kenmore upright freezer #253.9280211 not cooling

[Dan O.]

Originally Posted by ecoflo

It blows cool air but wont freeze water.

Someone will likely need to inspect the appliance's evaporator (cooling) coil during operation to see how it is frosting. There could be a defrost problem (see the following link) or a refrigeration system problem in which case you will need to call for service.

LINK > How does a frost free refrigerator's (or freezer's) defrost system work?

JMO

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

A service guy told my wife to throw out the freezer because if the motor is running but it is not freezing then the freon has drained out and it can not be filled because it is in a sealed unit. (He gave this advise over the phone without looking at the freezer)

Does this sound right or is this guy not accurate? The freezer isn't that old and it still looks newI hate to trow it out if it can be repaired.

[Dan O.]

the freon has drained out and it can not be filled because it is in a sealed unit. Does this sound right or is this guy not accurate?

No, it is not accurate. The refrigerant can usually be recharged *by a professional* (not a novice) ... depending on where the leak is. However, even if it was repairable, it may not be worthwhile to have done due to the cost involved. The sealed refrigeration system however is warranted for at least 5-years, maybe as long as 10. Check your warranty papers if the appliance isn't older than that.

It might not even be the refrigerant has leaked out, but the compressor itself faulty... if the compressor is running but the unit is not cooling. That job is even more expensive to repair but would also be covered by the same length of warranty.

He gave this advise over the phone without looking at the freezer

I wouldn't suggest you make any major decisions until the appliance is actually checked out. That way you know for sure and can make an informed decision between repair and replace.


BTW. Has the appliance been left unplugged for any length of time.

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

It has been unplugged now for about three weeks. I initially tried unplugging it for 24 hrs and then plugged it back in. It didn't help. Blew warm air and wouldn't freeze water in an ice tray that was left overnight.

[Dan O.]

Originally Posted by ecoflo

It has been unplugged now for about three weeks.

No, I was wonder if maybe it had been in storage, etc. for quite a while previous to the current malfunction.

If it had been stored (unplugged for a long period of time - months, etc.), its internal refrigerant tubing could have developed leaks during that time. If it has been in continuous use (until the problem occurred), that would not likely be the problem.

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

After talking to you i plugged it back in and turned it on. This morning the ice tray is frozen and the freezer makes the vacuum sound when the door is closed. Is this just temporary or will it continue to work? Does this help with the diagnosis?

[Dan O.]

Originally Posted by ecoflo

After talking to you i plugged it back in and turned it on. This morning the ice tray is frozen. Is this just temporary or will it continue to work?

Problems that go away of their own tend to come back on their own as well.

Does this help with the diagnosis?

No. It could be that the compressor stopped previously because was overheating. While disconnecting it would help it too cool in the immediate time, without finding the correcting the cause, it will likely occur again.

I wouldn't suggest you put much food into it until you're certain it is going to last.

JMO

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

i put some meat in the feezer and it has stayed frozen since my last comment (months ago ?) it continues to work. What do you think the problem was?

[Dan O.]

Originally Posted by ecoflo

i put some meat in the feezer and it has stayed frozen since my last comment (months ago ?) it continues to work.

Glad to hear it.

What do you think the problem was?

Maybe the compressor just overheated and couldn't start up again after that? A temporary power drop could cause the compressor to overheat and combined with the compressor continually trying to restart after that, could keep it so hot it couldn't restart properly.

BTW. Whenever a fridge or freezer's compressor is clicking on and off for extended periods, power should be disconnected from the unit to give the compressor a chance to cool. If the now cool compressor doesn't start right back up when it's plugged in again, there is a problem that needs to be looked into. Keep the appliance unplugged until it can be serviced. Allowing the compressor to click on and off could damage the compressor which is an expensive ($$$) repair.


You also previously started "my seal was off too on the bottom". If that caused an excessive frost build-up on the evaporator (cooling) coil, that would likely cause the appliance to run longer than normal which could result in the compressor getting too hot as well.

Putting a full load of warm food into a freezer at one time will also strain the compressor. If combined with either of the above circumstances could result in the compressor's malfunction. I suggest large meat orders be pre-frozen by the butcher to save on the wear and tear of a home freezer.

JMO

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