GE 6 years old fridge not cooling, compressor on 24/7?

[mdm6713]

Hello, I thought perhaps a power surge may have burnt the motherboard so I installed a Surge protector and a new motherboard however Im getting the same result. One day the ice in the Ice maker melted and there was no more cooling after that. The compressor will run steadily at what seems like a low level. Its not making a lot fo noise, but its hummings. The fan is the jelly roll is turning but no hot air, only room temp. The fan inside the fridge are blowing what seems to be slightly cooled air. The Ref. was unplugged for several days, then I put the new motherboard in. Everything looks new from the back, I dont see any apparent leak, although I didnt open it up from the inside. No frosting issues are known. The compressor will shut off when you turn the dial on the thermostat to 0. Theres no digital controls on my model, just a temp dial. It leads me to think the thermostat is good. There was a lot of water coming from the Freezer, could there be a damaged thermistor or heater thermostat from an overfrost? Where should I go with this? Any help is appreciated.  tHAnks a lot
Michael

Model GSS25VFPAWW 

[Mr. Fix-It]

Either a refridgerant leak (none left) or a dead compressor.

[mdm6713]

Thanks for your early reply...are you almost certain of that? Im not going to replace the compressor, Ill get a new ref. And Id like to save the headache and just move on at this point. I would like to fix it if I can though. Any popular places these things like to leak? Michael

[Mr. Fix-It]

You would need a tech to check it it's not a DIY job.

[mdm6713]

Im a tech..novice ;o) Its one omy my rental properties and Im a general contractor, I wont replace it..but I like to diagnose it all the way if I can. Im getting ready to take the inside out. Ive seen leaks on outdoor ac units...I want to check the internal parts too for anything obvious.
thanks again and any more suggestions I could really use I would appreciate it.
Michael

[Mr. Fix-It]

You need a special device called a leak detecter and other special tools that an HVAC tech would have not to mention the regs about handling refridgerant.

[jumptrout51]

Take a amp meter and attach it to a single wire at the wiring at the compressor relay. It should read about 2 amps if the compressor is running.
Touch the smaller of the 2 refrigerant lines on the compressor that go inside the fridge walls. The smaller line will be hot to the touch if refrigerant is there and circulating the system.
If the amp draw is good and the line is cool you have a leak in the refrigerant circuit.
If no amp draw a bad relay or bad compressor.

[mdm6713]

Neither one of the lines is really carrying any heat...does it suggest anything?

[jumptrout51]

You have to verify the compressor is running.
If the compressor is running and no heat in the smaller line = no refrigerant.
Therefore, a leak.

[mdm6713]

The compressor is on, slight vibration and hum...it was hot from running non stop, doesnt seem to shut off at all....any thing else come to mind? Im heading back there now.
thanks a lot guys
Michael

[mdm6713]

oh yea...anywhere they frequently leak?

[jumptrout51]

Look inside the freezer for a ice buildup on the back wall. No ice buildup, then you have a refrigerant leak or defective compressor not pumping.

[mdm6713]

Sounds like scrap metal...aahhhh
thanks

[jumptrout51]

oh yea...anywhere they frequently leak?

Could be anywhere in the sealed system. You have to add refrigerant and check with a leak detector or flourescent dye.

[JWWebster]

Woe there Kimosabe. Don't poopecan that icebox just yet. What do yall mean this is a tech job? The man done replace the computer board is that a light bulb? Thankyou. Get you an A-1 tap and some gauges and check the level of freon. Add 4 ounces and see if she cools down The ice box uses R134a and ANYBODY can buy it, it is deemed safe to the atmosphere. Use an old school halide torch to search  for leaks. Let me know if you find one and I will tell yas how to deal with it. Hay if you have one bad icebox you gonna have a dozen. You might as well learn the ropes now Hoss.