My wife recently bought a Fridge/Freezer off e-bay (please don't laugh). When we got it home we let it stand for 24 hours,then plugged it in checking it periodically over the next 24 hours.While it did cool down a little, not enough to stop a pack of butter from thawing in the fridge. The same with the freezer & a packet of sausages. We found the compressor overheating & heard a bubbling noise, which a friend & other forums & websites told us indicate a lack of refridgerent. Needless to say we are in a dispute & are trying to get our money back.
We have been accused of damaging the Fridge/Freezer during transit, which we refute. It was transported on its side, granted. But in accordance with manufacturers guidelines. It was padded and secured with cargo straps. There was no movement during transit. Could or would this cause the aforementioned symptoms.
Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.
Regards

Mick Bagley, April 2009

There is a chance that the cooling circuit has a vapour lock at the compressor. This would have been caused by transporting it on its side. There is only one way to to put this right seeing as the normal standing for 24 hours hasn't worked.
Two people are needed. You have to rotate the unit through 360 degrees. So lay down a clean dust sheet and pull the unit into a clear area where there is room to manoever.
Do not put the unit on it's back at any stage.
Turn the unit on its side and wait at least two minutes whilst the liquid refridgerant finds its own level.
Now turn it on its head and wait again.
Continue the turn onto its side, again pausing at each stage . Finally stand it back on its feet and wait 5 minutes for all the coolant to settle.
If the unit was vapour locked, the bubble of vapour will have been forced to the upper coolant pipes.
Be careful and good luck

cledlyn, April 2009