Frigidaire FPI-13B-62 starting capacitor

[ethanfogg]

I have a 1962 Frigidaire FPI-13B-62 refrigerator. The unit was being used daily. During a cleaning task the refrigerator electrical cord was jostled and the starting capacitor was somehow damaged in that event, and is now not working. The relay attempts to start the compressor each minute, it can be heard clicking. When first plugged in the compressor attempts to get going but cannot reach full operation because the capacitor cannot deliver the current required. After the compressor attempts to start it ceases attempting and the relay just clicks each minute.

I am having trouble finding a modern starting capacitor replacement as I am not able to find an exact replacement on the internet. I have the Frigidaire "Tech-Talk" service manual for 1962 and have all of the schematics and part numbers used at that time for my refrigerator. I found the starting capacitor's location and got information off of the actual part and took photos of the starting capacitor itself that I have included in this Thread.

The starting capacitor, in three areas on the capacitor, has the following printed on it: "DELCO 5891100 189 MED 110 VAC", in one area it reads: "B-1-62", there is nothing else printed on the starting capacitor. There are two red wires coming out of the capacitor that go to the relay. The starting capacitor is 3-3/4 inches tall and 1-3/4 inches in diameter.

I am aware that different capacitors preform different functions. My question to the Forum: Is there any modern starting capacitor that I can purchase that will function exactly as the original starting capacitor in this model Frigidaire, and where can I purchase it?

I am very concerned about damaging the refrigerator with a part that does not preform exactly as the original part. I have included photos in this Thread.

The following is additional information found on the Serial Number metal plate, I have also included a photo of the metal plate in this Thread.

VOLTS/115/CY60/COMP AMPS 3.4
VOLTS/110/CY50/COMP AMPS 3.4

7/32 HP

MIN. TEST PRESSURE APPLIED LBS
LOW SIDE 150 HIGH SIDE 300

5.3 TOTAL AMPS

(SERIAL NUMBER): 59A80312

REFIGERANT 12 CHARGE 18OZ

If anyone in the Forum can suggest a replacement and where it can be found that would be very greatly appreciated.

 

[combo52]

You need a 120 volt 189 MFD start cap, anything from 180-220 MFD will work fine.

 

Should not be hard to find at all.

 

John L.

 

[ethanfogg]

Frigidaire FPI-13B-62 Starting Capacitor

Frigidaire FPI-13B-62, Starting capacitor was changed with BMI MARS 110-125 VAC 189-227MFD starting capacitor, see photos. Could not find a 120 Volt only starting capacitor, they all had a range listed. Changing the capacitor did not solve the issue. Got the same situation, plug in refrigerator, turn on compressor from knob inside refrigerator, relay clicks, lights in room slightly dim when relay clicks, compressor does not attempt to start at all now. Relay clicks every 1 minute but compressor will not start. I have the Tech-Talk manual for this refrigerator. There are not that many components in this frig, what should I look at next?

 

[combo52]

Just Direct Wire The compressor and see it runs, you do not even need the start cap to do this.

 

If it does not start direct wired you need another compressor.

 

John L.

 

[ethanfogg]

How do you direct wire to the compressor?

 

[ethanfogg]

While waiting for instructions for direct wiring to the compressor, I had an idea. I wanted to actually see the relay working, so I took it apart. I wanted to get video of the relay armature engaging. I had the frig at a 45-degree angle leaning against the wall so I could access the relay and capacitor. I set the relay near the freezer foot pedal and plugged the frig in and reached in the frig and turned the temperature knob to start the compressor as it was in the OFF position, was a little tricky. When I turned the compressor on I expected the relay armature to click every minuet as it had been doing.

I was very surprised when the compressor actually started. When I took the relay apart a small yellow 1/4" piece of felt dropped out of it onto the floor. But I did not see it come out. Could not see any place the felt piece seemed to go and really did not want to get involved with poking around the relay, and the compressor was working. Really unusual, my guess is somehow the jostling of the electrical cord that caused the frig not to run somehow caused the relay armature to move erratically causing that small piece of felt to somehow obstruct the armature from making full contact. One side of the felt has a circular impression, might be a pad that cushioned the relay contact armature in some place. That's the best I've got on this unusual issue.

Very happy with help and advice from John L. thank you for your help. I put the relay back in and up-righted the frig, turned temperature dial to #3 position to let it get cold. Took all night to get food compartment cold as I am in an area with a heat wave and the entire frig was at room temperature when it restarted. Was still running in the morning, set temperature dial to #1 and compressor shut off. Frig sat for about 1/2 an hour and compressor restarted. Put food back in and seems to be doing fine. I will turn off compressor at temperature dial before moving for cleaning or unplugging from now on. Again, thank you to John L. and the Automaticwasher.org Forum. See photos.

 

[combo52]

Yay glad the compressor is running, you may want to look for another relay or convert it to a modern solid state relay-overload.

 

These old hot-wire relays do wear out eventually.

 

John L.

 

[ethanfogg]

Any ideas on where I would find an exact replacement relay from that time period? Also, is there a modern solid state relay-overload you would suggest and recommend as a replacement for that relay, and where could that be found? Is there a manufacturer and part number that you know of for that modern solid state relay-overload?