Thread Number: 81036  /  Tag: Refrigerators
1953 Hotpoint combo problems
[Down to Last]

automaticwasher.org's exclusive eBay Watch:
scroll >>> for more items --- [As an eBay Partner, eBay may compensate automaticwasher.org if you make a purchase using any link to eBay on this page]
Post# 1050352   11/8/2019 at 19:57 (1,601 days old) by rickr (.)        

rickr's profile picture
I have been using this trusty Hotpoint as a basement fridge for about twelve years with no problems. I noticed a funny noise the other day, and to my surprise, today I found the freezer is only cooling down to forty seven degrees. The refrigerator section is cooling to thirty seven degrees. The noise is coming from the freezer, and is much more audible when the freezer door is open. (see video) The unit still cycles on and off, and the coils in the refrigerator still frost and cool while the compressor is running. I have a feeling it is low on refrigerant, which is not a good thing. That means we have a leak. If we have a leak, that means it is time for a "new" old fridge. Other ideas anyone?

CLICK HERE TO GO TO rickr's LINK


  View Full Size



Post# 1050357 , Reply# 1   11/8/2019 at 21:22 (1,601 days old) by turbokinetic (Northport, Alabama USA)        
Geez!

I can't say that I have ever heard a noise like that from a fridge.

 

Not too familiar with these models. Does it have a condenser fan? If so, is that fan working correctly?

 

Leaks can be hard to locate, but they are no reason to give up on the fridge; especially if you can use your own time and skills to locate and repair it. 

 

Sincerely,

David 


Post# 1050358 , Reply# 2   11/8/2019 at 21:29 (1,601 days old) by rickr (.)        

rickr's profile picture
Thanks for the reply. No condenser fan with this model. Just the standard stationary coils on the back. The coils only get slightly warm now. Not hot, like they used to get.

Post# 1050361 , Reply# 3   11/8/2019 at 21:40 (1,601 days old) by turbokinetic (Northport, Alabama USA)        

Yeah if the coils don't get hot there's probably a loss of charge. Look for any oily places around where lines connect to the evaporator coils or other parts where dissimilar metals are soldered.

 


Post# 1051646 , Reply# 4   11/19/2019 at 13:38 (1,591 days old) by rickr (.)        
FYI

rickr's profile picture
The Hotpoint was low on refrigerant, as I suspected. There was a leak in the refrigerant line, that leads internally to the freezer section. We scrapped it out today. Saved the door latches, 3 wire cord that I had added years ago, the crisper drawers, one shelf, the door switches, and the compressor. I figure if I save all this for parts for the 1948 GE combo in the kitchen, I will never need them. Hate to scrap the Hotpoint, however it was not a restored fridge, just a basement fridge. It was replace with a one door Kelvinator fridge from the late 1940's.

Post# 1051651 , Reply# 5   11/19/2019 at 14:47 (1,591 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)        
Rick

rp2813's profile picture

Sadly, nobody wants to work on these old boxes even it the repair wouldn't be all that complex.  My '57 GE Combo which is in great shape may be doomed because I can't find anyone to replace its compressor.   The excuses they make don't hold water.  They just can't be bothered, even when I tell them I wouldn't expect any sort of warranty.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Post# 1051656 , Reply# 6   11/19/2019 at 16:46 (1,591 days old) by rickr (.)        

rickr's profile picture
That is too bad Ralph. I know how much you liked that fridge. I do have friends here that can do the refrigeration repairs, but in this case, it just was not worth the trouble involved. If it was the 1948 GE, I would have repaired it. But the Hotpoint was an unrestored, not that nice, basement fridge. The Kelvinator is built like a tank! And it has all the drawers and shelves, intact. In the spring, I will repaint it myself, and replace the door gasket. Someone had already installed a three wire cord. Kelvinator was a NASCAR garage fridge for someone, and I spent all afternoon removing a hideous stickers from the door. BTW, cooking oil, and an old hair dryer do wonders to dissolve hardened bumper sticker adhesive..... Still, a great working old 1940's fridge for $100.00 I am happy! Hope you find someone out there to repair the 57 GE Comb. It is a beautiful fridge.


Forum Index:       Other Forums:                      



Comes to the Rescue!

The Discuss-o-Mat has stopped, buzzer is sounding!!!
If you would like to reply to this thread please log-in...

Discuss-O-MAT Log-In



New Members
Click Here To Sign Up.



                     


automaticwasher.org home
Discuss-o-Mat Forums
Vintage Brochures, Service and Owners Manuals
Fun Vintage Washer Ephemera
See It Wash!
Video Downloads
Audio Downloads
Picture of the Day
Patent of the Day
Photos of our Collections
The Old Aberdeen Farm
Vintage Service Manuals
Vintage washer/dryer/dishwasher to sell?
Technical/service questions?
Looking for Parts?
Website related questions?
Digital Millennium Copyright Act Policy
Our Privacy Policy