Stile Heater Question on a vintage fridge.

[volvoguy87]

I'm helping a friend out with a 1969-ish Sears Coldspot refrigerator (made by Whirlpool). Model 106.6694001

It has experienced exterior sweating and it has been determined that the stile heater has failed. Upon exposing the stile heater, we found the end to have broken off. Is it possible to connect the end of the wire to the end of the stile heater, or must the heater be replaced? The stile heater consists of a small wire heater attached to a strip of aluminum foil. The heating wire itself is very fine, almost like a strand of hair, in a sort of insulation, which is adhered to the foil strip. Is it possible to make a new heater if this sort of material is sold by the foot? How would I attach this to the copper supply wires?

I'm more familiar with refrigerators from the 1950s and older, once I get into self-defrosting models with heaters, I'm a bit lost.

Dave

 

[mrb627]

Break Point

If the break point is in the connecting wire and not part of the heating element itself, it would be worth a shot at rejoining the break. Soldering to strengthen the joint and some electrical tape to secure.

Malcolm