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Kelvinator Opal C.2000 back from the dead. (lemmy.world)
submitted 2 months ago by I_Miss_Daniel@lemmy.world to c/buyitforlife@slrpnk.net
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Well it's not an overly inspiring photo, but then what white good is?

Purchased some time before 2000 this fridge survived a move from the outback to the city on the back of a cattle truck, along with cattle, a Simpson top loader and many other household effects.

In March 2022 it decided to stop cooling. I was away so the missus bought an Inalto fridge - quite similar to that red one that drove Technology Connections mental.

When I got back I took the old fridge apart to see if it was the thermostat that was sick. The tip had rusted off, letting out the gas that operates the bellows in the thermostat, so ordered and fitted a new one. Success. Kept it in the shed just in case.

Now the Inalto struggles to get below 11°C, so have dragged the Kelvinator out of storage and it's back to full time duty again.

As for the Inalto, it's freezing up at the top corner of the unit and only drawing 30 watts. Will do some research, but suspect it's not fixable. At under three years old, that's an exceptionally short life.

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[-] seathru@lemmy.sdf.org 11 points 2 months ago

As for the Inalto, it's freezing up at the top corner of the unit and only drawing 30 watts.

Check the fan(s). That's a common failure point on new fridges. I just scored a nice Kitchenaid side by side for free because it froze in one area of the fridge and got warm in another. $30 fan and it works like new.

[-] I_Miss_Daniel@lemmy.world 3 points 2 months ago

Thanks :)

This is a very basic model, no fans.

The way it's behaving - freezing in the corner, and drawing very little current - suggest some of the refrigerant has escaped I think. (Low amps at compressor, nothing to compress.)

[-] Fiivemacs@lemmy.ca 2 points 2 months ago

I did the same thing kinda with a washer dryer combo. Found it on the side of the road, took my chances on repairm dryer was 100% functional. Washer kept spitting pressure errors. Replaced a $10 water inlet valve. Good as new and been working for 4 years now.

[-] shalafi@lemmy.world 4 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

I have a buddy that makes over $100K a year, yet he fixes washers and dryers in his evenings. Get 'em free or near enough, replaces a part or two, sells on FB Marketplace. Dude makes $300-$400 a week.

Most stunning thing to me, there are only 2 versions of most parts, across all domestic manufacturers. He only need 2 widgets to fix widget-issue on any given model.

[-] Fiivemacs@lemmy.ca 2 points 2 months ago

I can see it. Most people I find throw stuff out because minor issues, but costly repairs to hire someone. If you don't overly care about your time, and have the space. You can make a bunch of money doing this.

[-] KeenFlame@feddit.nu 1 points 3 weeks ago

That feeling when you fix something is fantastic, especially when it's shared. You are awesome for spreading that inspiration, and knowledge. If I may ask, what's a Simpson top loader? I think if you have some neighbour with infrared camera, you can find if there is a leak, or if it smells.

[-] ladicius@lemmy.world 1 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

If you bought stuff 20 years ago it worked for 20 years. If you buy stuff now it will work for the years. General rule in my business (telco).

Funny how that works.

this post was submitted on 27 Jan 2025
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