Fridge/freezer replace or repair?

smallfry27

I have a Caple fridge/freezer, nearly five years old. From what I have read elsewhere, this is not a very reliable brand. It's been fine until this year, now I often have milk go off in a couple of days.

I suspected the seal was poor. An engineer recommended by Caple says the seal is fine, but replaced the thermostat. But it is still exactly the same. With the thermostat on maximum, it is still 5 degrees - it should be about 3 to 4.

I suppose I could try another engineer, insist the seal is changed, try something else. Or save the hassle and get another fridge asap?

Fosterdog

Can you not just change the seal yourself as a cheaper alternative to paying an engineer? They are most likely available online from spare parts websites (or direct from the manufacturer) and there will be plenty of videos online showing you how to do it.

smallfry27

EDITTED

The engineer said he didn't think it was the seal because the door was resisting slightly when it was pulled open, and there is no ice inside, which he said was usual sign.

My instinctive reply was that changing it myself would be far too difficult. I had a similar problem on a different fridge and videos talked about using knives to cut it. But I have just had a look and this one seems to just pull out.

I don't have great manual dexterity or strength, so not too optimistic. But may be a cheaper way to eliminate that as an issue. New seal is about £15.

EssexExile

Trap a piece of paper between the seal & the body of the fridge, pull it out. If there is some resistance the seal is fine. If it just falls out or or pulls out easily the seal is gone.

Having said that I doubt the seal is your problem.

mmmmikey

You've been really unlucky


Although I hate the idea of getting rid of something only 5 years old, it sounds like the problem isn't obvious so you risk spending loads of money on engineers etc. and still not get it fixed. So if it was me I'd (very reluctantly) scrap and replace.

mmmmikey

Crossed posts with EssexExile - suggest you try that first

smallfry27

The top of the fridge door seems ok with the paper test, at the bottom the paper just pulls out. If the door has warped, I don't know if a new seal will help. The freezer seal isn't great either (when doing the paper test), but not as bad as the top.

diamond_dave

Bought a new Ice king chest freezer last year and noticed that the seal around the top wasn't quite right- did the paper test and found one side need adjusting. Rather than mess about calling Co-op I loosened the hinges on the back and reset the top. Job done. Why not try adjusting the door?

smallfry27

It's a built in unit. There are the usual hinges attaching the fascia door but nothing on the fridge door looks adjustable. The installation guide shows how to reverse the door opening which apparently involves tilting the whole appliance backwards to get at the hinge from underneath. Then at step 12 of the instructions it says 'check the doors are properly aligned' without saying how to adjust them.