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Post by bakefy on Jun 2, 2016 17:17:42 GMT
I am guessing this isn't really a thermostat, or maybe it is. I just got my hands on a working unit, but it has a loose connection behind the controller. The knob is essentially free in there, and I am wondering what it would take to repair. I have a 3D printer, so I am not afraid to get in there and fix it, but I really don't know what I am up against. I repair my own appliances, but they have youtubes. imgur.com/a/yrbf3That is the unit I am working with. The brass threaded part in the middle of variable switch mechanism is loose. This makes the knob essentially worthless. The switch still seems to work, but its so loose I can't really get an accurate read on its location.
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Post by Travis on Jun 2, 2016 22:27:56 GMT
If you remove the control, it's possible to screw that shaft into the washer and get it back together. It's not fun or easy.
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Post by bakefy on Jun 3, 2016 5:59:52 GMT
Good news! I managed to fix it. I realized the metal wire was clamping the box shut. Once I pulled the metal wire off, the lid came off of the enclosure. From there a tiny brass rectangular piece fell out as well. I was able to find where that part goes by fitting it around and seeing how the mechanics all worked. It's job was to keep the brass shaft that threads into the washer centered and stable. I was able to put everything back together and it seems to spin how it was designed! I plugged it back in and powered it on. Now the knob matches what the compressor is doing. I imagine it was just knocked around a little in moving. youtu.be/DXqdx6of29E
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Post by ckfan on Jun 3, 2016 13:30:58 GMT
I'm glad you were able to figure it out. I do like how GE thermostats are only held by a spring wire. Makes them easy to open. Just oil the fan and let it rip for another 70 years.
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Post by bakefy on Jun 3, 2016 13:55:43 GMT
I may have celebrated too soon. I left it on the normal position over night and it reached 20 degrees by morning. I am trying the B potions now. Its possible that the compressor never cycles off.
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Post by ckfan on Jun 3, 2016 14:08:31 GMT
Yeah, that means that your thermostat isn't cycling off like it should. See if you can open it back up once you unplug it and figure out why the main contacts aren't opening. There may be a simple mechanical bind that is preventing them from clicking over. If you turn the dial to the warmest position with the unit unplugged you should be able to make the contacts click open by gently compressing the bellows if you press against them with your finger.
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Post by bakefy on Jun 3, 2016 16:09:41 GMT
I'll open it back up after work. As is, the off position does work. I assumed that meant it was working .
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Post by ckfan on Jun 3, 2016 17:21:15 GMT
No, the off position will work even when the thermostat does not. A different mechanism props up the main contacts when you turn it to off. There should be a spring actuated lever that snaps the contacts open and closed. You need to make sure that is working by pressing your finger against the bellows. I've attached a picture that goes over the various parts. Your thermostat should look similar to this. Sorry for the poor graphic workmanship. I'm no artist. To view the photos in this post, please follow this link: drive.google.com/open?id=0B8_jm7K-ahMabExpOXNBZVdTQVk
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Post by bakefy on Jun 3, 2016 23:29:44 GMT
Thanks for the diagram, that was extremely helpful. Before its possible my spring that was pushing against the bellows didn't have enough tension. I have adjusted that by free spinning the brass insert for the knob until I couldnt (while I had it compressed) to give it as much tension with my fingers as I could. That will probably mess with the sweet spot, but I need somewhere to test this. Its also possible my bellows isnt really working as it should. I left it open (I wont touch it while its on so I can take a before and after picture and compare (after it reaches 20 degrees or maybe it will actually switch off (lets hope!). i.imgur.com/hG1IsSJ.jpgThat's probably a bit too much tension... but that is when the fridge is warm inside.
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Post by bakefy on Jun 4, 2016 0:18:11 GMT
Okay, good news! I have it regulating a temperature now. I just need to loosing the tension so I reach that sweet spot. I know it can reach 20 degrees, so I'm all set once I make that adjustment. Thanks for all the help!
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Post by rogsmtx on Jan 23, 2018 17:12:44 GMT
Question: Even though the "Off" position is counterclockwise to the bottom. And the clockwise position rotates through "ABCD" "Normal" and "1234". The actual effect of this thermostat is linear correct? Mine is marked January 1944. Thanks
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Post by Travis on Jan 23, 2018 18:58:45 GMT
Normal is in the middle of the range. Warmer is closest to OFF.
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Post by rogsmtx on Jan 23, 2018 19:45:46 GMT
Yea OK. I understand. Nothing really tricky here. Just the way it was labeled back then. Thanks.
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Post by solarmike on Jan 23, 2018 22:07:30 GMT
Normal is in the middle of the range. Warmer is closest to OFF. I had also wondered that... So I guess straight up and down 12:00 is in the middle? I keep mine on about 9:00...
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Post by solarmike on Jan 23, 2018 22:08:08 GMT
Yea OK. I understand. Nothing really tricky here. Just the way it was labeled back then. Thanks. LOL Yep it doesn't make sense...
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