Somehow I missed this conclusion video when you first posted it. This is my favorite refrigerator. I like the more visible mechanical aspect of the belt drive. I was sad to hear that it is going back to the owner. I'd like to see it go to a working museum or for you to have it as a collectable.
Very possible; but I think another historian answered the question pretty well. It is likely they sold this under their "Hotpoint" brand as a means to avoid anti-trust laws. Notice the unused fastener hole to the right of the control trim? Apparently there was a larger Hotpoint emblem which would have covered that but fit the same control.
Great to see the story of this fridge. I was wondering about the Westinghouse Coolerette you had acquired a while back. I understand projects being placed on the back burner, but does it still have a place in your queue?
When I saw the videos in my subscriptions and the thumbnail for video number 2 I knew we were in for something special that thing is amazing !! I have to ask,,, that replacement seal assembly,,, you mentioned it had a rubber seal in it,,, so as old as that part is that rubber seal was still serviceable ?
Thanks for the comment! As for the seal; the rubber parts in the kit were like new. I expect they are made of some very high end rubber compound. Normally that won't tolerate SO2 but this was made for it. The rubber seems to have graphite impregnated in it. As for this being special, there are about 2 others known but they don't have the original compressors. Very fortunate to have found it!
Hi Barry. I use R152A in most SO2 units. The oil solubility is similar to SO2 and most of these older systems need slight oil solubility. Full miscibility is a problem, as is complete insolubility. The compressor needs mineral oil and isn't designed for POE or PAG oils, so that drives the refrigerant choice. R152A is a higher pressure than SO2 but these systems have massive engineering margins and I haven't seen problems with this, even in hot ambients; although the effect will be a limit on the high ambient before it causes the motor to overload.
