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Post by jake on Dec 11, 2016 5:26:26 GMT
I recently bought a '51 Frigidaire Refrigerator model DM-90. It needs a thermostat. The thermostat is sticking and making the fridge way too cold. After leaving it on overnight the refrigerator part was 0°F with the compressor still running! It continued to run even when set to "Off" until I tapped the thermostat knob with my finger. I plan on removing the thermostat tomorrow and trying to clean up the contacts inside, if that's possible. If not, I'm wondering what replacement thermostat(s) would work correctly and allow me to still use the original escutcheon and knob? Thank you all for your help!
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Post by coldspaces on Dec 11, 2016 6:15:18 GMT
Post some pics of the control when you get it out and its part number. I have some older Frigidaire controls and you might get lucky. Other wise my 85 Gemline catalog only shows a universal control for a DM-90P,Gemline part GC503. Gemline has been gone for some time but you might find this control or its equivalent, may or may not fit the original knob and escutcheon with provided adapters. I have included the page that shows it's specs hope it helps.  |
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Post by coldspaces on Dec 11, 2016 6:28:18 GMT
My Tech Master lists it as a 1950 but not sure its always correct. Either way heres the info it has on the DM_90  |
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Post by jake on Dec 11, 2016 22:43:38 GMT
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Post by jake on Dec 11, 2016 22:56:22 GMT
Hi cold spaces, thank you very much for the info. It is indeed very helpful!! The cold control does have numbers printed on the back. The smaller numbers are 1017031 and the larger numbers are 0983. The feeler tube is about 26 inches long. I found out the Hemline control is available through two sources. Surplus City Liquidators in Indiana has it. They have a website. It's also still available through Supco. It's listed in their free downloadable 2014 catalog. I'm wondering if this control is a replacement and the numbers 0983 mean September of 1983? There also appears to be an adjustment on the top of the control where the feeler tube attaches with a nut. It's marked "warmer" and has notches around the nut. I ordered the Hemline control just in case. It was only $25. including shipping. I'd really like to have an original control in there so if you do happen to have one laying around I'd be happy to pay you for it. Thanks again for the information!! I greatly appreciate it!!
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Post by jake on Dec 11, 2016 22:59:38 GMT
That was supposed to read Gemline Control but my computer "corrected" it. I just "love" modern technology!! Lol
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Post by coldspaces on Dec 11, 2016 23:44:52 GMT
I will have to check what I have and get back to you. May be a few days or so.
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Post by jake on Dec 12, 2016 0:13:39 GMT
Thanks so much!! I'm testing the old controller now in my modern freezer to see if the contacts will open.
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Post by jake on Dec 13, 2016 5:19:54 GMT
Here's an update. Last night I cleaned the contacts in the controller with Electronic Cleaner, then cut a small strip from a crisp new 1 dollar bill and dragged it through the closed contacts three times. I lubed the pivot points inside the controller with a drop of WD-40 on each pivot point. I put the knob on the shaft and rotated the shaft stop to stop several times. Then I set the knob at about the #1 position on the dial. The dial is marked "Off", "Defrost", C, B, A, 1, 2, 3. I put the controller in my modern freezer to see if the contacts would open. They did. After several times of putting the controller in and out of the freezer the contacts opened and closed each time. I then put the controller back in the Frigidaire and set the dial to #1. The same position when the lower, refrigerator, part was at 0°F with the compressor still running! Now, after 24 hours, the lower part is holding at +24°F with the compressor cycling to maintain the temperature. Very encouraging! Still a bit too cold but a big improvement! I'm guessing that because the refrigerator is empty and the room temperature is 65°F that's playing into it. I now have the dial set at the B position to see what happens. I also don't know what the actual "normal" setting on the dial really is. I am guessing it's #1. What are your thoughts, coldspaces?
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Post by coldspaces on Dec 13, 2016 5:50:13 GMT
Most controls normal position is at or near the mid position. Having not seen the inside of your control I would have to say the most contacts this old will need more than just a dollar bill ran threw them but I have seen some that just needed a good polishing. Most of these controls do not have any lube on their parts from the factory, most lubes attract dust. May be that yours needed a bit of lube and exercise more than anything. WD40 will evaporate to fast and leave things dry again,if I was going to use a lube I would try a small amount of a silicon grease such as Super lube. It should not be as much of a dust magnet.
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Post by ckfan on Dec 13, 2016 14:36:21 GMT
Just be sure that when you lube your thermostat that you DO NOT get any near or on the contacts themselves. You don't want arcing and flammable lube nearby.
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Post by Travis on Dec 13, 2016 18:40:09 GMT
WD 40 isn't lube
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Post by ckfan on Dec 13, 2016 18:47:40 GMT
No it isn't. It sure does great as a cleaner or a water displacement aid. |
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Post by jake on Dec 14, 2016 6:15:46 GMT
After running another 24 hours with the controller dial set on the "B" position I'm happy to report the Frigidaire is holding the lower compartment at +31°F and the freezer at +8°F with the compressor cycling to maintain the temperature! Thank you all for the helpful advice!! I was conscious of the arching that probably happens inside of the controller when the contacts open and close. I put a small drop of the WD-40 on the pivot points so it wouldn't get on or near the contacts. I'm going to consider the controller fixed. At least for now. The new Gemline controller has shipped, just in case. I do believe that a little lube and exercise, as you said, coldspaces, was part of the remedy. The seller told me the refrigerator hasn't been used for about 25 years! Coldspaces, as for your book saying it's a 1950 model and not a '51 I believe that to be correct as well. The seller also told me his Parents received the refrigerator as a wedding gift in November of 1950. I had assumed that because it was bought/made in the fall of '50 it would be considered a '51 model. But obviously not. Thanks so much for all your help and guidance! I greatly appreciate it! I couldn't have done it without you. Especially tracking down the new controller, if I need it!!
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Post by ckfan on Dec 14, 2016 12:57:21 GMT
Good luck with it. I like these old Frigidaire units with the nifty "Meter Miser" rotary compressor.
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