1950 Prestcold Fridge Needs Repair

[makalu112]

Hi, I have a 1950 Presctold Fridge that has just died.
Model number l33765.
Our fridge engineer tried to add a new thermostat on the back to no avail. It started briefly but stopped about a minute later.
he thinks maybe a new compressor may work with re-newed gas. But is unsure.
We live in Midhurst West Sussex - does anyone have any knowledge of how to get the old gal going again?
Any info gratefully received. Can anyone give advice or come and mend it?!

[taz24]

he thinks maybe a new compressor may work with re-newed gas. But is unsure.
?!

That diagnosis seems resonable to me.

Cheers taz.

[chabby]

changing the compressor is a good thing , but I think you will have to change the condenser ,to match these high velocity compressors on the market now.

[Andy W]

Not sure if a modern compressor will fit in as from memory these old Prestcolds had pancake compressors mounted on a spring frame ......... oh my god, am I really that old! but yes it is possible. Another alternative would be to fit a remote condensing unit if the fridge does hold sentimental value but a compressor failing after 50 odd years, tut, tut, we expect longer than that from them!

[Eeram]

That fridge is older than most of the technicians nowadays!

If it has sentimental value, try to revive it with a new evaporator, condenser, compressor. The looks will offset the price.

What do you charge to get it to South africa?

[Abe]

Hi, I have a 1950 Presctold Fridge that has just died.
Model number l33765.
Our fridge engineer tried to add a new thermostat on the back to no avail. It started briefly but stopped about a minute later.
he thinks maybe a new compressor may work with re-newed gas. But is unsure.
We live in Midhurst West Sussex - does anyone have any knowledge of how to get the old gal going again?
Any info gratefully received. Can anyone give advice or come and mend it?!

This is my advice Makalu.......
Dont try fix it by putting in new modern parts....
ie: compressor or the like.

Those pan cake compressors are the best things ever invented, and they kicked forever. Try and obtain one from somewhere, there still kicking about Im sure.

Your fridge needs a loving restoration..........not a repair
And its worth a few bob I would think.

Think carefully before you start messing about with it.

pss: Any chance of a picture please?

[momo]

Seen reference to "pancake" compressor: any photos?

Does it refere to the external appearance of the unit?
If so, how is the inside organized: coils low down and pistons at top like current hermetics? - as a kid I was not allowed at the back of the fridge - took too many things to pieces .

When refrigerant velocity is being referred to: is it correct that R134a fridges make up low thermal capacity by pushing around a (relatively) small quantity of gas very fast rather then a (preferable ?) greater quantity of higher thermal capacity R12 ?
This difference in operation therefore leads to the substitution problems mentioned above ?
What of FX56 used around here?

[fridge doctor]

Methinks the first thing you need is a proper refrigeration engineer. Sack the one you got because anyone who fits a thermostat and then smartly shifts his diagnosis to 'failed compressor' is frankly not worth letting in through your door. But if we assume that this diagnosis IS the correct one, and at this age it probably is. Then a replacement is needed. I can't see the problem here (apart from the mounting method of the original). Get your (new) engineer to obtain a R12 compressor of suitable duty, make up a simple base mounting for it, install it and recharge with R49 or FX56... job done.

[MendallFridge]

Hi
We are a refrigeration company in East & West Sussex who have been trading as a Ltd Co. for 30 year and would be happy to discuss your problem. Call Michael on 01323 872255 or 0797010468 to discuss how we may help you.
Mendall Refrigeration Limited

[multisync]

Hi
We are a refrigeration company in East & West Sussex who have been trading as a Ltd Co. for 30 year and would be happy to discuss your problem. Call Michael on 01323 872255 or 0797010468 to discuss how we may help you.
Mendall Refrigeration Limited

One year and two months -that's a fair time to keep someone on hold

Multisync
london

P.S advertising alert!