FC not cooling...

[ILMSTMF]

Thankfully, I don't have a batch fermenting.

Ashamed to admit that laziness has lead to leaving a used FV in FC for 2 months. Was planning to harvest the yeast so, I left it all in cold FC. Note, the heating wire was disconnected from the temp controller. Door was not open often at all so I assume the cold side would kick on as needed with a target temp of 1.5C

Anyway, I just went to check and controller is reading 21C............ The fridge light is on so I know the cold side control is functioning as it should. Just seems the compressor isn't cooling the FC.

• I have completely powered off the temp controller. I'll wait a day before trying to turn it back on.
• The FC shares the garage with clothes dryer. For the past week, the dryer has been running with the exhaust hose venting into garage (short version - repairman botched it last week and is coming to fix tomorrow). The garage doors have remained open while dryer is running. Walking in garage is not uncomfortable. A bit steamy at worst. This may be unrelated to fridge compressor taking a dump but figured I'd mention it.

I welcome any advice and thoughts, thank you!

 

[PCABrewing]

How old is the fridge?
Many older refrigerators (GE, Hotpoint etc..) have a defrost timer that sometimes stops working (sticks).
It prevents the compressor from running for a predetermined period to allow the evaporator coils to defrost.
Frequently giving it a spin with a screwdriver will make it remember it's job and start it working again.
The timer is located at the bottom of the fridge behind the front rail, and there is a hole for a screwdriver for diagnostic purposes.
This failure could match your symptoms and the fix is cheap/free.

 

[ILMSTMF]

How old is the fridge?

OLD.... Couldn't say! Was picked from the curb - someone previously used as a one tap kegerator.
It's a full size, single door fridge with freezer compartment at the top of it. Compartment has its own door (within the fridge, again - the exterior of the fridge is one tall door to access the inside).

Many older refrigerators (GE, Hotpoint etc..)

I don't even know the brand. Maybe Amana? Hopefully there's some label on it - will report back.

This failure could match your symptoms and the fix is cheap/free.

Let's hope so! I'm not mechanically inclined. I'll try to find what you're referring to, thanks very much!

 

[ILMSTMF]

Finally got around to this... Couldn't find the dial you referred to. Here are some photos including a diagram. I thought it might be the overload protector (which, I think, is the black rectangle). There's an empty hole on the top (see picture) but there is nothing on the other side of that port.

I watched this too, not sure if it applies to my fridge.





Anyway, I'm open to any suggestions. Thanks!

 

[ClaudiusB]

Thankfully, I don't have a batch fermenting.

Ashamed to admit that laziness has lead to leaving a used FV in FC for 2 months. Was planning to harvest the yeast so, I left it all in cold FC. Note, the heating wire was disconnected from the temp controller. Door was not open often at all so I assume the cold side would kick on as needed with a target temp of 1.5C

Anyway, I just went to check and controller is reading 21C............ The fridge light is on so I know the cold side control is functioning as it should. Just seems the compressor isn't cooling the FC.

• I have completely powered off the temp controller. I'll wait a day before trying to turn it back on.
• The FC shares the garage with clothes dryer. For the past week, the dryer has been running with the exhaust hose venting into garage (short version - repairman botched it last week and is coming to fix tomorrow). The garage doors have remained open while dryer is running. Walking in garage is not uncomfortable. A bit steamy at worst. This may be unrelated to fridge compressor taking a dump but figured I'd mention it.

I welcome any advice and thoughts, thank you!

1. If the refrigerator's thermostat is not bypassed, ensure it's turned to its max.
2. Open the black box and check the overload with a meter
3. Check the starting PTC with a meter, depending on the compressor between 4-10 Ohms.
My Heier's incubator PTC measures 5 Ohms cold.
3. Report back

 

[ILMSTMF]

1. If the refrigerator's thermostat is not bypassed, ensure it's turned to its max.

The cold dial inside is set to 7 out of 7.

2. Open the black box and check the overload with a meter
3. Check the starting PTC with a meter, depending on the compressor between 4-10 Ohms.

No idea how to do this lol

 

[ClaudiusB]

@ILMSTMF open the cover plate to the left as shown on the plate to expose the parts.

 

[ILMSTMF]

@ILMSTMF open the cover plate to the left as shown on the plate to expose the parts.

I don't have a meter... and if I did, I wouldn't know how to use it lol

 

[ClaudiusB]

"I don't have a meter... and if I did, I wouldn't know how to use it lol"
We can use a jumper wire if you feel comfortable. Are there any brewing buddies who could help?
You could purchase a replacement starting PTC resistor. They cost around $20.00 and only require you to remove the cover for the installation.

 

[ILMSTMF]

Are there any brewing buddies who could help?

I wish! Nobody local.

Alas, need to find the time to tinker with it. Free time coming at a premium these days...