ApplianceField Lab
Field evidence

The Fan Had Stopped and Both Compressors Were Extremely Hot

The stopped condenser fan explained dangerous heat buildup, but it did not prove whether either compressor had already been damaged.

Sub-Zero Hot Compressors Not Cooling

The observations that mattered

  • The freezer was approximately 70°F while the fresh-food section was 36°F.
  • Both compressors were described as very hot.
  • The condenser fan was not turning even though supply to it was reported present.
  • After a restart, the large compressor ran while the smaller one did not.

A similar symptom can have a different cause on another refrigerator. The stopped fan was a confirmed fault, but the source did not establish the condition of both compressors.

The upper machine compartment opened after both compressors ran hot and the condenser fan remained stationary.
The upper machine compartment opened after both compressors ran hot and the condenser fan remained stationary.

Why the fan comes before a compressor verdict

Without condenser airflow, heat remains in the upper machine compartment and a compressor can cycle on its thermal protector. The proposed sequence was to restore the specified fan airflow, clean the condenser coil and then observe a complete cooling period.

The thread identified Packard 65740 as a 2.3 W, 115 V, 1300 RPM motor technicians had used in this application. Exact mounting, blade, rotation and model compatibility still require verification before installation.

What still had to be proved

  1. Confirm that each compressor receives its proper command and supply.
  2. Check the compressor control modules rather than assuming the compressor itself is open.
  3. After airflow is restored, compare suction and discharge line behavior and compartment pull-down.
  4. Do not call the repair complete until temperatures remain stable over a full operating period.
Fire and electrical safety: switch the refrigerator off if compressors are extremely hot or wiring smells burned. Do not leave a household fan, exposed cord or improvised cooling device inside the machine compartment.
Parts changed, problem stayed

A replacement that did not solve the fault

Includes a recorded replacement that did not help GE Café Dispenser Flap Opens When the Lower Door Closes A GE Café dispenser flap opens when a lower door closes. Failed boards and dispenser parts gave way to a confirmed embedded door-switch fault.
Unexpected turn

A repair that did not follow the obvious path

An unusual turn supported by the case record Viking VGSC3074BSS Overheated After a New Thermostat A Viking VGSC3074BSS climbed toward 500°F after a new thermostat. The failed replacement shifted diagnosis to selector and self-clean control branches.
Fresh field notes

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