Kenmore side by side compressor keeps getting hot

Hi,
The compressor will not start when it is hot or it is no longer bleeding the pressure off fast enough on the high side of the refrigeration system and it cannot start under the load. The start relay and capacitor could also be bad...that would give the same symptoms...






http://www.fixya.com/support/r4662409-dehumidifier_running_but_no_water_in


heatman101

Hi,
You can start with replacing the start capacitor and relay to see if the compressor will run again, but you have about a 50 -50 chance that the compressor has gone bad and will need to be replaced....


http://www.fixya.com/support/r4023749-refrigerator_compressor_start_capacitor

heatman101
Asker's Testimonial " Very helpful. Will give it a try and let you know outcome. Thanks!!!

The clicking sound your hearing is the compressor trying to start but is not completing the start cycle or achieving run speed so the KliXon thermal overload is tripping trying to protect the compressor.

This can be caused by a bad start relay / Klixon,
A bad run capacitor or...
The bad news a bad compressor.

Letting it just click click click is not a good thing and will cause more damage. Unplug the unit for about 30 mins and then plug it in see if it starts normally.

There can be yet other issues like a defrosting timer contact problem that got weak / hot and isn't allowing enough amperage through to start the compressor.

Have you checked the power and the amps going to the compressor? Your compressor is getting hot and then it is freezing up and trying to going into cycle but the piston over heats and the relay cuts out the compressor, that is why when you let it cool down it works ok. You will need to get a new compressor. If you have a warranty the compressor is covered

hi thanks for the question after your husband replaced relay & overload if the compressor started & kept on running but no cooling you have a bad compressor

you can check its starting components. it could be a bad capacitor or a bad start relay. if the compressor starts from cold, it could start right away but as it heats up, it should be able to start also, since after running for a few hours, the compressor will really get hot, it would stop at defrost cycle and re start again after about 30 mins. since it is still hot, if it has a defective starting components, it can not start and that is the time it would overheat.

in any case that the starting components are all ok, then you have a partially burnt compressor. it would run while cold and can not run when hot because the resistance of the wires changes as it gets hot. with this kind of problem, you need to replace the compressor. as you have said, the fan at the condenser is running. if the fan at the condenser is not running, that is also a cause for the compressor to overheats. i hope i was able to help...

The compressor is locked up. Basically it is stuck. You can pick up at the local appliance parts store a hard start relay, Home Depot ,Lowes, or or those guys wont have it. Its not too expensive and is worth trying because your only other option is you need to replace the compressor. The part is called a kick start or hard start, the guy at the parts store will know what you are talking about. It is simple to connect and has the wiring directions on it. Sometimes this is all it takes. I have been able to get a stuck compressor to go by placing a short 2x4 on it and whack it with a hammer a few times. This is only a temporary fix though, as it will eventually lock up again, but emergency situation this saved the food. If the fridge has a fan back there make sure it works too, it may have been the original cause. Good luck.

the relay on the compressor is most likely the culprit part# 8201786 you can buy it at the local sears parts and repair center it is very easy to replace it. your refrig compartment will start warming up soon. to prevent damage to your compressor probably a good idea to unplug the refrig until you get the part replaced..

the relay is bad. get pt#8201786 and replace it according to the instructions in the box and your all done. this is a very easy repair. cost for the relay should be less than 60 bucks.

let fridge cool down it sounds like the relay overload is bad try replacing it with a 3 n 1 start kit directions on the kit real easy to hook up... if the compressor starts then you are ok... hopefully the compressor is not burned out good luck