Kitchen Large Electric Appliances - Puzzeling Ongoing Problem

I've had a puzzeling problem with my Gibson 15 upright freezer, Model # 803975R3 for the past three years that I can't seem to get resolved regardless of what I do and I'm out of ideas short of getting rid of it and buying another freezer. But now it's become a challange.

OK here's the problem, every since I bought this thing used, I have to manually defrost it about every four to six months.

The original 8 hour defrost timer failed and I replaced it. It worked fine for a while then it started this 4 to 6 month cycle of needing defrosting.

In June of 2003 I replaced the timer with a 4 hour defroster timer, thereby causing it to go into defrost every four hours and thinking that might resolve the problem.

NOPE..... had to manually defrost it in October and again last week.

When it's defrosted I can keep it at -5 degrees and as the frost builds it will increase to 20 and items start getting soft.

I've checked the door gasket for leaks and it seems to be tight all around the door. (checked it with a dollar bill, measuring drag). So I've run out of thoughts as to what to check next.

Any ideas and or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Adrian :confused:

Hello: Adrian

Chances are the builtin heating element within the coils are burned out or just too weak to allow for defrosting.

Another possibility is the drain line or drain elbow is plugged or clogged up. That would not allow the water to drain out and into the drain pan.

Remove the drain line and check for blockage. Remove freezer bottom plate inside freezer compartment, check for possible restrictions or blockages at and near the drain hole.

Above based on the defrost timer being part of the appliance and not a seperate timer plugged into the electrical outlet. Not clear which applies nor if this refrig is self defrosting based on the problem description.

Retail appliance parts dealers can also help determine what the possible problem may be. Bring the make, model and serial numbers. Appliance part stores and dealers are listed in the phone book.

Check back on your question several more times. Other members posting replies in this forum topic may offer you additional advice, ideas, suggestions, test and or repair methods.

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Regards & Good Luck. (Helping out in this forum topic)
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Hi SA,

Thanks for the post.

The defrost timer is in fact a part of the appliance and I've ohmed the coil and have contenuity. I've also physically activated the coil with outside voltage and it heats quite well and quickly.

And yes, it is supposed to be a self defrosting freezer.

So you can see my dillema resolving this problem.

I've never given the drain any thought, but I will indeed check it.

Thanks again,
Adrian