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Post by turbokinetic on May 23, 2018 3:45:30 GMT
So today I was pointed in the direction of this cute little thing!
It's an old Frigidaire AM-43F.
The seller advertised it as "non working" but didn't know the story on it. It was an estate sale find. We agreed on a price if "the compressor runs but it doesn't cool" or if it didn't run but "resistances looked good at the terminals" and another price if the compressor appeared damaged. When plugged in at his place, it would not hum, draw current, or do anything. The light came on and that was it. But, thankfully the resistance looked good at the compressor.
It originally had this funky square cover on top. Never seen one of them but expect it was designed to allow you to use it as a table top and things wouldn't roll off.
The condenser coil is on the back, as opposed to underneath on the larger Frigidaires.
Has a full size evaporator...
And a full-size 1/8 HP Meter-Mizer compressor.
So here I check it out. Does it run? I can't wait to find out!
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Post by jake on May 23, 2018 4:49:27 GMT
Such a cute little Frigidaire!! It's a 1950 model. I have it listed in my 1950 Frigidaire Parts Book. The top piece is original to the fridge and is called "Top-cabinet shell auxiliary (flat-Dulux)" part number 5854087. Looks like that's the difference between the AM-43 and AM-43F. The "F" probably designated the flat top as opposed to the rounded top. There is supposed to be a lower shelf, part number 5853638. The description is "Shelf-Plain". The upper shelf, which you have, is called "Shelf-Drip Tray" part number 5853632. There's two ice trays that originally came with it too. Their part number is 5407167, quanity two. So glad it's running and cooling, at least to some degree, on the initial inspection. It's kinda like a miniature version of my DM-90P. I'll be especially interested in the progress and videos of this one!! An absolute gem!! Very happy you found it! If you want any part numbers just let me know and I'll be happy to share with you.
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Post by ckfan on May 23, 2018 12:11:04 GMT
This is so cool. Great find! I have the same model. Not the exact same model since mine doesn’t have the flat top. Mine is just rounded. I need to get a thermostat for mine. It short cycles like crazy. That’s why I haven’t posted it on the forum. Well, that and the fact that my job is slowly killing me mentally and physically...kind of puts a hamper on doing fun projects. I just need to start making time to do this stuff!
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Post by ckfan on May 23, 2018 12:19:02 GMT
I also just watched your video. The fact that the thermostat was wonky on your fridge confirms to me that these thermostats are delicate flowers. I also had a late 40s model with the same style that was very touchy. Glad to see that it works! It does look better with a rounded top.
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Post by turbokinetic on May 23, 2018 13:15:17 GMT
Such a cute little Frigidaire!! It's a 1950 model. I have it listed in my 1950 Frigidaire Parts Book. The top piece is original to the fridge and is called "Top-cabinet shell auxiliary (flat-Dulux)" part number 5854087. Looks like that's the difference between the AM-43 and AM-43F. The "F" probably designated the flat top as opposed to the rounded top. There is supposed to be a lower shelf, part number 5853638. The description is "Shelf-Plain". The upper shelf, which you have, is called "Shelf-Drip Tray" part number 5853632. There's two ice trays that originally came with it too. Their part number is 5407167, quanity two. So glad it's running and cooling, at least to some degree, on the initial inspection. It's kinda like a miniature version of my DM-90P. I'll be especially interested in the progress and videos of this one!! An absolute gem!! Very happy you found it! If you want any part numbers just let me know and I'll be happy to share with you. Thanks for the details and the catalog page! These details make the hobby more interesting for sure! Now I need to be on the lookout for more ice trays. They do seem to turn up at the antique shops from time to time.
I can also keep searching eBay for the part number of the lower shelf. I bet they removed it because it wouldn't hold tall bottles with that in there. Probably got set aside in years past and lost to posterity.
This is so cool. Great find! I have the same model. Not the exact same model since mine doesn’t have the flat top. Mine is just rounded. I need to get a thermostat for mine. It short cycles like crazy. That’s why I haven’t posted it on the forum. Well, that and the fact that my job is slowly killing me mentally and physically...kind of puts a hamper on doing fun projects. I just need to start making time to do this stuff! --- I also just watched your video. The fact that the thermostat was wonky on your fridge confirms to me that these thermostats are delicate flowers. I also had a late 40s model with the same style that was very touchy. Glad to see that it works! It does look better with a rounded top. Yeah, I'm happy to have found it for sure! I know that with anything "non working" it's only a matter of time before it ends up going to the dump. It's cool that you guys have one similar and one almost the same as it. I had no idea that they sold a fridge this small back then!
My AS-76 had a similar diagnostic routine to it. Previous owner said it quit working, as a garage fridge. After transporting it home, it worked for me for about 2 or 3 weeks. Then the YT-Relay got stuck. I was able to replace the worn away contact points and get the relay working again and that one has been reliable for about 2 years now.
For me, these projects are an escape from work. I love my work when on site; but often between assignments it gets to me. There is a lot of office politics and mind-numbing, soul-crushing ineptitude that happens and really kills me. Seeing a few bad apples ruin the reputation of many very good people is just hard to take. A person can only take so much of the anxiety and sadness caused by this sort of thing. Projects like this keep me from dwelling on it. With the AS-76, the thermostat knob was clearly still clicking and the compressor would hum but not start since the start contacts were the problem. This one was found plugged in but not cooling after sitting for no telling how long; and the thermostat wouldn't click anymore.
Hopefully today I can get the thermostat checked out and see if there is a way to restore it.
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Post by turbokinetic on May 24, 2018 1:47:40 GMT
Got a little update!
Today I decided to replace the wiring on this refrigerator with new materials. During this time, I wanted to troubleshoot the problems it had when I tested it at the seller's place.
As you remember, the thermostat was not working correctly. I found out why and was able to attempt a repair! This is detailed in the video. To make a long story short, someone had "forced" the knob back past the Off position, breaking part of the mechanism.
Also, the YT-Relay motor start device was in need of new contacts. It got them and is working much better now!
Upon opening the thermostat, the tab (circled) was broken off from the point where the arrow is indicating.
Fortunately, the other side of the mechanism had another tab. I moved the travel limiter which works with the tab, from the broken side to the good side. Functions, but time will tell if it is still accurate.
Now for the YT-Relay with missing contacts.
Took a scrap automotive relay ane removed the contact arm.
Drilled a hole in the damaged arm of the YT-Relay. Put the automotive relay arm in place and wedged it with paper to hold it for soldering.
(continued)
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Post by turbokinetic on May 24, 2018 1:51:50 GMT
The new contact is soldered in place.
Now the relay is in place for a test start! Got the new wiring in place as well.
Now it's all going back together.....
New wiring at the compressor as well - plus a new 3-wire grounded cord.
Lined up with the full size Frigidaire, and Andrew's CK Monitor Top. It's running tonight to see if the thermostat will cycle.
Some details of the repairs:
Hope y'all are enjoying my Frigidaire repairs!
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Post by ckfan on May 24, 2018 2:29:07 GMT
Very nice repair job you did there. Love the way you make your videos. That little tab breaking off is exactly what happened to my thermostat I bet. I’ll have to take a closer look at it to be sure. I never felt the snap action either and that could be why it was short cycling.
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Post by turbokinetic on May 24, 2018 2:34:18 GMT
Very nice repair job you did there. Love the way you make your videos. That little tab breaking off is exactly what happened to my thermostat I bet. I’ll have to take a closer look at it to be sure. I never felt the snap action either and that could be why it was short cycling.
Thanks I appreciate your positive comments! I have a feeling that the broken tab issue has happened to many people. There's no real "positive stop" other than that contact arm lifting up and the tab hitting the stop. If the contacts open before the "snap" occurs, there will be short cycling. The fixed contact has an adjustable depth by turning the contact in and out. The outside is threaded, but has a pin driven in it that you would have to somehow get out.
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Post by jake on May 24, 2018 4:30:00 GMT
Yes, another great video! Thank you!! When I first got my Frigidaire it too had a thermostat problem. It would run continuously and freeze everything! I removed the thermostat, as you did. My feeler tube is routed exactly as yours. Behind the breaker strip on the right side. I cleaned the contacts and put a drop of WD-40 on the pivot points inside of the thermostat. To test it I put the knob on and set it to approximately the number one position on the dial. Then I put the thermostat assembly in my modern freezer for about 30 minutes. When I took it out of the freezer the contacts had opened! After a few minutes I heard a "click" and the contacts had closed again. I repeated the in the freezer and out again several times. Each time the contacts had opened and closed on their own. I reinstalled the thermostat and it's still working fine (knock on wood) about a year and a half later. That's really great that you were able to fix yours too!! I believe that the adjustable contact is the range adjustment of the thermostat. Meaning that you can adjust the temperature difference between the shut off and turn on temperatures by adjusting the contact either up or down. On my thermostat there's also a temperature adjustment. It's changed by turning the nut that the feeler tube goes through and attaches to the bellows inside the thermostat. Mine is marked "warmer" with an arrow on the top of the thermostat housing. Once again thank you for making and sharing your video!! Very educational and enjoyable!!
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Post by jake on May 24, 2018 4:32:24 GMT
Here's some info you may find useful.
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Post by turbokinetic on May 24, 2018 14:40:13 GMT
Yes, another great video! Thank you!! When I first got my Frigidaire it too had a thermostat problem. It would run continuously and freeze everything! I removed the thermostat, as you did. My feeler tube is routed exactly as yours. Behind the breaker strip on the right side. I cleaned the contacts and put a drop of WD-40 on the pivot points inside of the thermostat. To test it I put the knob on and set it to approximately the number one position on the dial. Then I put the thermostat assembly in my modern freezer for about 30 minutes. When I took it out of the freezer the contacts had opened! After a few minutes I heard a "click" and the contacts had closed again. I repeated the in the freezer and out again several times. Each time the contacts had opened and closed on their own. I reinstalled the thermostat and it's still working fine (knock on wood) about a year and a half later. That's really great that you were able to fix yours too!! I believe that the adjustable contact is the range adjustment of the thermostat. Meaning that you can adjust the temperature difference between the shut off and turn on temperatures by adjusting the contact either up or down. On my thermostat there's also a temperature adjustment. It's changed by turning the nut that the feeler tube goes through and attaches to the bellows inside the thermostat. Mine is marked "warmer" with an arrow on the top of the thermostat housing. Once again thank you for making and sharing your video!! Very educational and enjoyable!! Hi Jake, thanks for the compliment on the video! Glad it was entertaining and useful.
Your method of putting the thermostat in the freezer to test it sounds like a good idea. I will probably have to do that myself. I ran the fridge all night and it appears to have stayed running all night with the control set on "1" position. I turned the control down into the lettered range until the compressor stopped. Will see if it cycles back on or not.
I believe that the height of that little round slotted peg may need to be adjusted.
Mine does also have the "warmer" arrow and retaining nut around the bellows mounting location. I has been glued with Loctite at the factory. I may try to move it and see if the Loctite will give way without damaging the control. That could be what mine needs - if adjusting the peg doesn't help.
My worry is that the mechanism was over-stretched without the tab in place to limit its travel, and the bellows may be deformed somewhat.
Not saying it can't be restored, but that the original measured peg height may not work like it did before the tab broke off. Or, it could be that the amount of force it took to break the tab also bent and deformed some other parts affecting the adjustment.
Thanks for the chart with the machine specifications on it! That is as always, great information to have!
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Post by turbokinetic on May 24, 2018 20:11:53 GMT
Well, the thermostat cycles normally with the control at "A" position, so I believe it will just need some adjustment. The fact that it cycles at all makes me think that the bellows or capillary tube are not broken.
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Post by elec573 on May 25, 2018 4:28:29 GMT
Nice job ! Hopefully it works all right. Liked the video.
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Post by jake on May 25, 2018 4:35:19 GMT
You're welcome. Glad to help! Sounds like you're heading in the right direction. I was concerned, at first, that the feeler tube had possibly lost it's charge. But since it is cycling on the warmer "A" setting it certainly seems like it's just out of adjustment. I agree with you that it's probably the threaded contact that needs adjustment. Just a guess here, but after thinking about it, I'd try making the adjustment with the knob at the off position and at room temperature. Seems like it would make sense to set it so the contacts are open there. Then close when you turn the knob to about the first "F" in the word "Off" on the dial. The freezer testing method worked very well for me. At least I knew it would cycle with the dial on the number 1 position. Of course I didn't know if it would maintain the proper temperatures until I reinstalled the thermostat. On number 1 my Frigidaire stays at +34°F to +36°F in the fresh food section and +8°F to +12°F in the freezer. One interesting thing about my Frigidaire is on the "Defrost" setting it won't defrost. I have to turn the temperature dial off for overnight defrosting. Even so the cabinet never gets warmer than 40°F after the fridge has been off for about eight hours.
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