More problems with craigslist fridge

[jonp9576]

My first problem with my used fridge can be found herehttps://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/water-my-fridge-267394/




Now the latest problem with the fridge is that the compressor won't come on. The fridge would get cold, then I turned it off for a day toplay around with my water problem. Now I plug it back in and the compressor won't turn on. I took off the back, and tapped it with a hammer, and now its on.

Am I headed down a dangerous road? Is this a ticking time bomb? Could this be a switch problem? Is is the compressor going bad.

 

[jonp9576]

I've heard a new compressor can run hundreds of dollars. I'm starting to think it may not be worth it to keep working on this thing

 

[Catt22]

You heard right. A replacement compressor etc can run several hundred dollars or more.

I would let it rest 24 hours, replace the drain line and give it another go. It might be something simple like a problem with the thermostat or maybe a motor capacitor. Don't give up quite yet. I'm sure one of the HVAC guys will jump in and give you a diagnosis very soon.

 

[jonp9576]

I plugged it back in and I heard the fan in the back hitting something. I pulled off the back and plugged it in. The fan kicked on and then at the same time that I bumped into the side of the fridge the compressor kicked on. I'm not sure if the bump turned it on, or if it just kicked on by itself.

It's been holding 40* since then and the compressor had been cycling on and off every so often since. It seems like it's running ok.

Next step? Turn it off for a day and see if it does the same thing? Let it run for a day and make sure the temp holds?

 

[Catt22]

It's been holding 40* since then and the compressor had been cycling on and off every so often since. It seems like it's running ok.

Next step? Turn it off for a day and see if it does the same thing? Let it run for a day and make sure the temp holds?

IIRC, the thermostat in that type of unit is mechanical, so it could be affected by vibration or bumping it. Yes, shut it down for a day and test it again. It sounds like it's operating properly from your description. Next, let it run for several days and see how it goes. You have little to lose at this point.

 

[jonp9576]

i unplugged it and brought it in the house from the covered porch. this time when i plugged it back in i made sure not to bump it. the fan in the back kicked on and then about 10 seconds later the compressor kicked on.


since its on a running and i still want to check to see if the water problem from before is fixed, i left it on overnight. i'll leave it on for a day, then shut it down for a day. i'll try that over the next few days. i gues if it works fine over the next few days i'll assume im good to go.