Glacier Bay Mark II 12vdc Refrigerator

[boatbumms]

This should start some brain cells sparking.
We are located in Curacao, last month at about 0300hrs our fridge kicked on, as it started it runs for 1-2 min then kicks into compressing and as it did the compressor started to hammer,and I mean hammer loud.It only lasted for 2-3 seconds, woke us from a very sound sleep and by the time I was able to figure out what was happening it was over. Well I knew that the fridge because I sleep between my wife and the refer system, we are long time friends. So I could hear it running(the fridge) for maybe 2min then the hammering again very loud, I instantly turned it off the switch(it was there too). We didn't know what to do so the next I tried to call Glacier Bay, no joy. I checked for refrigerant and according to the sight glass it filled and bubbles went away when I turned it on and oil level was right in the sight glass. WOW!!! It fixed it self!!!!! No more hammering too good to be true. I thought that I would let it run and pump down the cold plate. Well no such luck. Didn't compress either now it just moves refrigerant around and does not get cold, and neither does the beer
Just a little back ground on the fridge, I installed in 1997 as just a fridge to keep it simple. It's a Glacier Bay Mark II 12v(don't knock it yet) It has been running for about 13yrs, only had to replace temp probe for holding plate,water circulating pump. and one damper between motor and compressor. It runs 60 to 90 min in 24hrs or about 20 to 30 min 3 times in 24hrs. I think that because it is only a fridge and not freezer and well insulated box that it has worked well. So now it doesn't work well, I'm a patient man and spent the next 5 weeks trying to get a hold of Glacier Bay that is another story. Anyway no joy until yesterday they call and tell me that they do not support that product anymore, but give the number of a new co that will,Pacific Sea Breeze(aka R-Parts). I email and call,,, no return. Now I'm good with a wrench and understand mechanics but what I'm looking for is something that will send me in the right direction before I tear the whole thing part Any help would be helpful. Thanx

[GordMay]

Ask the refrigeration guru, Richard Kollmann

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[boatbumms]

Thanx,ordered the books hope they get there on time(it's a transport problem from the states to me) standing by.

[goboatingnow]

comprssor's failed

dave

[boatbumms]

Thanx Dave.
The good thing is that it's rebuild able.Trying to set myself up to do the work. The more I run the story through my mind the more you're right.