Kenmore/Whirpool fridge cooling problems

[woozy_one]

Just an update.  I swapped out the thermostat a few weeks ago and everything has been okay since.

Thanks again for all the generous help here!!!  I'll definitely be back just to read up on things or to ask a question (or maybe even offer some help if I am able to do so).

Regards,
Nick Smith

[Al Capone]

 

[seek1369]

i have a kenmore model 106.70842100 with a very similar problem everthing is cold for a few days then cooling stops . if i turn the cold control knob down then back up it will kick on for a few more days. im guessing its a thermostat problem but whats the difference between a bimetal or thermostat ? there seem to be 2 parts listed under thermostat so which is it ? part number please?

[woozy_one]

This is just a guess, but it looks like the bimetal unit you're talking about is either for defrost control or for the icemaker.  I'm sure someone with more knowledge on the subject will chime in.

For me, the temperature control definitely fixed the problem.  It looks like this is the thermostat for your fridge:

Click Me!

[JWWebster]

the bi metal is the defrost thermostat commonly known among the repair community as the terminator. It is given this name because it terminates the heater when it reachs a temp which can melt frost but not cook turkey

[woozy_one]

Well, the fridge is acting up again.  This time I have questions concerning the compressor.  Does it run whenever the evap fan and compressor fan are running or does it occasionally shut down but the fans remain on?  I'm having intermittent cooling issues and I've noticed that sometimes the fans will be on, but the compressor will be off and hot.  I pulled the "start-device combination: start relay and overload for protection" and opened it up.  There are a few brown spots on the white plastic next to the little disc, so I assume this is probably the problem.  Here is a link to the part:  Start Device  The compressor will usually kick on if I unplug it and plug it back in.

I just replaced the evap fan because it was dying and I hate to throw too much money into it if it's a compressor issue.  Does the problem sound like it's most likely the start device?

Thanks,
Nick