Used Refridgerator -- Quick Mechanical Question

[tjaisv]

Got an older model Whirlpool fridge off craigslist (early 80's model i'm guessing, model# EHT-141DT). The guy said if i transported the fridge on its side that i would have to wait a day before plugging it in, otherwise due to the oil flow from the compressor it would burn out if u plugged the fridge in too soon, or something to that effect. I was just wondering if the day-long wait was necessary or whether i could just plug it in now, as it's been a few hours already.

 

[feralkid]

Plug it in immediately, smoke means it's working.


























But seriously, better to wait.

What's the hurry?

 

[PottedMeat]

Yeah you really should wait:

http://ask.metafilter.com/3530...ansport-it-on-its-side

 

[Modelworks]

Its true the oil does go into the lines if you lay it down.
If you didn't transport it more than a couple miles it should be okay to plug it back up now though.

 

[tjaisv]

thanks for the replies and for the metafilter.com link

So I think i'll just be patient and plug it in tomorrow. My trip to the market will just have to wait.

 

[BoomerD]

Waiting is by far the best choice...

 

[WHAMPOM]

Originally posted by: tjaisv
Got an older model Whirlpool fridge off craigslist (early 80's model i'm guessing, model# EHT-141DT). The guy said if i transported the fridge on its side that i would have to wait a day before plugging it in, otherwise due to the oil flow from the compressor it would burn out if u plugged the fridge in too soon, or something to that effect. I was just wondering if the day-long wait was necessary or whether i could just plug it in now, as it's been a few hours already.

That's true, they have about a whole pint of lubrication.
Got mine for free, though I had to haul it 70+ miles on its' side. Let it sit upright for a week, blew big clouds of drywall dust out of the fan & condenser, which explains why it works so good for me now and did not cool so good for them then.

 

[Miramonti]

Get ready for a nice jump in your electric bill.

 

[Sea Moose]

i dont think it would matter. Oil travels around the system with the refrigerant. You probably risk running the motor hot for the first 20minutes. Probably best to play save and leave it off for an hour or so.

 

[D-Man]

It matters The oil travels in the system alright until you lay it on its side then it pools to the top of the piston and settles When you turn it on the compressor cannot compress all the oil. Smart move waiting.

 

[Sea Moose]

Originally posted by: D-Man
It matters The oil travels in the system alright until you lay it on its side then it pools to the top of the piston and settles When you turn it on the compressor cannot compress all the oil. Smart move waiting.

yep this is accurate