My 1949 Westinghouse refrigerator,

[whitekingd]

The other day I was defrosting the fridge. I finished and started to go to bed. I happened to check the seal in a few spots. I noticed the light was still on. I opened the door and checked the switch. It worked fine. Seven years ago I put on a new door seal. I adjusted the door at the time, and apparently caused the door to not push in the light button (by a fraction of an inch, literally!). I capped the button with a rubber cap, and now the fridge runs about half the time it used to. I feel like an idiot!! Poor Westinghouse has been doing double time in its twightlight years.

 

[rp2813]

As long as your fridge doesn't have to work too hard as a result of ambient conditions, it should keep on going for a while. The light in these models is in one of the coldest areas, so that may have helped in your situation. My mom's '49 Westy finally gave up a few years back when the garage it was in got too hot during a heat wave, combined with a great need for defrosting.

Interestingly, the gaskets never needed to be replaced on that machine--they outlasted the handle assembly--but there was some sort of weirdness with the light switch. It developed a melted area around it, but the light still worked. Never did know what caused that. RIP. It was part of my parents' brand new kitchen in a brand new house back in October of 1949. At least the stove still survives in daily service at Greg's house in Sparta.

 

[aaronfitzy]

I'm surprised....

Surprising you never noticed a difference on your electric bill....I know I would have!

Aaron