I have an old Maytag side by side refrigerator that my wife says runs
all the time. Today she said the eggs were frozen so maybe she's
right. Over the weekend I vacuumed out the bottom and as much of the
coils (?) around the fan housing that I could. The angle is bad so I
can't reach more than a few inches with the hose.

Here are a few pictures of the back side of the unit.

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/5839/h2wn.jpg
http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/8286/9s83.jpg
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/6728/7fy.JPG

Any suggestions appreciated.

"badgolferman" wrote in message
...

I have an old Maytag side by side refrigerator that my wife says runs
all the time. Today she said the eggs were frozen so maybe she's
right. Over the weekend I vacuumed out the bottom and as much of the
coils (?) around the fan housing that I could. The angle is bad so I
can't reach more than a few inches with the hose.

Here are a few pictures of the back side of the unit.

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/5839/h2wn.jpg
http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/8286/9s83.jpg
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/6728/7fy.JPG

Any suggestions appreciated.


How I cleaned that area when I was doing appliance repair
Cleaning from the front. The area in front that the warm air is being
exhausted, cover with a wet towel. On the section that the air enters use a
crevice tool on a tank type vacuum sweeper that you can connect the hose to
the end that the air blows out, This blows the dust and lint back to the wet
towel. Very little mess. WW

"badgolferman" wrote:
I have an old Maytag side by side refrigerator that my wife says runs
all the time. Today she said the eggs were frozen so maybe she's
right. Over the weekend I vacuumed out the bottom and as much of the
coils (?) around the fan housing that I could. The angle is bad so I
can't reach more than a few inches with the hose.

Here are a few pictures of the back side of the unit.

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/5839/h2wn.jpg
http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/8286/9s83.jpg
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/6728/7fy.JPG

Any suggestions appreciated.

I would check thermostat. I would monitor inside temps. You can clean it in
the mean time.

Greg

gregz wrote:
"badgolferman" wrote:
I have an old Maytag side by side refrigerator that my wife says runs
all the time. Today she said the eggs were frozen so maybe she's
right. Over the weekend I vacuumed out the bottom and as much of the
coils (?) around the fan housing that I could. The angle is bad so I
can't reach more than a few inches with the hose.

Here are a few pictures of the back side of the unit.

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/5839/h2wn.jpg
http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/8286/9s83.jpg
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/6728/7fy.JPG

Any suggestions appreciated.

I would check thermostat. I would monitor inside temps. You can clean it in
the mean time.

Greg

Of course, make sure fans are running well.

Greg

On Tuesday, July 9, 2013 6:55:17 PM UTC-7, badgolferman wrote:
I have an old Maytag side by side refrigerator that my wife says runs

all the time. Today she said the eggs were frozen so maybe she's

right. Over the weekend I vacuumed out the bottom and as much of the

coils (?) around the fan housing that I could. The angle is bad so I

can't reach more than a few inches with the hose.



Here are a few pictures of the back side of the unit.



http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/5839/h2wn.jpg

http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/8286/9s83.jpg

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/6728/7fy.JPG



Any suggestions appreciated.

http://www.caseybrush.com/images/lint-brush.gif

Check to make sure you didn't change the thermostat setting inadvertantly.

I agree that the thermostat is the most likely culprit, but I would check to make sure the fridge defrost timer isn't stuck in operating mode before you replace the thermostat.

Basically, the brains of a frost free fridge is the defrost timer. It's job is to divert electrical power away from the thermostat for about 20 minutes or so once every 20 hours of fridge operating time. The power is diverted to the defrost heater to melt all the ice that's accumulated on the evaporator coils.

But, it's only a tiny little motor in the defrost timer, and a bit of friction can cause it to get stuck; either in defrost mode, or in operate mode. If it gets stuck in defrost mode, then your fridge essentially goes into permanent defrost mode until the defrost timer unsticks. If it gets stuck in operate mode, the fridge will operate continuously without defrosting itself, and eventually frost will start forming inside the freezer compartment.

Look on the partition wall between the fridge and freezer sides of your side-by-side for a removable panel. Behind that panel will be the evaporator of your fridge, which is the source of all the cold the fridge makes. It should not be clogged up with frost. You should have anywhere from no frost to a uniform coating of frost over it's entire surface. If it is all clogged up with frost, then the fridge is not defrosting properly, and that could be due to a stuck defrost timer.

If you can see that the evaporator coil isn't clogged up with frost, than I'd go ahead and replace the fridge thermostat.

PS: Nowadays, the correct term for a fridge "thermostat" is a "cold control" because it serves a different purpose than a true thermostat.

badgolferman wrote:
I have an old Maytag side by side refrigerator that my wife says runs
all the time. Today she said the eggs were frozen so maybe she's
right. Over the weekend I vacuumed out the bottom and as much of the
coils (?) around the fan housing that I could. The angle is bad so I
can't reach more than a few inches with the hose.

Here are a few pictures of the back side of the unit.

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/5839/h2wn.jpg
http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/8286/9s83.jpg
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/6728/7fy.JPG

Any suggestions appreciated.

Hi,
I'd check ice build up inside with flash light.
Defrost timer may be kaput.

Might be a cold control that's stuck on. That could explain runs all the time.

Or evaporator fan slowing down. Which would tend to over freeze the freezer.

Or bad defrost timer (would tend to warm the fridge and super freeze the freezer, if stuck in run mode.)

Are the eggs in the lower part of the refrigerator? Is the higher part of the refrig warm?
..
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..
..
"badgolferman" wrote in message ...
I have an old Maytag side by side refrigerator that my wife says runs
all the time. Today she said the eggs were frozen so maybe she's
right. Over the weekend I vacuumed out the bottom and as much of the
coils (?) around the fan housing that I could. The angle is bad so I
can't reach more than a few inches with the hose.

Here are a few pictures of the back side of the unit.

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/5839/h2wn.jpg
http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/8286/9s83.jpg
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/6728/7fy.JPG

Any suggestions appreciated.

Evaporator is typically inside the freezer, in the back. Not the center partition. Look in with a flashlight, and see if the back inside of the freezer has "snow" accumulating. Please let us know what you find.

Is the refrig colder on the bottom, or about the same, bottom and top?
..
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..
..
"nestork" wrote in message ...


Check to make sure you didn't change the thermostat setting
inadvertantly.

I agree that the thermostat is the most likely culprit, but I would
check to make sure the fridge defrost timer isn't stuck in operating
mode before you replace the thermostat.

Basically, the brains of a frost free fridge is the defrost timer. It's
job is to divert electrical power away from the thermostat for about 20
minutes or so once every 20 hours of fridge operating time. The power
is diverted to the defrost heater to melt all the ice that's accumulated
on the evaporator coils.

But, it's only a tiny little motor in the defrost timer, and a bit of
friction can cause it to get stuck; either in defrost mode, or in
operate mode. If it gets stuck in defrost mode, then your fridge
essentially goes into permanent defrost mode until the defrost timer
unsticks. If it gets stuck in operate mode, the fridge will operate
continuously without defrosting itself, and eventually frost will start
forming inside the freezer compartment.

Look on the partition wall between the fridge and freezer sides of your
side-by-side for a removable panel. Behind that panel will be the
evaporator of your fridge, which is the source of all the cold the
fridge makes. It should not be clogged up with frost. You should have
anywhere from no frost to a uniform coating of frost over it's entire
surface. If it is all clogged up with frost, then the fridge is not
defrosting properly, and that could be due to a stuck defrost timer.

If you can see that the evaporator coil isn't clogged up with frost,
than I'd go ahead and replace the fridge thermostat.

PS: Nowadays, the correct term for a fridge "thermostat" is a "cold
control" because it serves a different purpose than a true thermostat.

--
nestork

On 7/9/2013 8:55 PM, badgolferman wrote:
I have an old Maytag side by side refrigerator that my wife says runs
all the time. Today she said the eggs were frozen so maybe she's
right. Over the weekend I vacuumed out the bottom and as much of the
coils (?) around the fan housing that I could. The angle is bad so I
can't reach more than a few inches with the hose.

Here are a few pictures of the back side of the unit.

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/5839/h2wn.jpg
http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/8286/9s83.jpg
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/6728/7fy.JPG

Any suggestions appreciated.


I use Pepto-Bismol® when I have refrigerator runs but I will not post
pictures of my back side. ^_^

TDD

if there is anyway you can haul it outside and use compressed air to
blow all the accumulated stuff out... do it.
make sure the wife isn't blocking the natural air flow inside.. there
is a reason the racks in a fridge are racks instead of shelves. (always
blame the wife if possible).. and the other things mentioned.
if it was me... I'd drag the air hose inside and blow all the stuff
out and give the wife something to do cleaning up the house afterwards.

When my refrigerator is running, I'm too old
to go out and catch it.
..
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..
..
"The Daring Dufas" wrote in message ...

I use Pepto-Bismol® when I have refrigerator
runs but I will not post pictures of my back
side. ^_^

TDD

When Philip Morris is in the can, is it due to refrigerator runs?

Dave M.

I dunno. Hang on while I call the bowling alley.

No sixteen pound balls, but they do have Prince
Albert in a can.
..
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..
..
"David L. Martel" wrote in message ...
When Philip Morris is in the can,
is it due to refrigerator runs?

Dave M.

On Wednesday, July 10, 2013 12:23:20 AM UTC-4, nestork wrote:
badgolferman;3090157 Wrote:



I have an old Maytag side by side refrigerator that my wife says runs

all the time. Today she said the eggs were frozen so maybe she's

right.



Check to make sure you didn't change the thermostat setting

inadvertantly.



I agree that the thermostat is the most likely culprit, but I would

check to make sure the fridge defrost timer isn't stuck in operating

mode before you replace the thermostat.



Basically, the brains of a frost free fridge is the defrost timer. It's

job is to divert electrical power away from the thermostat for about 20

minutes or so once every 20 hours of fridge operating time. The power

is diverted to the defrost heater to melt all the ice that's accumulated

on the evaporator coils.



But, it's only a tiny little motor in the defrost timer, and a bit of

friction can cause it to get stuck; either in defrost mode, or in

operate mode. If it gets stuck in defrost mode, then your fridge

essentially goes into permanent defrost mode until the defrost timer

unsticks. If it gets stuck in operate mode, the fridge will operate

continuously without defrosting itself, and eventually frost will start

forming inside the freezer compartment.



Look on the partition wall between the fridge and freezer sides of your

side-by-side for a removable panel. Behind that panel will be the

evaporator of your fridge, which is the source of all the cold the

fridge makes. It should not be clogged up with frost. You should have

anywhere from no frost to a uniform coating of frost over it's entire

surface. If it is all clogged up with frost, then the fridge is not

defrosting properly, and that could be due to a stuck defrost timer.



If you can see that the evaporator coil isn't clogged up with frost,

than I'd go ahead and replace the fridge thermostat.



PS: Nowadays, the correct term for a fridge "thermostat" is a "cold

control" because it serves a different purpose than a true thermostat.









--

nestork

They don't all work that way.

Refrigerators can't run, cuz they dont have legs!
The same is true for toilets.....

On Thu, 11 Jul 2013 15:26:07 -0500, wrote:

Refrigerators can't run, cuz they dont have legs!
The same is true for toilets.....

Wow. Home Guy got something almost right.

Please expound on your silliness!

Changing your name everyday, every thread, is not related to my
request.

On a regular fridge, the evaporator coil will be behind a removable panel in the freezer compartment. On a side-by-side, it'll typically be in the vertical partition wall between the fridge and freezer sections.

Please give us an example, so I can look it up on Sears Parts or something like that. I've serviced several dozen side by side refrig, over the years. Many dozens of them. I've never, ever, seen even one with the evap in the partition wall. Here's a chance for me to learn.
..
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..
..
"nestork" wrote in message ...

On a regular fridge, the evaporator coil will be behind a removable
panel in the freezer compartment. On a side-by-side, it'll typically be
in the vertical partition wall between the fridge and freezer sections.




--
nestork

Stormin:

You are probably correct. I tried to use Google Images to find a side-by-side refrigerator with the evaporator in the center partition wall, but was unable to find one.

Also, not only were all the evaporators I found located in the back of the freezer section, all of the partition walls between the two sections were clearly too thin to house an evaporator coil.

I don't know where I got the impression that side-by-sides had the evaporator coil between the fridge and freezer, but I got it from somewhere, so there probably is a side-by-side out there with that feature, but your point is well taken. From what I can see, they're typically in the freezer section.

I notice that the info posted by the OP shows his evaporator to be in the back of his freezer compartment:
http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/5839/h2wn.jpg

Well, the OP's fridge works that way. Check out the defrost timer in this wiring diagram:

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/5839/h2wn.jpg

I know that there are some frost free fridges out there that have computers in them that determine when to defrost the evaporator based on the amount of time the fridge and freezer doors have been open, but most frost free fridges have defrost timers in them, and defrost timers follow a very rigid and predictable cycle.

Dear Nestork,
You know, every time I think I've got the world
figured out, someone changes something. I deal
with that "changing world" on a regular basis, at
work, home, etc. I was expecting to find out that
someone redesigned refrigerators, and I am the
last to know. It would have been a big learning
experience for me. And I'd want to know for the
future when I'm doing other refrigerator repairs.
In any case, thank you for taking the time to
research the question. I do feel better, knowing
the answer.
..
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..
..
"nestork" wrote in message ...

Stormin:

You are probably correct. I tried to use Google Images to find a
side-by-side refrigerator with the evaporator in the center partition
wall, but was unable to find one.

Also, not only were all the evaporators I found located in the back of
the freezer section, all of the partition walls between the two sections
were clearly too thin to house an evaporator coil.

I don't know where I got the impression that side-by-sides had the
evaporator coil between the fridge and freezer, but I got it from
somewhere, so there probably is a side-by-side out there with that
feature, but your point is well taken. From what I can see, they're
typically in the freezer section.

I notice that the info posted by the OP shows his evaporator to be in
the back of his freezer compartment:
http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/5839/h2wn.jpg


nestork

If you still want any type of cleaning than I'm going to suggest you a website where you can get every type of house cleaning and other cleanings.You should visit this site (carpet cleaning gold coast Here you can find every type of cleaning .

Gold Coast Carpet Cleaning is in Australia.

Do you think they would charge any extra to come to the USA to do this job?

Gold Coast Carpet Cleaning is in Australia.

badgolferman wrote:

I have an old Maytag side by side refrigerator that my wife says runs
all the time. Today she said the eggs were frozen so maybe she's
right. Over the weekend I vacuumed out the bottom and as much of the
coils (?) around the fan housing that I could. The angle is bad so I
can't reach more than a few inches with the hose.

Here are a few pictures of the back side of the unit.

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/5839/h2wn.jpg
http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/8286/9s83.jpg
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/6728/7fy.JPG

Any suggestions appreciated.


The appliance repairman came and checked out the refrigerator. He said
the controls were set too low and backed them off. He also told us the
ice maker water valve is not opening completely and that's why some of
the ice is hollow. Repair cost for the ice maker is $183 so I told him
to leave it alone. Service call is $76 but I haven't received a bill
yet, even though I spoke to him on the phone the day after he came over.

I'm not entirely convinced the controls being set too low is the
problem with the fridge but for now it has silenced the wife.
Considering we have a trip to Las Vegas coming up I'm hoping the fridge
lasts another year. It was manufactured in 1993 so it's done good so
far.

This brings up another question: What exactly should be vacuumed and
cleaned on a regular basis? Is it the condenser coils and fan or
something else? These condenser coils are hard to get at even though
they are underneath.

"badgolferman" wrote in message
...

This brings up another question: What exactly should be vacuumed and
cleaned on a regular basis? Is it the condenser coils and fan or
something else? These condenser coils are hard to get at even though
they are underneath.

Depending on the unit, it is the coils that are either on the back or under
the unit. That is similar to a radiator of a car and if they get too dirty
the efficency goes way down and can cause high pressure to build up in the
system and cause major problems.

Instead fo vacuuming the coils, you can blow the dirt out,but it will make a
mess.

On Tuesday, July 9, 2013 6:55:17 PM UTC-7, badgolferman wrote:
I have an old Maytag side by side refrigerator that my wife says runs

all the time. Today she said the eggs were frozen so maybe she's

right. Over the weekend I vacuumed out the bottom and as much of the

coils (?) around the fan housing that I could. The angle is bad so I

can't reach more than a few inches with the hose.



Here are a few pictures of the back side of the unit.



http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/5839/h2wn.jpg

http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/8286/9s83.jpg

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/6728/7fy.JPG



Any suggestions appreciated.

check out http://atbayappliance.com/news-and-tips/ tips and news on appliance repair from a reliable company in California.

On 7/22/2013 9:11 AM, badgolferman wrote:
badgolferman wrote:

I have an old Maytag side by side refrigerator that my wife says runs
all the time. Today she said the eggs were frozen so maybe she's
right. Over the weekend I vacuumed out the bottom and as much of the
coils (?) around the fan housing that I could. The angle is bad so I
can't reach more than a few inches with the hose.

Here are a few pictures of the back side of the unit.

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/5839/h2wn.jpg
http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/8286/9s83.jpg
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/6728/7fy.JPG

Any suggestions appreciated.


The appliance repairman came and checked out the refrigerator. He said
the controls were set too low and backed them off. He also told us the
ice maker water valve is not opening completely and that's why some of
the ice is hollow. Repair cost for the ice maker is $183 so I told him
to leave it alone. Service call is $76 but I haven't received a bill
yet, even though I spoke to him on the phone the day after he came over.

I'm not entirely convinced the controls being set too low is the
problem with the fridge but for now it has silenced the wife.
Considering we have a trip to Las Vegas coming up I'm hoping the fridge
lasts another year. It was manufactured in 1993 so it's done good so
far.

This brings up another question: What exactly should be vacuumed and
cleaned on a regular basis? Is it the condenser coils and fan or
something else? These condenser coils are hard to get at even though
they are underneath.


The condenser coils can probably be reached underneath the front bottom
cover/grill. And a cleaning brush used along with a vacuum cleaner will
help. ^_^

http://www.amazon.com/Brushtech-Refr.../dp/B000RL2MYO

https://tinyurl.com/k2ogkux

TDD