Amana Freezer will not get below 10 degrees

[zeke]

Freezer will not go below 10 degrees. Defrost thermo. replaced. Evaporator fan runs. Evaporator only gets frost on top coils near where defrost thermo located. When it goes into defrost temperature rises to 20 degrees and takes hours to return to 10 degrees. Any ideas?

Model  ARS9168AC

[niobrara]

The coils should all frost up.Why was the therm replaced?

[zeke]

Repairman replaced. I am waiting his return. Since posting I have further data. At 3:40 pm the unit went to defrost cycle. Temp in freezer 9 degrees. At 4:04 pm temp was 29 degrees. At 4:12 temp 30 degrees and defrost cycle ended. At 6:25 pm temp 13 degrees. At 10:51 7 deg. At 6:03 am next day 3 deg. At 8:10 am was in defrost temp 24 deg. Not sure when defrost started. At 8:12 defrost ended temp 24 deg. 9:04 am temp 14. Refrigerator and freezer set to max.

[MajorApp]

 It sounds like the system is low on refrigerant or there is a restriction in the line. Your defrost system is ok.

[krazytech]

Is the condenser clean and clear and is the condenser fan running? Is the compressor hot to the touch? let us know

[zeke]

Condenser clean and clear fan running. Compressor not hot. Repairman coming tomorrow. I told him to make sure he has refrigerant with him. If it needs refrigerant, I am concerned it may have a slow leak somewhere.

[RAH52]

I don't know what the rules are in the USA but in Canada you can't just dump in some gas unless you can find and repair the leak . You then have to fill out your tag with your id.# and certify the unit is leak free .You even have to remove the bullet valve and braze the process tube back up . I've had techs tell me there are "freon police " out there who will set you up and fine you, and the company you work for if you mess up .

[krazytech]

Same there in the US. EPA does not allow you to JUST add Gas. Also all bullet valves will leak. And most leaks are in the evaporator which are aluminum and very hard to seal with replacement.

[JWWebster]

Rah you have to do all that stuff even if the unit uses R134a?

[RAH52]

Sure do JW . What really bugs me is we all know in countries that aren't following the rules they routinely dump mega kilos of gas . (We went metric years ago LOL ) . Most domestic fridges I work with only use about 3.5 oz. or 99 grams of gas. I fart in larger volumes than that . I guess I should be reported !

[JWWebster]

The fart police will be out in force following today's thanksgiving throwdown.