Compressor stops suddenly....and then starts again

Have you watched the compressor in action? The compressor is driven by the fanbelt which turns a pulley on the compressor shaft, but there's an electric clutch that disengages the pulley from the friction plate attached to the compressor shaft. You should hear a click when the clutch engages and disengages. Do you hear that? Can you see the friction plate turning with the pulley or does it stay in one position while the pulley turns? If if works for a bit then stops turning, you may have a damaged friction plate such that it doesn't engage with the pulley. Take your car to an auto A/C specialist and let them examine it. It's also possible that the relay that sends 12 volts to the clutch is intermittent and needs to be replaced.

Either the fan motor
the fan control relay
or the fan control relay switching transistor
the unit is re starting because the gas is not getting cooled
If competent check for voltage at the fan and work you way back

It sounds like your compressor is having a hard time starting. Take your model number to an appliance parts store and ask for a compressor start relay. It plugs directly into your compressor and is easily replaced. Remember to unplug the refer first.

It sounds like the compressor start relay is bad.

Hello
Sounds like the condensor fan motor is going bad.If the fan stops turning or is not turning at full speed, the compressor can not give off heat to the condensor.Which will cause it to shut down on high heat.

So i would start with a new fan motor.Your local heating and cooling supply house should have these in stock.

What make and model? If you can unplug wait 30 seconds and try to hear exactly where the click is, Then get back, i will wait.

check the compressor for operation adn check the fan in the back of unit to make sure it is running...whirlpool units are notorious for compressor relay failure normally they click in and out every few minutes... if it is a knocking noise and continuous make sure compressor is not trying to start and sitting there shaking... normally it will stop after a few minutes and then start again....

. Cut everything off for a few minutes then turn it back on and listen for a click from the compressor relay as the compressor tries to start.
Is the compressor motor running.If no check starter/overload relay.
How to check stuff>
http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/appliance/refrigerator/refrigerator.php

Relay for the compressor may be stuck ( Contacts welded) both the fan and the compressor should operate at the same time. Have the relay(s) checked and possibly replaced.

-If both compressor and fan motor starts and stop, thermostat is the defect.
- If only the compressor check for your outlet no sign of discoloration, check the voltage if normal, check the defective overload protector of the compressor it its external, or compressor itself is defective