Frigidaire Refrigerator FPRU19F8RFC sealed system issue.

[Tswagg911]

Model Number

FPRU19F8RFC

Brand

Frigidaire

Age

6-10 years

We are having an issue with our refrigerator periodically freezing food. We had a tech come out to evaluate and he is telling us we need a new compressor, evaporator, heat exchanger and filter drier. Does this sound correct? He never pulled the fridge from the wall so I’m not sure how he checked all of these components. I understand that we have a sealed system issue from the frost pattern (see above).

I have replaced the thermistor but that made no change. I feel like the tech is taking a “shotgun” approach to the repair but I am looking for guidance here. Should all of these components be replaced together or should we dig deeper for the issue. I am considering calling another company to come out and take a look.

I do not have a lot of confidence because the tech did not reinstall the bottom drawer correctly and he first said we had a damper problem. Then he realized the fridge and freezer are separate units connected with a trim kit. Not sure of this guys experience level.

Any direction would be greatly appreciated.

Tim

 

[jeff1]

Hi,

JMO!

We had a tech come out to evaluate and he is telling us we need a new compressor, evaporator, heat exchanger and filter drier. Does this sound correct?

Evaporator and heat exchanger are common leaking trouble makers.....*I* wouldn't replace one without the other either on this unit.
Drier.....cardinal rule, drier always gets changed when we do system work.
Compressor.....if the system has a leak then no cool gas is coming back to the compressor and the compressor has been overheating = it may be unreliable.
Compressor.....if I leave a weak compressor in the system and add new parts and a full refrigerant gas change the compressor has to work hard again and it might not be able to and quits.

For the best repair, *I* would probably quit all of these as well = the best opportunity to get 5 to 8 more trouble free years from the unit.

Again....JMO!

jeff sr.

 

[Tswagg911]

Thank you Jeff! This is exactly the type of response I need.

I understand that the evaporator and/or heat exchanger are the most likely cause for a leak. What determines that there is a Freon leak to begin with? The frost pattern?

Also, if we elect to only replace the condenser, heat exchanger and dryer at this time and the compressor fails in the future, will the entire system need to be replaced then (another new condenser, heat exchanger and dryer)? I’m not familiar with refrigeration components, but I do understand that when an ac compressor fails in a truck, the entire system is contaminated. I’m assuming that the compressors are built differently between the two applications but are the results of a failure the same?

Thank you so much for your insight.

Tim

 

[jeff1]

What determines that there is a Freon leak to begin with? The frost pattern?

That is the visual test for sure.

Also, if we elect to only replace the condenser, heat exchanger and dryer at this time and the compressor fails in the future, will the entire system need to be replaced then (another new condenser, heat exchanger and dryer)?

Evaporator.
Not normally, but is possible.
Most times when the compressor lets go we have to change the compressor and drier (cardinal rule) only, but sometimes the compressor can be a burn out and spew contamination into the refrigeration system.

I’m assuming that the compressors are built differently between the two applications but are the results of a failure the same?

I don't know much about auto compressors, sorry.

jeff sr.

 

[Tswagg911]

Thank you for your help!

 

[jeff1]

Your welcome!

jeff sr.