Maytag/Amana bottom freezer compressor failures

[Earl Dryer]

I have had 3 of these guy fail in the last 2 weeks. The MBF model both had
blown relays and would not start with stock replacement relays and Caps.
RCO410's were the only thing that would get them going, They lasted about 1 1/2 weeks both checked out to have grounded windings this trip.
The Amana started with a blown evaporator fan and now having compressor start problems Relay, cap & OL all check good only the RCO410
will get it going.
I suspect lightning but not sure.

Any ideas anyone?

Model MBF2256HES & 596.75502400

[JWWebster]

Mexitronics

[Asianjade]

If the start relays and capacitors do not start the compressor then has anyone checked the winding in the compressor to see if the compressor itself it the reason?

[Asianjade]

If the start relays and capacitors do not start the compressor then has anyone checked the winding in the compressor to see if the compressor itself it the reason?

[jumptrout51]

I had one similar 2 months ago. The hard start was the only thing to get it going again. Six weeks later the compressor took a dump anyway.Yes,it was a EMBRACO compressor.

[Asianjade]

That is my thoughts on a compressor that is a hard start. Some Techs will throw a hard start capacitor in there and charge you and then move on. When windings breakdown or the compressor is worn out its time to replace the compressor or the refrigerator. May cost you to replace but the pain in the end is a lot better that costly patches and short term fixes some people/technicians come up with. JT

[RAH52]

I never use hardstart kits anymore . Its a guarantee that you'll be back to change out the compressor . The issue is the customer will be really be PO'd because he thinks the fridge was fixed with the hardstart and he looses his food a second time . As far as those maytag/amana bottom mounts go they go thru compressors like sh*# thru a goose . They have issues .

[JWWebster]

Excellent !

[Asianjade]

Thanks RAH52 I will be putting that model and the compressor info in my little black book. I hate to see the consumer get taken by a faulty short life compressor. Even worse is a service tech that patches one up and moves on without mention to the facts. Thank You JW for your input and help too! JT
596.75502400 I assume is the Sears Model for this Refrigerator.

[Earl Dryer]

Thanks for all the thoughts, Yes I always ck the windings. If a replacement
starter will not fix a unit I will use a hard start kit, but I tell the customer that it is like putting the it on a life support system,it may last a
day or years. We have alot of electrical surges here in Podunk so I always
recommend using a surge protector refrig. & Freezers.

[theoldstoveguy]

Put it in writing on the invoice, most people only hear what they want to hear."it started" Nothing else. I always ask them to give me a heads up if it fails so I can keep a track record of failures. I only see about 1 in 40 fail here in N CA.with the RCO 410 relays. Can't get them to run on the replacement unit Whirlpool/Maytag sends about 50% of the time but RCO 410 fires them all up. I see a lot of Sears, Kithen Aide as well with the same problems. All Embraco compressors.