Did it travel upright?  Certain fridges resent being tipped over for any length of time.  Then it takes time for the oil to settle back where it belongs.  I don't know if this is one of those but someone here will.

You could try a re-charge, but if that resolves the problem it will only be temporary unless you can also locate the leak.

It also might be that during the trip home something was knocked loose, like some sort of accumulated debris inside the sealed system after decades of operation.  It could be something like a tiny particle preventing a float needle from seating.   That's like a needle in a haystack for sure and would require serious disassembly. 

I think if I were having this problem, I'd let the thing run and perhaps any blockage or other issue could eventually resolve itself.  Then again, there's the big question about whether the previous owner was being truthful about the fridge's cooling capabilities.  My rule when considering a vintage refrigerator is, if it's not already plugged in with frost on the coils and/or evaporator, walk away.

The crispy paint on the compressor  concerns me as well.  If that paint was fried by heat, the compressor may have issues.

We have an expert miracle worker here named David (use name "turbokinetic") who may chime in to advise, but I haven't seen any posts from him for a while so he could be out on the road and busy.

I had a '57 version of this same fridge and loved it.  I'm pretty sure the run relay in the compressor fried, and I couldn't find anyone local to fix it.  It sounds like you have access to some experienced repair people, so I hope you have better luck than I did.

I couldn't even begin to offer any suggestions based on what you've reported.  That level of diagnosis is way beyond my capabilities, but you seem to have enough knowledge to perhaps resolve the problem. 

It didn't even occur to me that the fridge is actually a 1955 and not a '56.  Personally, I'm not a fan of the '56 interior color scheme of copper and aqua.  Even the all-pink interior of the radically redesigned '57 Combination was more appealing.

Use A clamp-on saddle valve on the suction line and add 4 OZ of R-12 if you can not find the GE charging tool, then see what happens.

If it is restricted it is at the point where the capillary tube attaches to the bottom of the condenser [ your picture #4 ] 

You should try adding a little Freon if this does not work do the compressor vacuum test, if it passes then cut the last 4"s of the condenser out and install a filter dryer and recharge with around 10 Oz of R-12, I don't think the model tag has the correct charge amount for this ref, what does your tag say ?

John L.

Use A clamp-on saddle valve on the suction line and add 4 OZ of R-12 if you can not find the GE charging tool, then see what happens.

If it is restricted it is at the point where the capillary tube attaches to the bottom of the condenser [ your picture #4 ] 

You should try adding a little Freon if this does not work do the compressor vacuum test, if it passes then cut the last 4"s of the condenser out and install a filter dryer and recharge with around 10 Oz of R-12, I don't think the model tag has the correct charge amount for this ref, what does your tag say ?

John L.

Thats what I though, GE was about the only ref manufacturer that did not list the exact charge amount on their model tags just a maximum that was never actually used. 

I would try 8 or 10 oz max and see how it works after you repair whatever is wrong such as replacing the compressor.

John L.

What is the temperature in the ref and freezer sections ?

The freezer should be -10-25F, otherwise the compressor is probably weak or you could have a restriction where the strainer goes into the capillary. 

If you have a leak big enough to lose 8 Oz of refrigerant in a week or so it will not be cooling at all in 2 weeks.

John L.

I use ice cream as my temperature testing medium in the freezer.  Stick the thermometer into it and check it after 24 hours or so.

GE refrigerators from this period have a reputation for cold control failure.  I had to replace the control on my '57 Combination and was able to get a NOS universal fit replacement.  I wouldn't place the blame on the cold control just yet though if the fridge is running constantly and not cooling down the way it should.

First what are the actual temps, taking the temperature of IC that has been in the ref for 24 hours is good, it can be taken instantly with an instant read thermometer.

You can also take the test the temperature of a glass of water in the ref section.

If it is failing to get cold enough the compressor needs a vacuum test if it passes that install a new filter dryer and recharge.

If the compressor needs replacing you can adapt hundreds of different compressors to fit this ref, IF you use an older GEC be sure to test it for proper ability to pull a 30" vacuum before bothering to install it, older GECs are often worn out.

John L.

About how lax some people here are about refrigerants, especially R12, which is supposed to be banned.  I was trained that an intentional release of refrigerants by a technician can result in a $25,000 fine from the EPA and a possible jail sentence.  Do you really want to take the chance of having to take group showers with Bubba?

A licensed and certified technician will recover all refrigerants and diagnose and repair the leak once and for all.  If that is not possible, then the refrigerant should be recovered, a sticker placed on the unit, and then the appliance can be recycled and disposed of.

Meg, replacing a compressor is not unheard of, you would just have to find a technician willing to do so.  There is at least 1 thread where someone replaced the system in 1966 GE refrigerator.  Good luck!

Oh, and a new compressor is likely to be of another brand like Techumseh or Embraco, GE had a scandal with compressors wearing out back in the 80s.

There is also another longer thread about it that is earlier that explains more.  Do you have an EPA certification and the equipment to go into a sealed system.  Remember, there is only one place more stressful than a men's prison - a prison for women!