For those that move old refrigerators regularly..

[athanasius80]

How long do you wait to start a machine up after it has been transported on its side? I have a 1936 GE (SO2 and running just fine) but it needs to be moved soon. I don't want to get mineral oil in the refrigerant but I don't know how long to let it sit before starting it up again.

Thanks!

 

[panthera]

Wasn't there

A thread on this last year? I think some very competent answers were listed.
Far as I remember, you shouldn't transport a fridge on the side ever, if you can avoid it. Regardless of how the fridge is moved, my boss always said "24" hours, no less. If customers complained that a unit didn't work after installation, his first question was always...how long did you wait. The ones which failed had always been turned on right after delivery...some people never listen, never learn.
Gosh, I'd love to see a monitor top in use. Would you mind posting some pictures of the move?
Thanks!

 

[athanasius80]

BTW, its this one!

 

[turquoisedude]

My father used to work for Eaton's back in the 50's on the delivery routes and 24 hours was always their rule of thumb. I once had to move a '41 Westinghouse on its side and after letting it sit for a day, it was just fine.

 

[retro-man]

Have done a lot a/c installations and the rule on those are 24 hours also. Have always heard the same with refrigerators. Plus always try to keep them upright.

 

[goatfarmer]

24 hours is good, but that is still no guarantee that some damage won't occur. Anything vintage, I wouldn't lay down.

 

[58limited]

I agree with everyone above - 24 hours minimum. My friend picked up my 1955 Frigidaire in Alabama and drove it to me on its side. I waited 36 hours before turning it on and it works fine.

Same with my '54 Frigidaire - bought it at an auction and drove it home on its side. Waited and it works fine too.

 

[filterflo]

IMPORTANT!!!!!!

There is another often overlooked key factor: Always unplug the refrigerator and let it sit (upright and non running) at least 2 hrs before putting it on its side. Its VERY important that the refrigerant pressure is neutralized between the HI and LO side of the system before putting it on its side. Most people fail to heed this issue are the ones that get into trouble..........and then let it sit upright a MINIMUM of 24 hrs before starting it up again.......

 

[athanasius80]

Thanks guys. I love all these tips. Keep 'em coming.

 

[gansky1]

I haven't moved a huge number of them, but I try to always transport them upright. If moving them alone, I don't hesitate to lay them down to cantilever them in to the bed of the truck, but stand them up again when they are in the bed.

 

[jeb]

Time to wait

I recently had to pick-up a new frig for the breakroom at work. The store told me to wait 1 hour for every 15 minutes on its side. This didn't seem right to me so we waited 12 hours ( it was on its side 30 minutes ). It has be working well for 6 monthes.

 

[goatfarmer]

Years ago, I made a delivery to the Gibson plant in Greenville, MI. They were shipping new 'fridges on their sides(or at least they used to). I STILL wouldn't do it, especially to a vintage one..

kennyGF