Ariston Fridge/Freezer not cold enough and bad ODOUR

[pearsonville]

Make: Ariston
Model: BCS 312

Hi, after trawling this site, I still cannot work out the solution to my problem.

I have a built-in F/F (botton freezer) which is about 5 years old.

In hhe last few months, we have noticed that the milk seems to be going ‘off’ quite quickly. We tried all the normal things, ensuring good air-flow through the cabinet, cleaning the radiator, making sure the fan was free and checking the thermostat. No change.

More recently there has been an unpleasant odour whan the fridfge is opened, however this soon disappears. My girlfriend emptied and cleaned the fridge, then I did the same (including the rubber seals). Ensured the drain was not blocked and was clean.

We currently have the F/F out of the cabinet and with a temperature gauge inside. The temperature doesn’t drop below approx 6° even though there is ice buildup on the upper rear wall.

The odour is not obvious at the moment… not sure why. However I did note that the motor runs full time, even though the Thermostat is set to low.

Question…. Does the refrigerant smell bad? ie, could there be a small gas leak, reducing the efficiency and causing the odour in confined spaces

Anyone have any thoughts please?

[spimps]

Re: Ariston Fridge/Freezer not cold enough and bad ODOUR

There is very litttle smell from the refigerant.
Poor temps are due to either
1 loss of some of the refrigerant
2 poor ventilation when fitted into cupboards etc
3 loss of compressor efficiency r system blockage of some sort

1 Is the ice forming evenly all over the back wall of the fridge? does it defrost off on it,s own?
2 is there adequate ventilation when it is fitted into the cupboard ?
3 would require engineer diagnosis
BG

[pearsonville]

Re: Ariston Fridge/Freezer not cold enough and bad ODOUR

Hi Brian,

Thanks for your thoughts.

1. Ice forms (quite quickly) across the upper rear wall in a band approx 100mm high. At the moment, it does not defrost itself.

2. Yep, worked perfectly for about 4 1/2 years, then some problems, so checked all vents were clear and added a few more 50mm hole in the base for good measure.

3. Hope it’s not this then 😕

FWIW, the Freezer compartment works wonderfully, but that may be a factor of the compressor running constantly.

[spimps]

Re: Ariston Fridge/Freezer not cold enough and bad ODOUR

Sounds like there has been a slight refrigerant loss.
Can be topped up but if the leak can’t be found and repaired then it may re occur in time.
You would need an engineer to check the refrigerant, etc.
BG

[pearsonville]

Re: Ariston Fridge/Freezer not cold enough and bad ODOUR

Hi again Brian,

Thanks for the analysis. I did use the repairs@ link to be put in contact with a Refrigerator service engineer (haven’t heard from him yet)

In the meantime, I found a thread on anouther forum which gave me one of those ‘lightbulb moments’

>>At the location of any leakage you will likely find an oily residue (which in fact is the compressor lubricant)

I had noticed, but not mentioned, an oily residue around my compressor. Soooo, I guess I can try to get the refrigerant replaced, which will at least keep the fridge runnng for another few years (hopefully)

Thanks again for your assistance

[spimps]

Re: Ariston Fridge/Freezer not cold enough and bad ODOUR

If it’s pushed oil out it’s a significant leak and would need repairing before re gassing.

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