on the compressor and seeing if the compressor can still draw a 30" vacuum, if not the compressor will never work well. The procedure for performing this test are in the GE service manuals.

 

A modern compressor can be fitted to these older refs but you need a skilled refrigeration tech to do it, and unless you find someone that wants to do this installation as a labor or love expect to pay $500-1500 to get this done properly.

 

John L.

 

[cuffs054]

Kelly, blowing air on the compressor is not what you want. Try directing the fan to blow through the 'condenser' , the coil near the compressor. You want that to be cool. It pulls the heat out of the system.

 

[kelly0721]

Compressor problems

I got a second opinion yesterday from someone a little more experienced with an older refrigerator. He was able to simulate my problem by turning the temperature in the freezer up to get the compressor to turn off. Unfortunately, when he turned the temperature back down the compressor and fan would not restart after an hour. He and his boss felt that the compressor was failing. Cost is about $1000 to fix, which I can see why when he explained all the work that had to be done. I told him I had to speak with my husband before I could commit to the repair. 

 

After the repairman left, I did the same thing I did before, which was cool the compressor down with an extra fan, waited an hour or so and then plugged the fridge back in. It cooled off the interior and is working just fine, but I know I cannot keep a portable fan on it all the time, so I am not sure what to do now. I really want to fix it, but hubby is not a huge fan of vintage anything, so the chances of him forking over $1000 to get it fixed are slim to nil. 

 

John, I bought the fridge without a back panel. I too have been wondering if that was part of the problem and trying to figure out where I could get one as it seems unsafe to not have one. I am not sure if the repairman did everything you suggested, but I hope so. Thank you so much for the great advice.   

 

 

[panthera]

One thing to keep in mind

Modern refrigerators are built to die in less than 10 years.

Their plastic parts, their electronics - it's all built down, to a price point.

Regardless of how much you pay, it's going to be trash in a very short time.

This one, repaired, will last for decades more.

Part of what the back cover did was to channel the air flow for optimal cooling. They're not hard to make yourself.

Me - I'd go for it. It's already in the house, it's beautiful and the $1000 or so is money well spent compared to what you get for that new. Just have some reviews of current refrigerators bookmarked for your husband to read, first.

 

[kb0nes]

built to die in less than 10 years

BS

 

[panthera]

NOT BS

Although most of our work is for private home owners, we do much of the clean-up and replacement work for insurance situations and two major property-managers in the area.

In short, I replace between 27 and 31 refrigerators every single year.

Life expectancy 1982 and earlier: (reference point because of gigantic rental build-up here in '81/82) 30+ years.

Life expectancy for units made after 1990 (major building boom of multiple unit buildings in this area): less than 15 years.

Life expectancy for units built in 2005-8 (last major building boom of multiple unit condos/townhouses): They all started failing in 2015 and we have precisely ONE (1) still currently in use in the 187 units we do the repairs/renovations on.

 

So, no, not BS. I'm sure the industry standard of 14-15 years applies to queens like us who vacuum regularly and read the instruction manuals. For the rest of the world, nope - the electronics are just plain junk. Followed by the plastic interior parts. And, though renters don't notice it, I know from having translated the white papers for B/S/H that the industry only allows eight years of full refrigerant supply after which enough has leaked that the unit is gradually becoming less and less efficient.

 

But, hey - why let reality get in the way of our discussions?

 

[kelly0721]

BS / NOT BS

Whether new appliances were built to last beyond 10 years or not, I absolutely prefer the aesthetics of this refrigerator over new refrigerators. That being said, I am more inclined to have the Frost Guard repaired. It may be that I have to leave it in the garage until I can save the money myself. My husband is adamant about it not being in our kitchen until it is repaired. I think it would be a good investment in a really beautiful refrigerator that will last a long time.

 

[rp2813]

Let's hope John L. can provide specifics on the type of compressor that's best for a replacement.   The options may be limited.