GE Combination Defrost Cycle

[rp2813]

It's been about a month since my '57 GE Combination went back into service and I need to be reminded about the cold control and defrost cycle and how they function.

I've noticed it takes a long time for the fresh food section to recover temperature after numerous or prolonged door openings. I've also noticed that the fridge generally runs for about 20 to 25 minutes, then defrosts for about the same amount of time. Even when it's trying to regain temperature, it will shut off and defrost rather than wait until it reaches proper temperature. This makes for a very long, drawn-out recovery process.

I seem to recall that in a previous Combo thread here on Super, a poster referred to a (possibly) GE cold control as some sort of timer/control hybrid. Judging from the way the machine behaves, I'm wondering if my theory that the fridge will stop and defrost at regular intervals regardless of whether it was just plugged in 20 minutes ago and the interior temperature is 72, or if it has been running undisturbed for 53 years and it's 37 inside, is correct. It appears the defrost cycle trumps the call for a cooler cabinet. Or does my cold control have issues?

Advice and information will be appreciated.

Ralph[this post was last edited: 7/5/2010-20:23]

 

[pulltostart]

Ralph,

I've scanned the covers for the 1957 Service Manual and the 1958 Owner's Manual, and will email those to you separately.

From the Service Manual:

"After the door is opened a number of times, the food load, frost build-up and frequency of door openings will raise the temprature above the figures shown."

Also:
"A typical termperature record for 1957 model BH combination refrigerators is shown below. The slide lide line at the top shows the temperature of the frdsh food evaporator on "Temperature". When this evaporator reaches 37-1/2F, the control turns the machine on. After a short delay, the temperature of the fresh food evaporator becomes colder quite rapidly to below freezing and then more gradually until the controls shut off the machine. The evaporator then warms up gradually during the off cycle until reaching 32 degrees F. at which point the accumulated frost melts. After defrosting, the evaporator temperature rises slowly to 37-1/2 degrees and then the complete cycle is repeated."

Does this help?

Lawrence

 

[combo52]

GE COMBINATION FREST FOOD DEFROST SYSTEM

Assuming the doors are closing well and the lights are turning off you either have a bad cold control [ thermostat ] or sealed system problems. Email me with your Ph # and I can offer more information on how to check it out John.

 

[rp2813]

Thanks John

I just sent you an e-mail with my contact information and I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

Lawrence, thanks for the scans and service manual advice.

Ralph

 

[thor]

Cyclamatic thermostat

Ralph, what you could do to make the refrigerator make longer runs between stops is to "insulate" the tip of the thermostat bulb, in the area where it rests (makes contact) against the refrigerator side cooling plate (lower evaporator). To do this, just unscrew the metal plate that holds the U shaped (or straight) thermostat bulb tip against the cooling plate and insert a 2-3" long soft (pliable) plastic tube. Screw back the supporting plate in place. This plastic will act as an insulator, rendering longer runs between stops.

I hope this helps,
Emilio

 

[rp2813]

Thanks Emilio, I will check out the bulb for that option. It's definitely my kind of repair operation!

 

[pulltostart]

Mate?

Ralph,
Here's an opportunity for you to get a second '57 combination - in San Fran, no less.

Lawrence

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[rp2813]

Oh, that turquoise beauty has Nate written all over it. I have alerted him.

 

[rp2813]

After talking with John (combo52) and then contacting Larry at Modern Parts, I'm anticipating delivery of not only a replacement cold control, but a set of OEM door gaskets too!

I really think we can rule out the sealed system as the problem. The freezer is zero or colder and the fresh food section, in spite of the over-zealous defrosting, is between 35 and 40, depending on the shelf. A new cold control should facilitate a more normal rate of recovery to set temperature than the machine is currently able to accomplish.

Thanks John! I'll be in touch if I have further questions.

Ralph