Westinghouse Refrigerator, Take 2

[classiccaprice]

Hi all, the last thread had some Suds Lock issues, so I'm trying it again. I'm still trying to find someone who could help out with parts from the I Love Lucy 1951-ish Westinghouse in New Jersey. Or, if this can't be done, someone who wants to save the fridge for themselves. Is anyone able to help? Does anyone want to give this one a good home?

 

[classiccaprice]

inside

 

[travis]

I don't remember hearing if you changed the relay, added a start capacitor, or even gave the compressor a whack with a rubber mallet.

It sounds like the compressor is stalled. Are either of install another compressor? I hate to be negative, but to ask someone to remove a compressor and ship it to you is a bit nasty. When you cut one loose, it's going to spray refrigerant and oil for the next hour. Ok, the refrigerant will be fast, but the oil lingers on.

 

[classiccaprice]

I know it is asking a lot, it really is a shot in the dark. I can't get there, and can't figure out a way to get it here that I can afford. I figured there was no harm in asking, but I realize that it's not likely, I feel like I'm out of options. Besides, if I can't get this cool fridge, at least someone else could save it from the crusher. That's really the main purpose for this posting.

Most of your questions were answered in the original post.

I banged on that thing with a rubber mallet for what seemed like hours. Dave changed out the relay and added a start capacitor. We still can't get it to turn over. I'm pretty much done with it. It probably will become some storage cabinet in my garage. Oh well....

 

[rp2813]

Sounds like the same thing that caused me to let my faithful litte '39 Westy go. I had power to the compressor but no action. I banged the compressor with a fiber mallet to no avail. I gave up. Having no experience with refrigeration, I wasn't about to try and pull the compressor. It ran pretty much continuously for almost 70 years. I'd say that little Westy was well worth whatever its original price was. You can be sure if it's Westinghouse!

I hope somebody near it can grab this fridge. It's a nice one and I love the handle on it.

 

[travis]

I am sorry to sound snotty earlier. I couldn't read the original post. The thought of some oily compressor wrapped up in a box got my mind reeling with all the work involved. Just watch for another one. They're out there. I had one, but gave it to a Lucy fan. By the 1950's fridges got kinda cheap.

 

[classiccaprice]

It's ok, The server took away the origional thread. I should have written all that over when I re-wrote this... oh well. Thanks for the advice fellas... We'll see if I get a 2nd wind and try beating on it again....

 

[goatfarmer]

Travis is right. More work, and headaches trying to remove and ship the original compressor, than to have someone retrofit something more modern in your 'fridge. You could do all that, and it still not work.

kennyGF

 

[classiccaprice]

Good Point... still available New Jersey people!

 

[qsd-dan]

There has gotta be someone out there that can still rebuild the compressor. With a fridge that old, it would be a good idea to have the system fully evacuated, flushed, and recharged anyway. If you're anal retentive, like me, I would install new hoses, seals, o-rings and be done with it for another 50 years.

 

[travis]

This is a sealed unit. It was never meant to be serviced. Replacing the compressor with a new one seems like the best option.

 

[qsd-dan]

Wow, I wouldn't have thought they were sealed way back when everything was meant to be serviced. A new compressor is the best option. Maybe a vintage NOS one so you'll know it'll churn away for more than a handful of years.

 

[neptunebob]

Oh, please don't break the seal! You could get fined!

One has to be certified to handle refrigerants and so a technician with the proper recovery equipment has to replace the compressor. But I see no reason why it could not be done, just has to be someone who has the equipment. Please save our ozone layer, don't do this yourself! If there is a label that states the amperage, it may be possible to replace it with same-sized new compressor.

 

[travis]

I have seen enough improper handling of refrigerant by licensed people that I tend to ignore all that.