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Post by fishcop on Aug 10, 2022 3:58:43 GMT
I got this fridge from a buddy of mine, it worked at the time. I used it for a little bit and then brought it down to my firehouse to keep water cool for when we got back from calls. The boys liked it but they thought it was time to get something a little more modern. It came back to me. That was 10 years ago. I replaced the plug because the wires were very soft. I plugged it back in after that and I got a lot of heat out of the compressor but no cooling after 3 hours. I don't know a lot about these things so I'm kind of throwing it out to the universe. Your thoughts?
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Post by ckfan on Aug 10, 2022 11:35:28 GMT
Is the compressor running when you turn it on or is it just humming?
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Post by turbokinetic on Aug 10, 2022 13:22:20 GMT
I got this fridge from a buddy of mine, it worked at the time. I used it for a little bit and then brought it down to my firehouse to keep water cool for when we got back from calls. The boys liked it but they thought it was time to get something a little more modern. It came back to me. That was 10 years ago. I replaced the plug because the wires were very soft. I plugged it back in after that and I got a lot of heat out of the compressor but no cooling after 3 hours. I don't know a lot about these things so I'm kind of throwing it out to the universe. Your thoughts? It's a shame that your department didn't keep it in operation; however it's great that they returned it to you as opposed to scrapping or giving it away to some random stranger. These Flat Tops have the float metering valve located higher than the condenser, so that gravity works against them. As such, they are more sensitive to any sort of restriction or float problems than most other GE models. It seems the float mechanism can get blocked from sitting for years, as yours apparently did. Is the compressor running when you turn it on or is it just humming? Yep, if the compressor is actually starting and running, it should begin cooling in a matter of minutes. If it was stuck or failing to start for some other reason; the overload breaker should trip in under a minute. If it remained energized for 3 hours without actually running, it would have destroyed the compressor. Assuming it is actually running (99% likely it is) you might want to try starting it up again and then tapping on the float needle and seat area. That can sometimes break up a blockage, if it isn't too severe. Start the compressor and allow it to run for about 30 minutes. Then, take a tool and tap sideways and front to back on the needle and seat area. The attached pictures may help locate this area. It looks like a piece of 1/2" tubing which reduces down to 1/4". There may be a rubber boot over the chamber, with the needle and seat area exposed below the boot. It will be accessible inside the fridge compartment, at the top. Start tapping with a hard plastic tool, such as a screwdriver handle. If that doesn't do it, move up to a hard tool, such as a steel wrench. An average length 9/16" wrench seems to have about the mass necessary to set up a good vibration in the needle valve, without doing damage. Don't use a hammer or other heavy tool or the parts may get bent. Sincerely, David
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Post by fishcop on Aug 10, 2022 18:08:49 GMT
You guys are the best! I'm gonna look at this as soon as I get outta work and I'll get back to you all!!!
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Post by fishcop on Aug 11, 2022 1:52:50 GMT
So I just have a buzzing that's coming from the compressor area. Sorry I'm so new at this but I appreciate any help. Thanks so much!
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Post by turbokinetic on Aug 11, 2022 2:00:15 GMT
So I just have a buzzing that's coming from the compressor area. Sorry I'm so new at this but I appreciate any help. Thanks so much! Oh no. If it was energized for 3 hours like that, it is likely a lost cause. Do you have a multimeter? There are some tests which can help determine why it's not starting.
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Post by fishcop on Aug 11, 2022 2:07:51 GMT
I have new noises.... so I'm really a novice but I did have the starter sitting horizontal and once I set it vertical it woke up. I had to replace the prisms original appliance wire due to... well 80 year old wires so I removed the box from the compressor to do that. Seems that if I replaced the box in its correct orientation I would have been ok last night. You guys rule and I love this fridge. I have a small farm and want to use this for our farm store because it's so beautiful. Gonna figure out how to post a picture for you folks.
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Post by turbokinetic on Aug 11, 2022 2:18:07 GMT
I have new noises.... so I'm really a novice but I did have the starter sitting horizontal and once I set it vertical it woke up. I had to replace the prisms original appliance wire due to... well 80 year old wires so I removed the box from the compressor to do that. Seems that if I replaced the box in its correct orientation I would have been ok last night. You guys rule and I love this fridge. I have a small farm and want to use this for our farm store because it's so beautiful. Gonna figure out how to post a picture for you folks. That is a great relief that the compressor probably wasn't sitting stalled for three hours. That had me feeling a little bit sick thinking about that. Please share pictures!
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Post by ckfan on Aug 11, 2022 15:48:58 GMT
Yes, the start relay has to be vertical to work correctly. Hopefully stirring stalled like that didn’t damage the motor. Sounds like it’s running now though.
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