"RichK" wrote in message
...
Hi All,

A bit tricky refrigerator problem. Unit is 12 years old Sears (made by
GE)
top freezer. Symptoms are that it starts and cools for a while, but stops
and does not restart. Compressor quite hot - can hold finger on it for 4
sec. All fans are running. Coils clean.

Sounds like overload, but why is it overloading? How hot should the
compressor case get in normal operation? Could a bad run capacitor cause
that?

Rich




In order:

No one here can tell you, but it might be due to age, and worn winding
insulation, bushing wear on armature...etc
As hot as it needs to be to work.
IF it had a run cap, yes, a start cap, no...most have a START cap.