Vibration noise coming from old Philco refrigerator?

Question

Our Philco fridge dating from the 50's has started to make a distinctive vibration noise whenever it's running. The noise isn't constant, it comes and goes but it's there most of the time and it's like it's coming from one of the springs that keeps the motor in the compressor suspended, I don't know of course if this is possible. It's a metallic sound which I've been unable to pinpoint. I've been trying to feel any loose components while the motor is running, I first had the idea that the four screws fixing the motor to the chassis might have come loose, but they seem solid. The rubber dampeners actually have become rock hard after all these years but I doubt if it's the problem. The sound seems to go for a moment whenever I give the fridge a little shake, but then it's on again. Yesterday I tilted the fridge backwards by placing small wedges under the front pods. The noise diminished, but was still coming intermittently, though less than before. Is the compressor dead? Any ideas?

Answer 1

The compressor is partially dead. Loose compression

Answer 2

The fridge will probably work fine for a while. The compressor in mounted on rubber dampeners to help with vibration but also has internal springs. You cant get at them unfortunately though. Usually, when a spring inside either breaks or comes loose, it will make a clank type of noise.

Your probably going to have to live with it unless you continue to adjust it until its not so noticeable.

One culprit which has nothing to do with the compressor is the defrost pan. With a bit of vibration, it can sound pretty loud. I would check to see if you can touch it while the unit is running. If it goes away, you found the problem. Its located at the bottom usually under the frige towards the back.