Frigidaire ss side by side not getting cold

[ddw4170]

I checked that the comp is running and the timer seems to be operating normal, runs for about 6-8 hours and then defrosts for about 15-20 min. I am guessing about the actual run time, but I did catch it just as it shut off into defrost and timed it about 20 min. I had the cover inside the freezer loose and immediately looked in there, the coils were frozen, but when the defrost kicked on they started melting immediately, which leads me to believe the heat strip and timer are working. It gets cold in the freezer about 20F and the fridge side gets down to about 50F, but that is when it is set as cold as it goes. Before this it worked ok, and freezer was about 0 when set at medium temp, had to replace the fan by the compressor a few monthes ago, but had worked fine since then. I am thinking maybe the comp is staying in start but can't find my amp meter. It is running continuously, so I would also assume the thermostat is working. In high school I had appliance repair and there was a start "relay" on the comp that could sometimes stick, is that still the case. I do have a fluke MM.

Thanks,
DDW

Model MRS26LGJC

[RegUS_PatOff]

If it was stuck in Start mode, it wouldn't run very long and would trip the Overload...

What's the frost pattern on the Evaporator look like after running about an hour or more ?

Evenly frosted ?

Frost/clear ice in one corner ?

Post a picture ?

[ddw4170]

Looks like the front top is frosted up, the rest seems ok. This is from about an hour after a defrost cycle.

DDW

[RegUS_PatOff]

Looks like the front top is frosted up, the rest seems ok.

the top is OK, the rest is not good ...

could be a Sealed Syetm Leak ...

Does the Compressor ever turn off during the 6 hours between Defrost Cycles ?

[ddw4170]

No, it stays on pretty much 24/7, must be restriction or low freon?

DDW

[ddw4170]

I have a service guy scheduled here tomorrow at 1 pm, so I am just trying to make sure I haven't overlooked something. Any idea's what else I can check before they get here?

DDW

[ddw4170]

Was low on freon, they charged it up and cost me $100, still don't know where the leak is...

DDW

[Al Capone]

About how old is this refrigerator?

That's to bad they could not find the leak. Guess it will leak out again and it's just a question of how long it will take.

[RegUS_PatOff]

(Owner's Manual says © 2001)

It could be a slow leak, could last a year or more..

Leak could be anywhere... in the Evaporator, in the Tubing in the Walls.. etc ..

[ddw4170]

It is about 6 years old, don't think I will buy a frigidaire again, I had a frig from 1959 that went out when I bought this one, it had an electric door(no handle, just a button that you pushed and then a motor kicked the door open) I still have and use the stove, says "frigidaire, built and backed by general motors" on the front of it. Wish I had kept the fridge also, but it was in the way..

[BrntToast]

american laws must be different than here, up in canada it is illegal to recharge a fridge that has a leak, cause obviosly the refrigerant will leak into the atmosphere again, almost all leaks in frigidaires are in the evaporator or the heat exchanger (lines between the compressor and the evaporator)
if you are up to some inspecting...  remove that back cover again and look all around the evaporator, paying attention to the defrost heater... you will prolly find a spot where the heater is touching the aluminum evaporator, this is where your leak is... simple test to comfirm,  while fridge is not running pour some dish soap on any spots where the heater is touching aluminum, it will prolly bubble up

i say not running cause during this time the refrigerant is at its highest pressure in the evaporator and is most likely to produce bubbles

note.... very tiny leaks require special pressure tests and equiptment, but thats a easy test you can try if you are game

[BrntToast]

another note... 100 bucks is pretty cheap for sealed system work
did the tech just dump refrigerant into your leaker? or did he actually take out a torch and at least change the service dryer?

this might spark a debate with the old timers but... just dumping gas into a leaking fridge isn't advisable cause if the leak is in the evaporator some moisture has entered the system, moisture can cause alot of grief

if a leak cant be found the service dryer should be removed and changed and the unit evacuated before readding the entire refrigerant charge

[daddyjohn]

Why would you evacuate a system that has a leak? You'll never pass a blank off test.