How can I fix my Kenmore Bottom Freezer(Model # C978-66792-1)?

To whom it may concern,

For the past several months I have been experiencing problems with my Fridge (8 years old). The fridge began making noises and the fridge compartment failed to keep foods cool. The bottom freezer seemed to continue to work well. I have had a service technician look at the unit on two occasions. On his first visit he dethawed the fridge and noted that the freezer coil was blocked with ice as well as the small fan beside the coils. I learned that the noise being made was a result of the ice buildup and the fan turning and striking the ice until the fan could no longer turn and was frozen in the ice. As well, the drainage tube that runs out the back of the fridge was also blocked with ice. This visit he replaced the defrost timer and thermostat on the unit and cleaned out the drainage tube. The fridge ran well for about a week when it started to do the same things it had been doing. The service technician returned to service the unit and once again defrosted the unit. He made no guarantees saying that the problem was not a mechanical one. He suggested throwing out the old unit and buying a new one.

The fridge runs great for about a week and then requires a manual defrosting to remove the ice buildup and blockage in the drain tube. Why is drainage such a problem? We are debating what are next move should be.

Do you have any further suggestions or ideas to ccorrect this problem?

Thanks,

Ed K

Ed Kirkham
July 2006