GE Monitor Top - moving questions

[swestoyz]

Some good advice Ralph. I'll wire in a more permanent solution for the cord this weekend and let it run a few days and see what happens. I've been hesitant to let it run over night as I'm using a patch cord right now to power it up.

I do recall that when we had the top off, I don't remember seeing any substantial seal anywhere. I saw insulation in-between the panels and the remains of a seal, but I suspect right now it is metal on metal for the most part.

Nathan - thanks for the tip on the cold control settings. I'll let it sit on 5 this weekend and hope for the best. I'll keep you posted on the plug and will let you know if it fits. I have a feeling it won't.

Ben

 

[goatfarmer]

I'm thinking SO2 was only used by GE, I don't recall anyone else using it. SO2 is some nasty stuff, if you ever smell it, you won't forget it!

 

[travis]

Ben,

 

Your control is sticking in the on position.  A friend of mine has drilled a hole in the bakelite case and oiled one before.  I'll ask him what he did and where.  I might have some shelves.  I doubt your cabinet plug will fit.  I'd love to find a source for those, other than other fridges.

 

Most other manufacturers used SO2 at some point.  Frigidaire used it on their belt drives.  I think they were involved with the creation of R-12.  All of the round top GE monitor tops used SO2 or Methyl Formate.  If I look at my service manual, it shows that GE used SO2 until 1938, then used R12 for a few models and then resumed using SO2.  I asked Mike Arnold about that.  He replied that R12 runs louder and that customers complained.  He said you could charge a CK model top with R12, but it would run louder.

 

SO2 is nasty, but won't hurt you unless you're dumb enough to stay in the room with it.  Everything has it's downside.  Things that are considered safe now are just waiting for someone to find their flaws and dangers.

 

[swestoyz]

Travis - I'd be interested in knowing where to drill and how deep to help motivate the control to cycle again. This weekend I plan to get a more permanent wiring solution so I can let it run for a few days and hope the cold control starts to cycle.

You were right - the NEMA sized plug was too large. Oh well I'm only out a few bucks. I will modify an extension cord plug to fit in the receptacle.

Shelves would be good.

Ben

 

[rp2813]

where to drill and how deep to help motivate the control to

That sounds like subject matter for the DL forum!

 

[rp2813]

Check out reply #64 in the vintage fridge thread and you'll see that Stan's monitor top is an early cabinet (the type that would have the exposed coil unit) with a much later mechanical system on top.

 

[swestoyz]

Ugh

Bad news. Came home tonight from the neighbors and checked on the Monitor Top. It has been plugged in and has run perfectly since Monday - cold control and all, easily maintaining 35 degrees in the cabinet set at 6 (humid house).

It wasn't running when I went downstairs, and the coils and compressor were cool to the touch. Opened the door and it was sitting at 70 degrees. Turned it off, then back on to hear the motor hum. The only thing that might be a saving grace is the relay. I'll check it out this weekend if I have time.

Ben