Fridge wont stop running

[Cubfan]

I bought a used fridge off Craigslist over the weekend. Kind of an old thing but not too shabby. 12 cubic feet in the fridge, 3 in the freezer. Decent for garage/basement use to keep the beers cold.

Anyway, it gets down to temp no problem. The issue is it never shuts off. The compressor is very hot, I'm afraid it's going to burn out.

Anyone with experience with this? Some internet research points to the thermostat, but I figure I'd ask around before I start buying parts.

[woodchuck]

What did the previous owner have to offer?

[Cubfan]

I haven't contacted him since I bought it. Initially he said he was selling it for a family member or something.

I could contact the seller but I'm not sure he'll care. It does work. Just not properly.

[MADDOX626]

I saw the fridge was running and thought you had a joke to tell. Ohh well.

[jim]

Maybe the freezer is chasing it. ;) laughing

Sorry. I could not resist.

Cubby, first thing I would do is to clean the fridge really well. Make sure you get all the dirt and dust off the coils, compressor, etc.

Next make sure there is good air flow, and that the door seals are in good shape and the doors are alligned and shut properly.

If this does not do it, the problem could be in the thermostat or switch or it could be the unit is a little low on freon.

[Cubfan]

Jim, yeah that's pretty much what I gathered while scanning the web (even read the joke a few times :) )

The fridge (and back of it) is really clean. The seal seems good. The thermostat would be a cheap fix, I found a site that sells old parts ($9.24). If it's the freon, is that something that can be done at home or would I have to bring it in somewhere? Sorry for the potentially dumb questions, I'm no repairman though...

[jeffb]

Cub, depending on how old the fridge is, freon might not be a CHEAP option....

Hopefully its the thermostat....

[Cubfan]

Well I'm going to start with the thermostat. I'll spend another $20 on parts and shipping before I turn around and try to sell it back on CL.

But... can anyone tell me where the thermostat is hiding? It's part #21, but I'm not sure where to find it. I'm not sure where parts 13-21 are all hiding.

http://www.us1internet.com/FRT13GRHW1_129181.htm

[Petros1]

Well I'm going to start with the thermostat. I'll spend another $20 on parts and shipping before I turn around and try to sell it back on CL.

But... can anyone tell me where the thermostat is hiding? It's part #21, but I'm not sure where to find it. I'm not sure where parts 13-21 are all hiding.

http://www.us1internet.com/FRT13GRHW1_129181.htm

I have a Frigidaire in my garage, it's a 2 door with the freezer section on top. The thermostat is located in the upper part of the refrigerator compartment. I had issues with my refrigerator as well, last winter. I was getting the opposite issue, where the compressor wouldn't turn on. After spending some change on parts, including a thermostat, I found that it was a temperature issue from being in a cold garage. Anyway, in my troubleshooting I found that the defrost cycle motor can and in some instances does keep the compressor running non-stop. Let me know if you need some on site trouble shooting help, I'm in the nieghborhood. Eventhough you guys blew off Amber night! LOL

[Cubfan]

Let me know if you need some on site trouble shooting help, I'm in the nieghborhood. Eventhough you guys blew off Amber night! LOL

Wow cool! Yeah swing by, I have several beers in the other fridge still :)

Ok here, let's pick a night this week. Pick up C-Lowe, swing by and take a look, then we'll go to Ernie's for a couple pops.

[Cubfan]

Just found the solution. The use of this gadget will allow me to do something that I got the fridge for in the first place. Talk about irony!

http://www.midwestsupplies.com/products/ProdByID.aspx?ProdID=4230

[jim]

The coolant system on a fridge is sealed. There are no access ports like on a car to add "freon". If that would be the problem you would need to have it serviced.

[cloweman]

Nice solution, does that mean beer night is no longer on? That would make me sad.

I think I can do any night this week (meaning tomorrow or Thursday).

[Cubfan]

Nah I'm up for it if you guys are. Wednesday is better for me.... ok ok, I'll be watching Lost on Thursday!!

[cloweman]

Get Tivo (or a DVR) already!!! What are you living in 1999?!?