IH refrigerator, need some help

[tractorfan1]

I just got an IH fridge last Sunday and I put some bottled water in it and plugged it in. But when I went back to it a day later the water was froze! I turned it down to 1, but it is still freezing everything, what could it be? I noticed that the back of the freezer has nothing separating it from the fridge. Its a 1953 and if anyone can help please respond. TIA!


Brett

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

Most likely the thermostat is bad, it is behind the temp setting knob and has a tube that runs into the refrigerator compartment. I doubt the original is still available, but you can probably find a universal that will fit. A second possibility would be the relay sticking, which typically is a little box mounted to the top of the compressor. One work of warning, due to the changes in eficency, it will cost as much to run that old one as it would tkae to pay for and run a newer one.

[Harold R]

I like those old fridges. Reminds me of my grandparents old Philco. I think theirs would freeze up from time to time due to low charge, but that was a long time ago, can't remember for sure. If nothing else, they'd make good shop fridges.

[George Willer]

I had a shop refrigerator/freezer that was a freebie. It had all the bells and whistles but was the wrong color. I metered the electric use for a couple months with a portable meter and found that at the time it was costing over $14/Mo to run. I bought a little one new that does the job and it was only $1.50/Mo to run. After maybe 14 years it's still doing the job. I wonder how many times it has paid for itself? I'd take that 1953 model and use it for something that didn't require it to be plugged in.

[Hengy]

I'd take that 1953 model and use it for something that didn't require it to be plugged in.

1. How about a nice insulated tool cabinet in the shop? Even has extra secure top section for that "special tool"

2. Could bury it halfway in the ground like I have seen done with those claw-foot tubs and made into a grotto...

3. ???

Sorry...just had to do a little tongue-in-cheek routine...

I do actually really like the look of those old refrigerators...wonder if one could retrofit a new compressor system on them to take advantage of the modern cooling system efficiencies while keeping the old look??

Mike in La Crosse, WI

[tractorfan1]

Most likely the thermostat is bad, it is behind the temp setting knob and has a tube that runs into the refrigerator compartment. I doubt the original is still available, but you can probably find a universal that will fit. A second possibility would be the relay sticking, which typically is a little box mounted to the top of the compressor. One work of warning, due to the changes in eficency, it will cost as much to run that old one as it would tkae to pay for and run a newer one.

John,

This fridge runs 24/7 it never shut's off. Is this normal?

[Bigdog]

Running 24 / 7 is not normal. No wonder it freezes! I think John is right, you have a thermostat problem.

[Harold R]

I do actually really like the look of those old refrigerators...wonder if one could retrofit a new compressor system on them to take advantage of the modern cooling system efficiencies while keeping the old look??

You probably could Mike. That would be neat. May cost an arm and a leg though.

[Harold R]

Apparently there is a market for them. Those with the know-how could probably green these things up and make nice usuable appliances out of them. Who knew??? Kinda like that little red tractor.

http://www.oldhouseweb.com/stories/Detailed/10341.shtml

[Bigdog]

Better insulation is the biggest factor in cost savings. Using modern styrofoam insulation to replace the original will help a lot. But I don't think the efficiencies will ever be as good as modern day appliances.

[junkman1946]

Take G.W.s advice and get a little fridge to keep your water cold. Take that fridge disconnect the compressor, rewire the light so it stays on at all times, put the smallest light bulb in it you can find, Use it to store your welding rods- light bulb keeps it warm and dry.

[tractorfan1]

I would like to fix it, I don't want to use it to store stuff.

[Redman]

[beaconlight]

One of my neighbors is a welder and he uses an old fridge for his rod storage too.
With the modern more efficient refrigerators trying to use an old one is just setting fire to dollar bills every month. If that doesn't bust your budget ok.

[Harold R]

trying to use an old one is just setting fire to dollar bills every month.

That could be said for a lot of hobbies.