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Post by antiquitarian on Nov 29, 2016 22:17:49 GMT
Thanks for the replies in the last thread. I purchased this unit locally for only $300, a GE PB6-40A, which I read translates to "Porcelain-Deluxe Edition-1940": www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-General-Electric-Deluxe-Refrigerator-/282253968096?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&nma=true&si=fGCUbvKrzx9XB5jlnCGKnjnklA4%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=ncThe previous owner has used it for many years as a backup refrigerator. I decided to take the dive, even though I couldn't confirm whether this particular model uses SO2 or R12. Does anyone know? Again, my biggest concern is SO2, since this will live in our kitchen and serve as our only source of refrigeration. Am I crazy/taking a huge risk? Did I pick a good unit? Similar models in fair condition going for 750-1000k+ online. Also, what exactly does one do in the event of an SO2 leak? Evacuate the building immediately and call the fire department? Turn off the unit first? Remove unit from building by oneself? |
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Post by cablehack on Nov 29, 2016 22:28:34 GMT
The only way of knowing what refrigerant it uses is to check the nameplate mounted on the compressor. GE was using R12 in some of their Flat Tops as early as 1939, so it's just possible yours uses the newer refrigerant.
The stainless steel evaporator models, of which yours is one, don't leak unless physically damaged (usually by defrosting with sharp implements, or in the case of monitor tops by incorrect top removal and replacement). So, I wouldn't be worried about it using SO2.
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Post by antiquitarian on Nov 29, 2016 22:35:17 GMT
The only way of knowing what refrigerant it uses is to check the nameplate mounted on the compressor. GE was using R12 in some of their Flat Tops as early as 1939, so it's just possible yours uses the newer refrigerant. The stainless steel evaporator models, of which yours is one, don't leak unless physically damaged (usually by defrosting with sharp implements, or in the case of monitor tops by incorrect top removal and replacement). So, I wouldn't be worried about it using SO2. That's a relief. Thank you! |
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Post by antiquitarian on Nov 29, 2016 23:30:28 GMT
I know I don't have to worry now, but I'm still curious: what does one do in the case of an SO2 refrigerator leak?
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Post by Travis on Nov 30, 2016 0:30:38 GMT
You open the windows, turn on the fans and leave the house. Trust me, the so2 will push you out the door!
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Post by antiquitarian on Nov 30, 2016 1:51:09 GMT
The only way of knowing what refrigerant it uses is to check the nameplate mounted on the compressor. GE was using R12 in some of their Flat Tops as early as 1939, so it's just possible yours uses the newer refrigerant. The stainless steel evaporator models, of which yours is one, don't leak unless physically damaged (usually by defrosting with sharp implements, or in the case of monitor tops by incorrect top removal and replacement). So, I wouldn't be worried about it using SO2. Hey Cablehack, I looked at the manual link you provided in the reference section for flat-top fridges and referenced my model type: PB6-40A with the corresponding machine type: CF-21A, which, according to the manual, uses SO2. Great reference! That means I have the "finned cooled compressor as per the CK Monitor Top." Does that raise any other concerns, such as necessary re-wiring? Is the evaporator still stainless steel? |
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Post by ckfan on Nov 30, 2016 2:33:19 GMT
That is a nice unit. I've always liked the styling of those flat tops. It actually has basically the same refrigerating system as the CK monitor tops. They are extremely reliable AND efficient. Seriously!
I would not be fearful of having that particular SO2 fridge in the house. I have two running right now. Same basic unit. The GE compressors are very well built. They use superior metal glass terminals as well. This means that as long as you are gentle with the evaporator and relatively gentle with the rest of it you will be fine. Heck, they have been sealed up this long. I think that it will need a RE wire though. Fortunately I also did a post on how to RE wire a flat top. You can find it in the CF etc. section.
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Post by antiquitarian on Nov 30, 2016 2:50:44 GMT
That is a nice unit. I've always liked the styling of those flat tops. It actually has basically the same refrigerating system as the CK monitor tops. They are extremely reliable AND efficient. Seriously! I would not be fearful of having that particular SO2 fridge in the house. I have two running right now. Same basic unit. The GE compressors are very well built. They use superior metal glass terminals as well. This means that as long as you are gentle with the evaporator and relatively gentle with the rest of it you will be fine. Heck, they have been sealed up this long. I think that it will need a RE wire though. Fortunately I also did a post on how to RE wire a flat top. You can find it in the CF etc. section. Thanks, CKFan! Your guide will come in very handy when my unit arrives and I've had a look at the state of the wiring. I'll bet they're brittle. Wish I had known to look beforehand. I'm embarrassed to ask, but the seal around the inside of the fridge door is almost completely gone, so I'll need to replace it. I was told I can just get a basic rubber weatherstripping adhesive, but I'm not sure what size I should get for this particular model. Could someone link me to a seal on Amazon or other site that's the correct kind/size? Thanks! Maybe this?: www.amazon.com/M-D-Building-Products-1025-All-Climate/dp/B000HE7YQM/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 |
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Post by ckfan on Nov 30, 2016 3:05:38 GMT
I would go to mcmaster carr for your door gasket. It is a self adhesive one so make sure you clean the door well with alcohol and remove all of the old gasket. The same flat top I RE wired is the same one I just painted and put a new door seal on. It works flawlessly. Very good seal. It is part number 93085K14
Yes, the wiring gets very crunchy on these. Yours will have one more circuit than mine because...yours is the neat illuminated dial model! Deluxe indeed! You may also want to order a solid state relay if you don't trust the old one. That is your call though.
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Post by antiquitarian on Nov 30, 2016 3:21:01 GMT
I would go to mcmaster carr for your door gasket. It is a self adhesive one so make sure you clean the door well with alcohol and remove all of the old gasket. The same flat top I RE wired is the same one I just painted and put a new door seal on. It works flawlessly. Very good seal. It is part number 93085K14 Yes, the wiring gets very crunchy on these. Yours will have one more circuit than mine because...yours is the neat illuminated dial model! Deluxe indeed! You may also want to order a solid state relay if you don't trust the old one. That is your call though. Thanks! I'll post some pics of the compressor, etc., when the unit arrives this Sunday. Would really appreciate your feedback. Where can I purchase the correct solid state relay, just in case? |
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Post by elec573 on Nov 30, 2016 4:13:15 GMT
Hello and welcome to the forum !
Would replace wiring and gaskets ! As far as relay you can hold off and order it I think amozone. Check coldspeces threads he has a complet thread on replaceing one and gives part and where he bought it from . As far as so2 I have a Ck-2-b-16 in my house right now it work beautifully !!! Look under ck section in this forum , there are a lot of post there , as well as ck manual
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Post by ckfan on Nov 30, 2016 4:26:18 GMT
The relay if you want it is a supco RO81. You can find them on eBay.
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Post by coldspaces on Nov 30, 2016 4:35:38 GMT
I have rewired two flat tops and both had some very dried out wiring outside of the cabinet. The wiring inside of the cabinet that feeds the light circuit was great so it is still there. Its a flat two wire you will see it when you get the top off.
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Post by antiquitarian on Nov 30, 2016 15:34:39 GMT
As an aside, this unit is missing the center shelf. Where are so good places to look for a replacement?
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Post by ckfan on Nov 30, 2016 15:38:51 GMT
Honestly you are going to have trouble finding a replacement shelf. Travis may have one, maybe. Don't really know.
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