question: failing compressor or plugged drier?
Kenmore model 106.77292 top freezer, almost 12 years old, R134a system, diagnostics so far:
- lowest refrigerator temp about 50 degrees F
- lowest freezer temp 26 degrees F, also is temp at evaporator inlet (after capillary tube)
- temp of line at compressor suction inlet 84 degrees F
- temp of line at compressor outlet 109 degrees F
- defrost heater good at 33 ohms, evap coils NOT iced up
- defrost thermostat working properly
- defrost timer working is working properly
- evap fan and condenser fan both working properly
- compressor runs fine, but is noisy on startup for about 30 seconds, has been this way 16 months
- simple test to suggest not low on R134a: unplugged refrigerator from wall socket, plugged back in, took 3 cycles of thermal overload protector for compressor to restart, suggesting there is significant high pressure freon.
- no visual evidence of leaks, i do NOT have a leak detector
anything else i could try?
for further diagnostics, i have one bullet line tap valve. would i get the best diagnostic usage by installing on compressor suction or outlet? (instructions are not clear if i should mount on copper or steel lines from compressor, i would prefer NOT to mount on copper line, to save them for later brazing)
last question: why do driers now come with a schrader valve fitting? can adequate liquid freon be injected after evacuation and with compressor NOT running? this system specs at 4.000 ounces of R134a.
btw, i have the new compressor and drier. was disappointed to learn that compressor has no oil in it, from the factory. this compressor needs 280 cc of ester oil.