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Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Refrigerator Repair:

Makes a noise like a boat motor

Mr. Yuzik, Recently, my fridge has developed a sound akin to a boat motor, and it's driving us crazy. I've pinpointed it to a little compartment in the rear of the fridge which houses a small motor. It cycles on and off. I'm assuming this is the fan motor? Does that sound right to you, and if so, how involved is replacing the motor? Thanks.

If it's in a small box it's likely a timer, not a fan, but if you are calling your compressor a small motor then it might be the fan, depending on what design fridge it is. (you didn't mention this important fact).

Anyway, you should be able to take the cover off the enclosure to look inside, (unplug first). Then you would know. You’ll have to get right in there to find where the noise is coming from.

Replacing the timer or fan motor is possible with the help of my book or video, but the compressor would have to be done by a technician. The information will also teach you the differences between these parts so you will know what they are called.