Refrigerator compressor overheating?

[WarmRefrigerator]

Hi all,
I have a problem with my 6 years old Amana Refrigerator.
the unit was' clicking on', then buzzing for about 10 seconds, then 'clicking off" every 5 miunits or so. the fan was running all the time, but the compressor was not on and is hot to touch.
the unit was unplugged for few hours. the compressor was colded down. I plugged it back in, the compressor started up and ran for few hours. then it backed to the 'clicking and buzzing' and getting warm mode again.
I replaced the starter relay and capacitor. and still see the same behavior. The compressor will start if it is cold,but dose not 're-start'correctly once everything is going.
please help, any suggestions welcome.

[HayZee518]

you have a freon leak.

[WarmRefrigerator]

thanks for the information

thank you HayZee518. did you have same problem with your refrigerate?
how did you fix the problem? let mw know. thanks.

[HayZee518]

in the refrigeration circuit there is a moisture free mineral oil that circulates with the freon gas. if there is a leak the oil flows out of the compressor lines. this may cause the compressor motor and piston to lock up. the motor draws more and more current and as a result heats up the compressor casing. it is then that the motor overloads trip, which is the clicking noises you hear. allowed to cool it will attempt to restart and may run a while then locks up again and trips the overloads. if there is no damage to the motor windings at this point, I'd check the system for leaks. if you are not in possession of an EPA license to handle freon, you cannot trouble shoot your appliance. then its hit or miss. you may need to replace your compressor.

[WarmRefrigerator]

thank you again HayZee518. is there any way I can test to see if there is a leak with the unit? it is expensive to fix the leak according to several web-sites. if I know for sure it is leaking, maybe better off to get a new one? are you an EPA licensed tech?

[Dan O.]

Slow WAY down here!



Lack of refrigerant will NOT cause a compressor to overheat so that is VERY unlikely to be involved with the problem. Moreover, if the appliance is cooling when the compressor is running, that is even more an indicator refrigerant is NOT the problem.

Lets start this properly:

1. Disconnect power from the appliance immediately until it can be fully investigated. Allowing it to continue to operate in the fashion described can damage the compressor (if it isn't already the cause) which would basically make the appliance scrap.

2. Properly identify the appliance in question by providing its exact model number (see the following link) and possibly its serial and manufacturing (aka 'MFG') numbers as well.

Forum Notice LINK > Please include Make and Model # in post


3. Tell us exactly what part(s) were installed including their part number(s).


Once we have some actual details to work with someone may be able to suggest the possible cause and/or solution.

JMO

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
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[WarmRefrigerator]

Hi Dan,
thank you for your help. here is some informatiom about my refrigerator.
Maker:Amana
Model #: ASD2624HES
Serial #: 50497854ER
year:2004
this unit is in the house we bought last month. the house was vacant for about a year. do not know how long the unit has not been used. when I pluged it in, it makes the problem like I said before. I searched on line, some of they say it maybe the start relay/ capacitor want bad, so I bought a new one ( part# 67005560),and replace it. but did not solve the problem. I want to try it before I make a service call. please help me. thank you.

[HayZee518]

ok Dan, what causes the compressor's overloads to trip open? some compressors like the "copeland" has a current sensitive relay.

[Dan O.]

I searched on line, some of they say it maybe the start relay/ capacitor want bad, so I bought a new one (part# 67005560) and replace it.

That could be one cause, yes.

67005560 is the proper relay for your model. If you had installed a universal relay/overload assembly (or a 'hard start' kit), that substitution could cause your exact symptoms as they're not designed for more modern compressors.

LINK > Amana 67005560 Refrigerator Relay Asm.

If that is definitely the relay you installed about the only things that could cause the compressor to overheat the way you described is either a problem in the compressor itself or maybe the condenser fan not operating or the condenser plugged/dirty and/or not getting proper air flow through it. Just by chance, is the rear compressor cover in place? It needs to be on the fridge for proper air movement through the condenser.

I assume when you said "the fan was running all the time" that you were indicating the condenser fan by the compressor so that should rule out one possibility.

JMO

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
=D~~~~~~

[Dan O.]

what causes the compressor's overloads to trip open?

A domestic refrigerator compressor overload will trip by either excessive amperage draw or excessive temperature. Neither of which would be caused by lack of refrigerant.

JFYI

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
=D~~~~~~