Kenmore fridge icing up and leaking

[cashdan]

I have a Kenmore top-freezer, no ice-maker fridge (model # 106.68207891)that is about 6 yrs old and has two problems, the first which has become less prominent recently but which I will describe since it may be related to the second.
The first problem (a knocking noise when the compressor cycles off) first appeared about a year ago. A Sears repairman told me over the phone that the problem probably was a failing compressor and that I should live with it till the fridge failed completely since it would be a very expensive repair. The warranty on the compressor, of course, expired 3 months earlier.
The second problem -- which appeared only a week ago -- was water leaking into the fridge compartment. After checking to make sure the freezer air flow vents weren't blocked by food packages, I removed the freezer floor and found it packed with ice. I cleaned all the ice out, reinstalled he floor, and the unit now works like a charm. Even the compressor knock seems to occur less frequently.
Question is whether the defroster heater is shot and whether the problem is likely to reoccur, and if there is some preventive measure to keep the unit from freezing up again. I looked for a drain - thinking it might be blocked --in back of the freezer compartment when I took out the floor but couldn't find any. Any thoughts? Advice? Thanks.

[Dan O.]

Originally Posted by cashdan

Kenmore top-freezer fridge model # 106.68207891

I removed the freezer floor and found it packed with ice. Question is whether the defroster heater is shot and whether the problem is likely to reoccur

A defrosting problem would usually result in an excessive "frost" (white, snow-like material) on the evaporator (cooling) coil not "ice". If it was actually "ice", you have have a plugged defrost water drain. The defrost heater has nothing to do with that.

LINK > How does a frost free refrigerator's defrost system work?

and if there is some preventive measure to keep the unit from freezing up again.

Remove any blockages... although it might have just been caused by an ice buildup itself in which case just thawing it might have cleared it. If not, if will likely build up and/or leak again within 24 hours or so.

a knocking noise when the compressor cycles off. A repairman told me that the problem probably was a failing compressor and that I should live with it till the fridge failed completely since it would be a very expensive repair.

That's likely correct.

JMO

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

Thanks for the tip. Could you instruct me as how to access the drain. I see a housing just to the rear of the control box which I assume leads to the top of the drain tube but I can't figure out how to remove the darn thing. Thanks.

[Dan O.]

You can see what might be required to access the drain area on several different makes and models of refrigerators at the following link. While none are likely for your exact model, one of them might give you an idea for yours as well.

LINK > My fridge is leaking water, what might the problem be?

JMO

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

[cashdan]

Hi Dan:
want to let you know that I located the freezer drain tube after the problem re-occured by taking off the freezer back wall and locating the drain tube which indeed was plugged with ice. After repeated attempts at clearing the tube by injecting hot water into it with a turkey baster, I finally got the water in the freezer to drain. The sound of water dripping down into the pan at the bottom of the fridge was music to my ears and I hope the fix works this time. Much thanks for your help.
One question though.
Before accomplishing this, I tried to clear the tube from the bottom with a straighted coat hanger wire. There were two tubes and one was blocked (the one which ultimately turned out to be the freezer tube). When I stuck the wire up the other tube it popped up thru a small plactic plug at the back of the crisper. Can you tell me what the function of this opening is, and whether the plug should be closed tight? Right now it is a little loose, probably from poking the wire thru the opening a number of times. Thanks again and Happy New Year.

[Dan O.]

Originally Posted by cashdan

I tried to clear the tube from the bottom with a straighted coat hanger wire.

A coat hanger is often too rigid for such an application as the drain tube usually has several twists and turns on route to the drain pan.

the other tube it popped up thru a small plastic plug at the back of the crisper. Can you tell me what the function of this opening is

I'm afraid I can't. Maybe it's an alternate way for drain water to go if there's a problem with the other??

whether the plug should be closed tight? Right now it is a little loose

I don't know that either I'm afraid. I can't see it hurting anything even if it was loose, maybe water collecting under there during a defrost? You might want to keep an eye on that area for a couple of days.

Happy New Year

Thanks, you too.

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
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