Still not cold enough, parts replaced:

[swinner]

Model Number

253.74173401

Brand

Sears Kenmore

Age

More than 10 years

Kenmore model 253.74173401, top freezer purchased in 2005
Problem began with temp not as cold as it was, gradually boosting dial to colder and mystery water in the bottom of the fridge.
Soon after noticing more water, noticed frost in the freezer vents. Removed back panel & evaporator is completely covered in frost.
Purchased and replaced Thermostat defrost & defrost heater kit. Both original parts tested okay, but replaced anyway (thermostat was cheap)
Some dust on condenser, not excessive: thoroughly vacuumed entire area in and around condenser & compressor
Fans working

Defrost is now working better but not as it should & fridge and freezer still aren't cold enough. Frost still building up on evaporator

Replaced Defrost Timer, noticed clogged drain, unclogged
Defrost working well; no frost on evaporator, no water at the bottom of the fridge
Fridge and freezer still not cold enough, temp gradually decreasing

Unplug and leave the country
3 weeks later, plug in & things seem to be working well. At center control setting, freezer is -10 & fridge is 20
YAY
Within 12 hours fridge and freezer are again not cold enough

I feel like I'm missing something simple. Is there a reset setting for this unit?

I cannot find much info (beyond parts) for this particular model, all is for french door, this is top freezer, no digital display.

I know it's old but really like the shelf configuration for this unit & it's size and shape fit my space really well so I'm hating the thought of replacing. Actually went shopping before we left the country & was very disappointed, hence the unplug & walk away for a bit.




Edit to note water in the bottom of the fridge was due to a clogged drain discovered when we replaced the defrost timer

 

[Dan O.]

At center control setting, freezer is -10 & fridge is 20

That's too cold.

Is there a reset setting for this unit?

No.

Within 12 hours fridge and freezer are again not cold enough

Someone needs to find out what is and is not occurring at that time... before any defrosting or turning it off.

All fans (inside and out) need to be running when the compressor is running. The compressor needs to be running to produce any cooling. So, are the compressor and fans running when it is not cooling properly?

If yes, we need to see the frost accumulation on the evaporator coil before any defrosting is done. Post photos for evaluation.


Dan O.

 

[swinner]

If yes, we need to see the frost accumulation on the evaporator coil before any defrosting is done. Post photos for evaluation.

All fans and the compressor are running, so yes.
Should I remove the back panel from inside the freezer and keep it off so I can monitor? I have not noticed any frost on the vents as there was before.
I'm not sure where it is on it's 10 hour cycle so I'll need to check progress throughout the day

That's too cold.

My bad, the freezer was +10 and the fridge a bit below 30, probably closer to 25. Currently set so most cold goes to the fridge

 

[Dan O.]

Should I remove the back panel from inside the freezer and keep it off so I can monitor?

No. The fridge must be fully assembled for it to function properly. Only take the cover off when it stops cooling properly and take a photo of the frost accumulation at that time. Don't manually defrost it prior the photos.

 

[swinner]

If yes, we need to see the frost accumulation on the evaporator coil before any defrosting is done. Post photos for evaluation.

Took a couple pics throughout the weekend although I wasn't able to get it right after a defrost. These 2 pics represent the least and greatest amount of frost I've seen since Saturday. The temp hovers around 42 in the fridge and just above freezing in the freezer no matter what the dials are set to (ice cubes in tray never completely freeze)

 

[Dan O.]

Took a couple pics throughout the weekend although I wasn't able to get it right after a defrost.

I didn't want pics after a defrost, I said "before any defrosting"

The photo shows a refrigeration system problem. There is nothing else you can do. It will require a trained refrigeration service technicians to look into it further.

Example Frost Patters


Dan O.

 

[swinner]

You're right, my bad. Either way, the pics are a good representation of most & least frost as seen over 48hrs & in comparison to your pics is a sealed system problem. I wouldn't have spent so much time if I didn't really like the reliability & shelf configuration of this fridge & after a bit of shopping, haven't seen anything I like as well.

Thanks for your help

 

[Dan O.]

The required repair could be less than a replacement refrigerator but it will likely be several hundred dollars minimum.