Loud and weak fridge compressor - Vintage Tecumseh AE series diagnosis and repair...

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<span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs x1xmvt09 x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="word-break: break-word; overflow-wrap: break-word; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; color: var(--primary-text); max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px;">I know these compressors were used in many appliances, such as dehumidifiers, window A/C units, fridges, icemakers, and freezers. Hope you guys enjoy this! </span>

 

<span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs x1xmvt09 x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="word-break: break-word; overflow-wrap: break-word; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; color: var(--primary-text); max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px;">Here is a video series where I repair troubleshoot a loud running and low-pumping capacity compressor. It is a 60’s or 70’s era Tecumseh AE series ¼ HP unit from a Coca-Cola cooler. Most of these gradually get louder over time and develop a “bell-ringing” sound as I like to call it. In this video, you can see what this is, and see it in an incipient stage of failure. Another problem took the compressor out of service before a mechanical failure happened. The vide is in two parts. Please check each of the two following links to YouTube for the video series.

</span>Part 1: https://youtu.be/MPCa9uSuGn8

Part 2: https://youtu.be/dXgioHnRsWs

The Tecumseh AE series is legendary. It is the original model of compressor which established the form factor we still use today. Most new compressors; be it Embraco, Danfoss, or any of the far-East copies will “bolt right up” where an AE series Tecumseh was. This is the original. This one lasted well over 50 years. It is more economical to buy a new compressor versus a repair like this, because the new ones fit easily. But I do these projects to help build skills for repairing more valuable, earlier models. I hope you enjoyed seeing this repair and appreciate the time spent to make it happen.

Sincerely,
David 

 

[cfz2882]

'60s Italy too.

my '68 vintage Italian made mini-fridge has "Aspera"compressor licensed from Tecumseh-small HP,~1/12,but is the familiar size.

 

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I wonder if the very small HP models such as the Aspera mini-fridge compressor last any longer? You know; due to less stress on the internal parts being built on the same size framework.

 

[cfz2882]

I was wondering the same: if small HP AE design is basicly the same with smaller bore and motor stator. A local auto parts store has a 1976 Pepsi machine and that has the distinctive Tecumseh sound

 

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That's cool about the 1976 Pepsi cooler. Make sure they keep the condenser fan working, and it should keep on going! 

 

[cfz2882]

I fixed the fan about a decade ago-it seized,compresser got loud from the head pressure-replaced the motor with a spare i had,and all good again-I like hearing the cooler startup:compresser starts,then the GE fan motor has that distinct GE sound as it spins up the 3-blade fan that has a quiet throb once at speed.Pop is still $.35 which might be 1976 price