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Dave Harnish
 
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Hi David,

First thing that comes to my mind is, why *both* seals?
I rarely see them both fail at once...

Assuming it's an older refrig, and not one of the newer
ones with 'foamed-in-place' (glued!) seals, this isn't a
bad job. Hardest part's getting the doors 're-warped'
correctly after the new seals are on.

Start with the freezer door - it's the easiest. Throw the
new seal in your electric dryer on high heat for 5 minutes
(no longer!), or soak it in a bathtub full of hot water, to
help with the wrinkles, while you loosen the orig screws
and peel the old seal. No need to remove the doors or
unload your food; I've replaced door seals for 32 years,
and never had to do either.

If you think it may take you a while - and your first one
might - just use a few large magnets (I use old microwave
magnetron magnets - duct tape might work too) to hold
an old blanket or large piece of cardboard over the door
opening while you work. That way you won't feel rushed.

The fresh food section's a little harder, bc it tends to
'warp' and twist more, being larger. But take your time,
being sure the new seal's completely worked under the
mounting strips - especially watch this in the corners.

If your refrig *is* one of the newer ones that don't mount
the seals with screws, don't attemp it yourself - call a pro,
and get an estimate first.

I usually replace a single seal for our service call/labor rate,
currently $72.00, but rates can vary wildly depending on
where you are.

The most important part of the whole job is the lubrication
of the new seals. I'll bet yours twisted and tore on the hinge
side, right? A small film of petroleum jelly will prevent this
from ever happening again. Some manufacturers *used* to
apply this at the factory, but I haven't seen them do that since
the late 70's. They've been selling lots of seals since grin.

For more on that, see this little article, excerpted from my
newsletter:
http://www.DavesRepair.com/DIYhelp/DIYrefseallube.htm

Hope that's of some help.

Happy Thanksgiving, and God bless,

Dave Harnish
Dave's Repair Service
New Albany, PA
www.DavesRepair.com

570-363-2404

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John 3:3

"David Combs" wrote in message
...
Just how difficult would it be to do our own installing
of refrig door-gaskets?

(refrig on top, freezer on bottom. Amana)

(and what is usual cost for paying someone to do it?)

Thanks,

David