Kenmore Elite Refrigerator 795.72495.611 Cool but not Cold.

[Oaktreelimb]

Model Number

795.72495.611

Brand

Sears Kenmore

Age

1-5 years

My Kenmore Elite refrigerator will be 5 years old in a week.
Last week, I noticed water leaking out from ice dispenser. Ice has been melting.
I checked the bottom freezer draws. Foods are thawed off.
I did following checks:
1. Self test: No Error code.
2. Temperature reading inside refrigerator and Freezer: Same, 45 Degree F.
3. Removed cover in Freezer, check Evaporator: Not very cold, Look Clean and No Icy problem, two evaporator fans are running strong and smooth. No air restriction from Evaporator to Refrigerator compartment, Freezer and Ice Maker.
4. Check Condenser and Fan: They are clean, Fan is running good.
5. Check Compressor: It's running but hot to touch.
6. Tap a service valve to LO side: With Refrigerator plugged in, Compressor running, LO side pressure reading 35 psi.
7. Evacuated refrigerant, Running vacuum pump to 600 Microns for 15 minutes (I also use a lighter to heat up the receiver/dryer/filter for about 30 seconds while doing system vacuum). It hold well at about 740 Microns for 5 minutes. Recharged with 5.2 oz of new R134a.
8. When Compressor is running, LO side still only drops to around 35 psi.
9. After letting it to run for 24 hrs, the temperature inside refrigerator and freeze remain cool but not cold (around 41 degree F).
10. I did not tap to HI side so I have no idea what is the Hi side reading.

The label on the compressor states It's Linear Compressor. I call Sears Kenmore service center. They told me my Refrigerator's Compressor only has one year warranty. They said not all Linear Compressor are warrantied for 10 years.

They said they can send a technician out in four weeks to check my refrigerator for $149 and will give me an repair estimate.
Is my frig. compressor bad? What is my best option here to repair it.
Please advice. TIA.

Added complete model number

 

[Jake]

Please post your complete model number. 795.7249 is partial model number. The model number tag is located inside the refrigerator on the upper walls or ceiling

7. Evacuated refrigerant, Running vacuum pump to 600 Microns for 15 minutes (I also use a lighter to heat up the receiver/dryer/filter for about 30 seconds while doing system vacuum). It hold well at about 740 Microns for 5 minutes

Did your manifold gauge stay at -20 to -30 on LOW SIDE in the vacuum you held?

The label on the compressor states It's Linear Compressor. I call Sears Kenmore service center. They told me my Refrigerator's Compressor only has one year warranty. They said not all Linear Compressor are warrantied for 10 years.

After you post your complete model number I can tell you for sure your warranty on the compressor.

Jake

 

[Oaktreelimb]

Thank you Jake for your help.
The model is 795.72495.611.
I got the digital gauge setting in Micron of Mercury setting when doing vacuuming to boil and remove any water in the system. I had the vacuum pump running for about 15 minutes, got it down to around 600 microns and it hold well for 5 minutes . I remember the other number on the gauge is around -25. I borrowed the digital gauge and this is my first time using the gauge with Micron of Mercury setting.

Note: I'm just a home owner. I don't know much about home applicant repair. the above diagnosis is based on my knowledge of my working on Car for 40 years. I am well trained on vehicle air condition system, plus some internet learning about home refrigeration system with Capillary tube. So please correct me if you found I'm wrong.

 

[Jake]

Thanks!

Per your model number the compressor doesn't have a 5 yr. warranty, just 1 yr.

I got the digital gauge setting in Micron of Mercury setting when doing vacuuming to boil and remove any water in the system. I had the vacuum pump running for about 15 minutes, got it down to around 600 microns and it hold well for 5 minutes . I remember the other number on the gauge is around -25. I borrowed the digital gauge and this is my first time using the gauge with Micron of Mercury setting.

Ok -25 is good.

Note: I'm just a home owner. I don't know much about home applicant repair. the above diagnosis is based on my knowledge of my working on Car for 40 years. I am well trained on vehicle air condition system, plus some internet learning about home refrigeration system with Capillary tube. So please correct me if you found I'm wrong.

That's right.

They said they can send a technician out in four weeks to check my refrigerator for $149 and will give me an repair estimate.
Is my frig. compressor bad? What is my best option here to repair it.
Please advice. TIA.

Yes, it's the compressor that has failed. It would cost more to fix it than its worth.

Jake

 

[Oaktreelimb]

Thanks Jake again for your help.
I got part numbers from my refrigerator technical sheet and check with Sears Part and got part numbers for updated compressor and dryer.
I found that I can buy brand new OEM LG compressor and Filter/Dryer on eBay for $250 (Sears wants $380). New Filter/Dryer has built-in service valve. I still have a few pounds of R134a at home. The system needs 5.11 oz of R134a.
I paid around $2k for my refrigerator 5 years ago. I think I will replace the compressor and dryer by myself.
I'm not confident in soldering refrigerant lines yet. I have some copper and steel lines at home. I'll probably practice soldering many, many times in my garage, check for strength and leakage before actually doing it on my refrigerator lines. I need to buy flux and solder. Any advice on Flux and solder kind and brand?

Now I have two more questions.
1. Do I need to update Control Board software when I install new compressor
2. Is there an Aftermarket Compressor that is better than the OEM ?

 

[paulhl]

You're not soldering you're brazing, big difference

 

[Jake]

Paul is correct, brazing.

Sorry, we don't teach sealed system repair online, its best left to the pros like Rick said here too:

Frigidaire FPRH19D7LF1 (2014) standalone refrig not chilling below 40-42

Right at 1 year ago, we had the freezing of items problem I've seen about this unit. I replaced the thermistor. Initially I believe I had a couple of more freezing sessions (so I thought problem still there) but the freezing stopped and refrig has been left at 34 setting. The thermometer I...

www.applianceblog.com

Jake

 

[dustincoco1982]

I got the same piece of garbage fridge, replaced the defrost mechanism and same thing. It just freezes it. This is how it looks currently. Any suggestions?

 

[Jake]

Sealed system problem for sure!

Look at the very bottom photo below where it says NORMAL FROST PATTERN.

 

[dustincoco1982]

Thanks, it eventually freezes over from what I recall. Any diagnostic checks I can do from the control panel to see if it gives me an indication.

 

[Jake]

Nope, 32 degrees is freezing, but the temp needs to get to 0 degrees to work like it should from the factory.

Get a thermometer and take a Realtime temp and tell us what it reads.