SCORE!! G.E. LBX-7-B Refrigerator

[thatwasherguy]

Hey there everyone! I do believe I’m the happiest person alive right now! I just picked up a G.E. LBX-7-B refrigerator a couple of hours ago. It still works, but the condenser cooling fan didn’t turn on. It isn’t locked up, so I’m going to try to bypass the relay to get it to start. If that doesn’t work, then what part number would a replacement motor be? I’m also looking for the drawers and glass that go at the bottom of the compartment, as well as the wire shelf next to the evaporator. On top of that, the lower panel is missing, so I need that too. Anyone have any tips and tricks for getting one of these ready to go back into service? Also, when was it made? It’s type number is LBX-7-B. Thanks,
Thatwasherguy.

 

[circlew]

I would say it's from around 1946 or so.

 

[cfz2882]

yep..

I also think ~1946 is about right.I think GEs of this era had the "two phase"fan motor-you might be able to get the original turning again with some oil and some force.

 

[thatwasherguy]

Okay, so...

As it turns out, the cooling fan was a lot tighter than I initially thought it was. When I powered it up, it just hummed. It also showed that there was a short to ground, but the windings had less resistance than the short still, so it didn't blow the breaker. That said, I'm not comfortable with attempting to use this motor, as this indicates that it will short completely, it's just a matter of when. So, I'm trying to find a replacement motor. I've found a few that look like they'd fit, but I wanted to make sure that they would be correct. Most of them say that they are 2W and spin at 1550 RPM. My motor says that it's 1W, and makes no mention of the RPM. What RPM was the motor that came out of this? Also, does anyone have the wiring diagram to this machine? I took the wires off of the relay, and stupidly forgot to take a picture. Also, will the motor I have linked work, and is it good quality? I really don't want to spend $200 for the Genuine G.E. motor when these are about $40. I've had good luck with this SUPCO brand in the past, and have heard from others on here who have as well.
Thanks,
Thatwasherguy.

https://www.amazon.com/Supco-SM5109-Refrigerator-Condenser-Replaces/dp/B009AXF41S

 

[combo52]

Refrigerator condenser fan motors

Are about the most interchangeable part of refrigerators old and new.

Yes if you’re going to buy a new one definitely get the cheap Supko one, or the next refrigerator you see on the curb just grab your tools and take a fan motor out of it.

I usually grab the new electronic ones that only draw four or 5 Watts instead of your old one with straws about 35 W of power to operate it.

The new fan motor will be a two wire one wire it directly to the power source going to the compressor GE had it wired through the relay and through the overload so that if the compressor overheated the fan would shut off, later on they realized it was better to leave the fan running even if the compressor shut off from overheating to cool it down.

John L

 

[sudsmaster]

I have something very similar, but it's a '48. I think!