refrigerator not quite reaching range

[skewered]

Model Number

106.5126210

Brand

Sears Kenmore

Age

More than 10 years

Hi everyone!
Got a 20-year old Kenmore model 106.51262103 side-by-side that isn't quite reaching range in the refrigerator side.

1) Condenser is clean
2) Condenser fan operational
3) Compressor operational
4) Defroster works and is going through its cycle
5) Evaporator fan operational
6) Evap coils start out with a nice even coating of thin, light frost but eventually turn to heavy frost (see sequence of pics) just before defrost

Thermostat seems to work, but with dial up near coldest (and freezer factory setting mid-range) refrigerator is only getting down to 42-44 (measured by dial thermometer in water). We even replaced door cams, got the door closing and sealing tight.

How hot is the condenser supposed to get? It's only around 90F maybe 100, but I guess that's good enough to dump heat into ambient conditions.

And could these be an indication that compressor isn't compressing enough? It's the original I think.

Thanks for any ideas!
SK

 

[skewered]

Now that the forum is back up and running, wondering if anyone has a suggestion on this issue of the refrigerator not cooling completely?
I see lots of others who also posted in the hot month of August with similar findings (everything checking out OK) but it won't stay cool below 40F. Somebody replaced the control board, but how would that explain my case where it gets cool much of the time but just won't stay cool.

And yes, I have also checked the vent for blockage. Seems open.

Thanks for any ideas, any at all!

SK

 

[skewered]

Just checking back to see if anybody has an idea... thanks

 

[skewered]

It's been some time and I haven't received any replies. Does anyone have any ideas on this? Thanks