Refrigerator help

[flat4nbrain]

I have a 1960 FPI-15B that keeps freezing up. The defrost timer is new. And it still freezes. So my next thing would be the thermostat correct? But I cannot find the exact one. Is there a replacement I can get? Its part number is 6540457

The second thing is, I also have a 56 GE. BH 15RD4. The relay is bad on it. And I cannot find the exact one. Its part number is 408c156. Really any and all help will be much appreciated. Thank you.

 

[goatfarmer]

If you are talking the small thermal disc, there should be some numbers on it. Cut in and cut out temperatures. But it can also be bypassed for diagnostic testing purposes, to see if it is the problem.

 

[rp2813]

The relay part number doesn't seem right to me.  The replacement part for my '57 GE was WR7X57. 

 

Does it look like this?

 

[flat4nbrain]

Yes. Thats it!

 

[rp2813]

I found mine NOS/IB on ebay, but it turned out the existing relay was OK.  If you're unable to locate one, hit me up.

 

Just beware that it's likely you'll be dealing with crispy wiring, so be very careful not to create any more work than you have to.  I ended up having to buy a replacement condenser fan motor because disturbing its wiring proved fatal.  It kept crumbling all the way back to the motor.

 

[flat4nbrain]

Ok. Thank you. I know there are 3 wires falling apart already. I may end up rewiring it

 

[rp2813]

Double check the relay after fixing the wiring.  I found out the relay was fine and I had a terminal situation with my fridge.

 

No pun intended.

 

 

[flat4nbrain]

Well, got an NOS relay. Replaced the wiring and plugged it in. Still no change. It draws hard but never kicks on.

 

[rp2813]

Sounds like the same situation I had.  I'm pretty sure mine had a fried run winding.  I couldn't find anyone willing to replace the compressor, even though there was a NOS one listed on ebay that I was ready to pounce on. 

 

[flat4nbrain]

So I'm screwed? I guess I could call around and see if I can find someone that can fix it. Or do I just cut my losses ($200) and scrap it?

 

[rp2813]

It doesn't hurt to try and find someone to repair it, but it will have to be an older guy who actually knows how to repair and doesn't immediately default into a "Buy a new one" advisory.

 

Even though I made it clear that I wouldn't expect any kind of warranty on the work, particularly since I would have been providing the NOS compressor, I couldn't find anyone who was willing to do the job.

 

As long as the fridge isn't taking up valuable space, it's worth a try to find the replacement part (a new Embraco compressor would work) and a fearless repairman.  Just don't buy any parts until you're sure you have someone who will install them.

 

Also, based on your experience as well as my own, I'm convinced that these GE relays never fail.  That would be way too easy to fix.

 

[goatfarmer]

Is there a tech school close, where they teach refrigeration? Maybe they would be interested in looking at it.

 

[flat4nbrain]

Ok. So I bought the supco 3n1 and have no idea how to put it in. Has anyone installed one in a GE combination? My confusion comes from all the internal wiring on the compressor.

 

[combo52]

Hi Brain, how many terminals are on your GE compressor ?

 

It needs to be only 3, if it has 4 the 3IN-1 will not work.

 

A resistance check of the windings is the first thing to do to see if the compressor is even viable.

 

John L.