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Post by adubyaf on Mar 1, 2016 18:50:00 GMT
I'm brand new to the forum. I just acquired and FEA-2-B16 machine sitting on top of a HT-70-A cabinet. My old man rescued it in the mid 80's and it's been sitting in his garage since. The cord was smashed so spliced a new cord, plugged it in last and to my delight it worked! I noticed the evaporator was getting cold right away, but I unplugged it because I wanted to do more research and get information on maintenance. I've scoured the forum and can't seem to find anything on maintenance for the machine. I saw that oil is required, but couldn't determine if there was anything else (maybe because there isn't)...So my question is there anything else needed or that I should know besides oiling before I keep plugged in for a prolonged period of time? And is there a manual for this machine?
Also, I noticed the fan was not working and saw there is a thread on how to replace the motor. I'm assuming since the fan isn't working, I wouldn't want to keep it running until it gets to working again, correct? I saw someone else on here was using a desk fan, is that okay to use?
Lastly, I was hoping to find more info on the cabinet. From the very little I could find it seems to be made in 1933 and is porcelain (which makes sense because of how heavy it is). It's also got the foot latch to open the fridge. It's an fantastic shape, potentially needs a new gasket. Was curious if this is a rare cabinet or pretty common.
Appreciate this forum and any help provided.
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Post by ckfan on Mar 1, 2016 21:26:36 GMT
Welcome to the forum! It's good that you noticed that the fan wasn't running. Make sure that you don't run it with a broken fan. Obviously the cooling circuit is working fine. I would read up on how to replace the fan. It is the only part that needs oiling. See if you can gently break the old fan free. It may just be partially seized. You can put a fan on the condenser coil temporarily but you have to be careful to not over heat the unit. These units are usually trouble free so once you replace the fan you should be fine.
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Post by cablehack on Mar 1, 2016 22:31:48 GMT
Your cabinet is a 7 cu. ft. was originally used with a CA-2 or CK-2. The porcelain version was the more expensive option, but despite that they are not particularly rare. It is mentioned in both the CA and Scotch Yoke manuals which can be downloaded here members.iinet.net.au/~cool386/ge_service/ge_service.htmlNo one has found an FEA manual yet, but electrically it's the same as the fan equipped Flat Tops like the CH - the diagrams are in the Scotch Yoke manual. The fan bearings require oiling, and it's likely they've seized up from lack of maintenance. I think I have seen the patent drawings for the FEA compressor though; it was also used in other more conventional looking post war fridges. I wouldn't run the fridge with the fan motor still connected while it's seized up - it will be drawing excess current and overheating if powered up like that. If you want to temporarily use a desk fan, disconnect the fan motor. |
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Post by adubyaf on Mar 1, 2016 23:18:37 GMT
Awesome, thanks for the responses. I'll get into the machine a little more and clean it up a bit. It is very dusty/dirty and maybe can get it working without replacing the motor with fresh oil. If not, I'll replace the motor and fan (if needed).
Got some great info from that manual you linked. I'm betting the original machine sitting on top was a CA-2A which seems a bit more complex and high maintenance than the FEA. I would love to restore it to it's original unit, but probably not going to happen anytime soon.
I'll be sure to follow up with this post once I get the fan going again.
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Post by coldspaces on Mar 2, 2016 0:39:05 GMT
Use a 20 weight non detergent oil if you can. If not get the 3n1 oil in a blue and white can, it will say 20 weight for electric motors. Do not use sewing machine oil or WD 40 type sprays they are to thin.
Like they said the fan is the only thing to oil. These were very reliable R-12 systems. Unless you have trouble with the start relay or cold control all it should need is a working fan and a rewire.
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Post by adubyaf on Mar 2, 2016 16:23:37 GMT
Good news. I cleaned the 30 plus years of dust out of the motor and fan. Took off the blade and gave the machine a good compressed air cleaning. Plugged it in and it worked!!! This never happens to me with this kind of stuff. The machine is fully functioning and I kept it plugged in for a few hours and it got cold fast. I only plan on using it for bbq's and maybe warmer months as a beer fridge. It's sitting under our porch in the backyard. Thanks for the input on oiling. I ended up using the Zoom Spout mostly because the dropper feeds right into the hole and your previous post said it would work. One more question: I attached a picture to show what I am talking about. Coming down on the top of the evaporator where I circled in red, there is a gap because the pipe is coming off. I imagine for the machine to work properly these needs to be fixed. Anyone else run into this problem? How might I fix this?  |
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Post by ckfan on Mar 2, 2016 21:08:46 GMT
I'm glad that you were able to get it running again! The fan must have just been gummed up.
As far as your picture goes I'm not sure what I'm seeing there. It looks like you circled the suction line but I'm not sure what is going on with it.
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Post by timeswelding on Mar 2, 2016 22:02:30 GMT
The area in question looks to me like where the suction line passes through the evaporator deck. You're seeing the grommet pulling through the hole in the deck, I think. Just poke it back in and all is well.
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Post by cablehack on Mar 2, 2016 22:06:40 GMT
You'd need to take more of a close up pic for me to be sure, but it just looks like the rubber grommet for the low side tube. Try pushing it back into place. You can use a silicone sealant to fill any gaps. It's really just a cosmetic thing, but it's good to have a proper seal between the tube and top plate to reduce moisture entry into the cabinet.
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