Update and new problem on LG LMXS30776S Refrigerator not cooling properly

[tdatta]

Model Number

LMXS30776S

Brand

LG

Age

6-10 years

This is a follow up to my previous thread.
LG Refrigerator LMXS30776S not cooling properly

That tech came back multiple times, replaced:
Compressor
Drier
temp sensors
Fan in main compartment

It was a frustrating process and the system did not get fixed (measured temps are not close enough to settings).
Overview of symptoms is that main compartment is set to 1c and oscillates between 5c (41f) to 11c (52f). Mostly on the higher end average is about 8c (46f)
Evaporator in main compartment barely has any frost, on only a small part of it.
Freezer is set to -20 and oscillates between -17c (1.4f) and -10c (14f).
Middle drawer is consistently a few degrees below main compartment, makes sense since it gets its cooling from that evaporator.

Called a new tech this week and he measured low side at -10psi and high side at 140 psi (before equalization).
He pointed to poor work by the previous tech.
He reasoned that prior work was not done well and that the issue is moisture in the system, leading to clogs in capillary or other areas, and subsequent poor cooling performance.
Based on LGs records the fridge has had two compressor replacements already. I assume the first was because it actually failed, the second was with the incompetent tech.


He offered me two options:
1. Pull a vacuum and recharge. <- but he said that determining on how much moisture and how mixed it with the system that this may improve performance slightly.
2. Replace: Compressor, drier, condenser, three way valve, evaporator in main compartment. (For some reason he said that he mostly see issues with top evaporator not the freezer one).

He will offer a 6 month warranty on the work and total price is $730 (parts+labor) for the second option.

The price seems good, but what do you guys think of his diagnosis?

 

[Jake]

That's a difficult decision to make, and that $730 is a lot of money to put in this old of a refrigerator.

Even though he is offering a 6 month warranty, did he mention any kind of refund if it does not solve the problem during that 6 months?

Jake

 

[tdatta]

I agree it’s a lot of money. But the alternative would be $3k-$4k on a new fridge. Or $10k if I want a subzero. Just because I can pay for these things doesn’t mean I can afford them.

I could ask about refund. But I expect the warranty would just be that they will come back and perform more work at zero additional cost.

What do you think of his diagnosis?

 

[Jake]

What do you think of his diagnosis?

It sounds reasonable to me. But like I mentioned in your other thread, that drier filter needs to be replaced too, or I would tell him NO DEAL.

Jake

 

[Jake]

But the alternative would be $3k-$4k on a new fridge. Or $10k if I want a subzero. Just because I can pay for these things doesn’t mean I can afford them.

Yes, even if you can even get the high end models with the nightmare we have going on now, with chip shortages, supply chain issues, etc. I would just stay with IN-STOCK medium or low in models that are in-stock, they usually run $2500 and under.

Jake