Should I buy this coppertone Frigidaire refrigerator?

[mrcoppertone]

(sorry... I think posted this initially in the wrong forum)

I came across what looks like a pretty nice coppertone Frigidaire refrigerator. The dimensions are good and the coppertone looks to match my O'Keefe and Merritt appliances.

However, I'm not too familiar with this model. Is it an energy hog? Trying to figure out if I should snap it up or run in the other direction!

 

[rp2813]

If it's in proper working order, it's probably a safe buy.  Depending on the asking price, that is.

 

[mrcoppertone]

It is for sale for zero dollars!

 

[norgeway]

I dont like a Frost Free fridge

BUT if you like it you can bet its 10,000 times better than anything built today,

 

[mrcoppertone]

It doesn't say frost-free anywhere on it... I'm wondering if it is or isn't. I know the gasket in the freezer needs to be replaced. That seems simple enough but I'm not sure what these older gaskets are like. I attached some additional photos. It looks pretty pristine on the inside.

 

[pulltostart]

I don't believe this one is frostless.  

 

lawrence

 

[pdub]

Not Frost-Free

This is a manual defrost model. It is in VERY good shape for its age. I would definitely take it if I were you.

I recommend moving it in an upright position if at all possible. I moved one on its side once and even after letting it sit upright for 24 hours before plugging in, the compressor died. So don't take a chance.

Best of luck.

 

[goatfarmer]

That's about a 1968 model Frigidaire. Should have a "N" in the model number, something like FD 141 TN or similar. That one still has the model number stamped on the back. Cycle defrost, not a frost free. 

 I wouldn't hesitate to use this as a daily driver 'fridge. No fans, or defrost systems to worry about. Go for it!

 

[mrcoppertone]

Thanks for the advice everyone. This sounds like a go to me.

How does the cycle defrost work? Does it have some kind of dial, turn off on its own, or do you unplug with the door open?

 

[rp2813]

I think the "cycle defrost" is similar to GE's, where the evaporator coil/plate in the rear of the fresh food section does defrost, but the freezer section doesn't.  Defrosting occurs each time the compressor cycles off.  The compressor remains off until the coil/plate in the fresh food section reaches a certain temperature, signaling that the condensation has melted and drained away.

 

The freezer must be defrosted manually.  Either turn the cold control to the "OFF" position or unplug the fridge, then let the freezer defrost.  There are portable defrost heaters that help speed the process (see picture).  It doesn't look like there's a drain in the freezer section, which is a real drawback IMO because that means sopping up all of the water.  GE provided a drain, so a simple wiping down is all that's required.  All told, the hands-on portion of defrosting the GE totaled about ten minutes.

 

A new freezer door gasket made a huge difference on my GE.  I went from defrosting every three or four months to less than twice a year.

 

[combo52]

Cycle Defrost Frigidaire Refrigerator

This could be an excellent ref for you if the sealed refrigerating system is working properly.

 

I would not replace the gasket unless you can find an exact replacement that is in good pliable condition AND only if it is truly not sealing properly, you will know if it is leaking because you will get fast frost build-up on the ceiling of the freezer. Otherwise just clean up the old seal without removing it.

 

Best way to defrost is to put one or two fairly large pots of boiling water in the freezer after turning the temperature dial in the ref section off. [ the food in the ref section can stay put as defrosting should only 1/2 - 3/4 of an hour ]

 

I would NOT use an electric defroster because I have seen many older refs destroyed by these and it is not nearly as fast and is a bigger mess than the pots of boiling water.

 

Also DO-NOT use anything metal to try and scrape loose the frost, this FD ref uses a roll-bond aluminum evaporator and even a blunt butter knife can puncture the evaporator and immediately destroy the refrigerator     [ if you want you can use a plastic windshield scraper ]

 

John L.

 

[mrcoppertone]

Thanks John. The seller did confirm that it is developing frost relatively quickly in the freezer. I'll see how bad it is when it arrives though. They said that rubbing some petroleum jelly around the edges seems to help. Otherwise, the fridge functions perfectly.

If the gasket really becomes a problem, I could certainly use advice on where to look for a correct replacement. I'm guessing eBay?

 

[fan-of-fans]

I like it. The detailing is very nice, and it's in remarkable condition and clean for its age! Good find.

 

[norgeway]

CYCLA MATIC

YES These are WONDERFUL

 

[mrcoppertone]

The Frigidaire has arrived! I have to say, everyone was really blown away with how nice it is in person. I really lucked out with the right coppertone finish and fridge size. It definitely gets COLD. As you can see in the pictures, I had to somewhat demolish my kitchen to get the old one out and this one in! I plan on repainting the whole kitchen so it was actually a good time to do it.

I've been running it for a couple of days and it does looks like there is a bit of a gasket leak in the freezer. It's developing frost fairly quickly. Unfortunately, I forgot to check the model # in the back. I believe it's an FD-141TN. If anyone has any info on where I can find the matching gasket, would appreciate it! I've done quite a few searches and can't come up with anything. I was also thinking of repairing the gasket with some silicone.

 

[goatfarmer]

Model number should also be behind the kick plate or crisper drawers.

 

I've had limited success with putting something behind the gasket, a filler of sorts. Maybe a small piece of foam?

[this post was last edited: 5/18/2019-12:08]

 

[oliger]

The quickest and easiest way for me to defrost the freezer is to turn it off and put a pan of boiling water on top of a towel and close the door.

 

[pulltostart]

The Frigidaire looks great!  Congratulations on a great find.

 

lawrence

 

[spacepig]

Glad you were finally able to find something. It looks perfect in your kitchen!