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Post by abbiesaurusrex on Nov 7, 2017 19:35:25 GMT
We have an original GE monitor top (pictures attached) that recently finally went out. We had a technician come look at it and he said that he can fix everything except for the flip switch mechanism behind the knob has gone bad and that requires a specific part. I am hoping someone knows where I can track this part down.
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Post by blackhorse on Nov 7, 2017 21:17:26 GMT
I'm not certain what a "flip switch" is, I'm going to assume you mean the control with the 2 knobs on the front of the unit.
You will not find a source for the original part, it is 80 years old.
There are generic parts available; you would need a thermostat and an overload protector (which is part of this control in the original GE design). It won't fit, work, or look like the original, but the refrig will work.
Your other choice, if you want to keep it original in appearance and function, is to carefully remove and send the control to one of us here who have experience repairing these units. Take special care with the temperature sensor (attached to the cooling coil) which is part of the control and has to be removed along with it.
Be warned that unless the wiring has already been replaced, the wiring is probably just waiting to crumble when it is disturbed, leading to a re-wire job to remain safe.
Now would also probably be a good time to consider replacing the door gasket as well.
It would also help to know your location; if you were really lucky and live within reasonable service-call distance of one of us.......
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Post by ckfan on Nov 7, 2017 22:59:13 GMT
What he said...
Also, that is a very nice CK you have there. Very robust and worth saving. It was originally made in 1937 and it looks like it was rebuilt in 1941. These old controls can be repaired but it takes skill.
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Post by abbiesaurusrex on Nov 7, 2017 23:19:19 GMT
Admittedly, I am not super knowledgeable about the specific parts so thanks for clarifying.
The wiring has not been replaced and definitely needs to be replaced. The technician we had come out and look at the fridge said he could rewire with no problem but didn't have a solution for the control knobs and said it was a specific part.
I am interested in all of these options to figure out the best solution. I would love to able to keep the original appearance in tact but I think that being able to use it is also ideal.
I am located in Memphis, TN.
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Post by Travis on Nov 8, 2017 1:11:34 GMT
Again, built in 1941 from 1937 parts. They did a bit of everything during the war.
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Post by timeswelding on Nov 8, 2017 1:39:53 GMT
No offense intended toward your technician, but I'd be extremely sceptical of anyone who says they can rewire a Monitor Top refrigerator with no problem. It's not too difficult, technically, but not many people have done it.
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Post by ckfan on Nov 8, 2017 1:47:21 GMT
No offense intended toward your technician, but I'd be extremely sceptical of anyone who says they can rewire a Monitor Top refrigerator with no problem. It's not too difficult, technically, but not many people have done it. He probably just meant, oh I can put a cord on that. Like I said...and then the wiring came crumbling down...what a fun night that was.
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Post by timeswelding on Nov 8, 2017 1:53:18 GMT
No offense intended toward your technician, but I'd be extremely sceptical of anyone who says they can rewire a Monitor Top refrigerator with no problem. It's not too difficult, technically, but not many people have done it. He probably just meant, oh I can put a cord on that. Like I said...and then the wiring came crumbling down...what a fun night that was. Exactly my point, Ray. Frankly, a modern refrigerator tech would have no idea how to rewire one of these. And that is not a criticism, there is just no real reason for him to know what he's getting into.
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Post by Travis on Nov 8, 2017 2:16:54 GMT
I can just imagine a young technician looking for a terminal cover on a monitor top.
But they all have them!
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Post by ckfan on Nov 8, 2017 13:57:28 GMT
I can just imagine a young technician looking for a terminal cover on a monitor top. But they all have them! Nope! Time to get out the soldering iron young squire!
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Post by abbiesaurusrex on Nov 8, 2017 16:21:10 GMT
Good to know - what do y'all recommend for the best option to get this working again.
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Post by coldspaces on Nov 8, 2017 18:12:23 GMT
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Post by youngsquire on Nov 8, 2017 18:18:33 GMT
Hello, and thanks for the advice everybody. I am the person trying to repair this machine. I know it needs a control and complete rewiring as mentioned earlier in the thread. All of the wiring I could see was extremely brittle. I did NOT say I could rewire it easily, because I have no idea how to disassemble this machine. Can anyone offer any insight into how to replace all of the wiring? Is any one near Memphis,TN that has experience with these units? Thanks!
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Post by Travis on Nov 8, 2017 18:21:14 GMT
There are threads in the CK section that explain this. This thread should be there also.
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Post by blackhorse on Nov 8, 2017 21:36:34 GMT
Hello, and thanks for the advice everybody. I am the person trying to repair this machine. I know it needs a control and complete rewiring as mentioned earlier in the thread. All of the wiring I could see was extremely brittle. I did NOT say I could rewire it easily, because I have no idea how to disassemble this machine. Can anyone offer any insight into how to replace all of the wiring? Is any one near Memphis,TN that has experience with these units? Thanks! The top unit has to be lifted out of the cabinet. The wiring is between the upper deck (with the compressor) and the lower deck (with the evaporator). The space between has insulation, with cardboard covering that space. Here is a link to a "short" method, that doesn't require separating the upper and lower decks or bending the tubing: monitortop.freeforums.net/post/17095/thread
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