Refrigerator Compressor, Bogs down on start up.

[dadster4]

Some things to check:
Unplug frig and let compressor cool.
With an ohmmeter and ALL wires removed from the compressor, measure common to run, common to start, and run to start at the compressor. C to R + C to S = R to S.
Check that all terminals have high resistance to ground. If all these check out OK then the compressor is good. Put ammeter on RUN lead, reconnect all wires and plug in frig, watch ammeter for a reading- the compressor should try to start on the start windings immediately then show current on the run windings. If not, then the start relay or capacitor is not working properly- they are both cheap to replace. Put the ammeter on the common lead and try starting again- if the amp draw is more than twice FLA, the compressor is most likely locked up (you can try hitting it with a rubber mallet to free it up, but it only works occasionally) and cannot be fixed.

 

[techman]

I hate to repeat myself, but I would still suspect the start relay

paul

 

[Industrial Toys]

Well, maybe next time I go down, I will put a clmap meter on the capacitor lead to see if the start circuit is dropping out or not.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Just to wrap up.

I looked at the fridge again a week or so later. I put a clamp meter on the capacitor lead. The start relay and cap are working properly. It quickly goes out of circuit on start-up. I measured the run current. Around 2.8 amps. This time the fridge ran and started to cool, but I think it did not sound quite right. I left it on for about five minutes, then unplugged it for five and plugged it back in again. It stalled! I suspect a compressor issue and ordered a new fridge.

Thanks for the help.

 

[tallyho8]

That sounds like a partially stopped up strainer in the filter-drier. This would make it build up too much high pressure straining the compressor making it sound louder and when you turn it off it would take much longer for the pressure to settle out keeping the compressor from starting.

Replacing the filter drier is a futile effort because this means trash is in the system,such as rust or burnt insulation from the compressor motor in which case the unit has a very short expected life span.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Thanks. My Mom has enough (health) issues and I am too far away to show up on short notice, so I figured buying a new one was the best bet.

 

[ultrarunner]

You are a good son... I would do the same given the situation.