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Message
"Weak Compressor" replacement on refrigerator
Posted on 9/13/18 at 9:05 pm
Posted on 9/13/18 at 9:05 pm
SubZero side by side refrigerator/freezer. The top portion of the freezer side (it has a door and two drawers below it) wasn't freezing. The temperature got up to around 50 and an error code (40) was flashing. Apparently that particular error code indicates that the compressor is running excessively.
Service tech comes out and replaces a fan motor by the compressors and condenser coil. Freezer starts cooling, so he leaves. About an hour later, the temperature starts rising again.
A different service technician came out this morning and fricked with it for about 90 minutes. Said the evaporator coil had a big cap of ice on it and the internal fan wasn't able to blow the cold air up to tbe top of the unit. The bottom drawers stayed cold (and made some ice) because they were close to the coil. Bottom line is that the cooling problem was caused by a "weak compressor" and it should be replaced.
Any expert opinions about this diagnosis? This won't be an inexpensive repair, but it's a goddamned SubZero, so you already know that.
Service tech comes out and replaces a fan motor by the compressors and condenser coil. Freezer starts cooling, so he leaves. About an hour later, the temperature starts rising again.
A different service technician came out this morning and fricked with it for about 90 minutes. Said the evaporator coil had a big cap of ice on it and the internal fan wasn't able to blow the cold air up to tbe top of the unit. The bottom drawers stayed cold (and made some ice) because they were close to the coil. Bottom line is that the cooling problem was caused by a "weak compressor" and it should be replaced.
Any expert opinions about this diagnosis? This won't be an inexpensive repair, but it's a goddamned SubZero, so you already know that.
5
Posted on 9/13/18 at 9:19 pm to White Roach
I would turn off everything for a night and let it thaw out
Then turn on
Then turn on
Posted on 9/13/18 at 9:25 pm to djangochained
It's working like a champ right now. The tech melted the ice on the evaporator coil this morning, so the cold air is circulating properly through the freezer. At least for now ...
He diagnosed a weak compressor as the source of the problem. I guess I'll find out if he is as BSing me if the freezer starts getting warm again.
He diagnosed a weak compressor as the source of the problem. I guess I'll find out if he is as BSing me if the freezer starts getting warm again.
Posted on 9/13/18 at 9:46 pm to White Roach
Wonder how he came about that diagnosis. I would've guessed there was a freon leak. I know that will cause freezing up of home airconditioning but I not sure about small refrigeration. From the getgo it sound like the defrost mechanism is faulty but that isn't terribly difficult to troubleshoot so it should've been obvious.
Posted on 9/13/18 at 9:46 pm to White Roach
I had that happen to mine and we melted the ice off and it worked like a champ again
Posted on 9/13/18 at 9:51 pm to White Roach
Sounds like it isn't defrosting. Or it's got an improper charge of freon..
They changed the condensor or just the condensor fan?
I'd check relays and then Freon level before changing a compressor.
Sounds to me like they are trying to sell a big job knowing it will fix your problem rather than admit they missed something.
They changed the condensor or just the condensor fan?
I'd check relays and then Freon level before changing a compressor.
Sounds to me like they are trying to sell a big job knowing it will fix your problem rather than admit they missed something.
Posted on 9/13/18 at 9:52 pm to djangochained
That just fixes it for a week or two then problem returns.
Posted on 9/13/18 at 9:53 pm to White Roach
So after melting the ice it's working?
I mean to defrost failure. Bad control/ terminator or heating element.
I mean to defrost failure. Bad control/ terminator or heating element.
Posted on 9/13/18 at 9:55 pm to MsState of mind
I've heard of bad compressors, but never a weak compressor. Not that that means jackshit, because I'm no refrigeration expert. I'm the guy posting on the OT and hoping Napoleon shows up in the thread.
For the cost to replace the compressor, I'd be willing to unscrew a panel and stick a blow dryer in there every few months. If it turns into a once a week occurrence, I guess somebody is going to have to write a large check.
For the cost to replace the compressor, I'd be willing to unscrew a panel and stick a blow dryer in there every few months. If it turns into a once a week occurrence, I guess somebody is going to have to write a large check.
Posted on 9/13/18 at 9:56 pm to Chuker
Yes. The easiest way to check for low freon is the exposue the evaporator then spray with water. Check the frost pattern.
If the whole thing frosts up it's good. If only the top then it's a Freon leak.
To be honest. You have a high end unit so parts changing monkeys will throw high end repairs at you.
If the whole thing frosts up it's good. If only the top then it's a Freon leak.
To be honest. You have a high end unit so parts changing monkeys will throw high end repairs at you.
This post was edited on 9/13/18 at 10:01 pm
Posted on 9/13/18 at 9:56 pm to White Roach
nevermind
This post was edited on 9/13/18 at 9:57 pm
Posted on 9/13/18 at 10:00 pm to White Roach
It's only common on LG made linear compressors. The seals go out and the pressure starts the equalize.
On a normal piston compressor it pumps or it doesn't.
My sub zero is 22yo with original compressors.
Compressors seize or have winding failure. I've never come across a "weak" one. I would say to call anther company. But sub zero only licenses one per area.
Sucks.
If it's out of warranty no bother, but it's so hard to get parts for them now most companies will just pass.
On a normal piston compressor it pumps or it doesn't.
My sub zero is 22yo with original compressors.
Compressors seize or have winding failure. I've never come across a "weak" one. I would say to call anther company. But sub zero only licenses one per area.
Sucks.
If it's out of warranty no bother, but it's so hard to get parts for them now most companies will just pass.
Posted on 9/13/18 at 10:02 pm to Napoleon
Is your compressor very hot to the touch?
This is a sign of low frein or a bad relay.
Most subzeros have valves so you don't have to tap them to check pressure.
This is a sign of low frein or a bad relay.
Most subzeros have valves so you don't have to tap them to check pressure.
Posted on 9/13/18 at 10:05 pm to White Roach
Weak compressor my arse. Did they hook gauges up to it? I’ve never worked on a subzero but many other fridges and usually there is not a charge port with a schrader valve. They will have to solder one on to truly check pressures/ add refrigerant.
Posted on 9/13/18 at 10:05 pm to Napoleon
quote:
Sounds to me like they are trying to sell a big job knowing it will fix your problem rather than admit they missed something.
First of all, thanks for the replies. I know you know your shite.
They replaced a fan motor up top that blows across the two compressors. I wasn't presentvwhen that repair took place, but I presume the "40" error code and a hot compressors(s) led the tech to discover the bad fan. He replaced that and left when it started to immediately cool. Within an hour or so, it started getting warm again.
Got them back out this morning and a different tech spent a long time messing with it and seemed either very thorough or befuddled. He was taking stuff apart from bottom to top. One of the last things he did was get his gauges out to check the refrigerant level and compressor function. Said the compressor was running at 10 psi to his helper.
The repair estimate was ~$350 for a new compressor, $700 for labor and $125 for "M&H" ... that seems like a lot of solder, mapp gas and handling to me.
Posted on 9/13/18 at 10:10 pm to White Roach
Napoleon is your man. Listen to what he says.
Posted on 9/13/18 at 10:11 pm to Napoleon
quote:
Is your compressor very hot to the touch? This is a sign of low frein or a bad relay.
Yes, it was. This is in a new house. I cleaned the condenser cool in the first week after move in because the previous owner didn't seem to be very into property maintenance. The area around the compressors was hotter than I thought they should be. Two months later, I realize that the fan was probably broken back then, I just wasn't aware of it.
Posted on 9/13/18 at 10:16 pm to Napoleon
quote:
To be honest. You have a high end unit so parts changing monkeys will throw high end repairs at you. pm
I try not to be too cynical, but I kind of feel like some of that may be happening.
Posted on 9/13/18 at 10:22 pm to Napoleon
quote:
d say to call anther company. But sub zero only licenses one per area. Sucks. If it's out of warranty no bother, but it's so hard to get parts for them now most companies will just pass.
Okay, so you must know who SubZero's authorized repair guys are in Metairie/Kenner.
We originally called SubZero customer service line to determine the age of the unit and troubleshoot the problem. It's a reconditioned 2006 model and it's out of warranty. They referred us to the local techs with the 469- phone number.
Posted on 9/13/18 at 10:27 pm to JusTrollin
quote:
Weak compressor my arse. Did they hook gauges up to it? I’
He did hook gauges up towards the end of his ~90 minute visit.
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