Frigidaire Fridge question.

[volvoguy87]

So there I was repairing a friend's late 1940s Frigidaire Model SR-60 refrigerator today...

It had a bad relay. The relay was serviceable, but the plastic was so brittle it cracked when I carefully opened it. I got a generic replacement relay, installed it, and all was well. For about 45 minutes, when the thermostat was satisfied and shut off the compressor...

Now the compressor tries to start, but can't turn over and the overload switch in the new relay clicks off.

What did I do? I triple checked the wiring according to the wiring diagram and the notes I took during disassemble (they matched). Did I kill the compressor? I feel terrible!

Can I fix it, and if so, how?
A very upset Dave

 

[everythingold]

a high initial amp draw is a sign of a bad compressor. Not your fault. If it is really cool, it might be worth a new compressor.

 

[kenwashesmonday]

Try starting it with test leads. Apply voltage to the run winding, and momentarily juice the start winding.

It's possible the new relay is now bad. It's also possible the compressor is bad and cooked the original relay.

Ken D.

 

[volvoguy87]

Cap?

Could the compressor be made to run again with the starting aid of some sort of a large start capacitor? The fridge has no capacitor in its factory-built configuration. If so, what specs should I look for and how should I wire it all up?

The refrigerator is a Frigidaire SR-60. A smaller size refrigerator from the late 1940s with a shoebox freezer.

As an option to explore, what kind of compressor could I get as a replacement, where could I obtain it, and how much would it cost? I would take the fridge to a professional for a compressor replacement because I lack the necessary equipment to pull a vacuum ad charge a system. Also, although I can solder copper water pipe, I can't solder refrigeration lines. What should I do about the R12 in the present system? I don't want to vent it and I know R12 isn't cheap these days.

As yet another option, anyone in the Cincinnati region want to get rid of a vintage fridge or two? Rickr, I remember there was a store with some near you, are there any still there?

So many questions! Why couldn't this have been simple and been a Monitor Top?

Thanks y'all,
Dave

 

[athanasius80]

Dave,
Don't feel bad. I had a 1936 GE do the same thing to me. Remember there's a good chance that the machine was already dying and you got it when it was beyond saving.

Keep us posted.

Chris

 

[volvoguy87]

Bumpity

Bump bump.

Any thoughts on how to go about a compressor replacement?

 

[athanasius80]

To replace a compressor, I'd find a guy who works on small refrigeration systems. Remember this isn't an ice arena, nor an air conditioner.

You'll need to procure a new compressor. You'll need your technician to vent the old gas, break the lines, get the refrigerant oil out of the evaporator, put in the new compressor, splice the lines, evacuate the system, and charge up. Honestly it'll probably be a few hundred. I haven't had to do it yet but I"m sure I will someday.

Positives: You've got a new fridge in a kickass old cabinet. Negatives: Expensive!

 

[travis]

Dave,

Without the proper tools, you just need to call around until you find someone that's willing to work with your odd request in service. Normally, it isn't worth it to replace a compressor. I would expect a compressor to cost $150 and for the labor to be at least the same, if not twice.