Hauling a refigerator on its side? An old wives tale, or have merit?

[fastfredracing]

I don't know where I heard it, but I have always thought that you should not haul a refrig/freezer on its side. I have done it a bunch of times in a jeep or van, and did not really seem to cause any trouble. If I do have it on its side, I always leave it sit upright for several hours to let everything settle before I plug it back in.
Any truth to this ?

[Baz]

Fred, FYI: I just moved a Mini-fridge into my garage and held it sideways while carrying it - plugged it right in - and it's working great.

Pretty warm down here - gotta have my cold diet Mt. Dew accessible!

[911dean]

I think as long as you let it sit rightside up several hours before starting, your ok.

Dean

[legion]

It does matter if it has been thawed but not drained.

[Scott R]

I remember this question coming up in GM automotive training a million years back where we were learning HVAC. The instructor told us that in sealed systems like refrigerators the oil drains out of the compressor when it's placed on it side. But like the above post you just wait a few hours for it to drain back before you plug it back in.

[911dean]

Scott you are correct. Could have possible oil slugging and that doesn't compress real well.

I've never seen it happen though.

Dean

[greglepore]

Ditto to Scott, that seems to be the consensus opinion. Some say let it sit 5-6 hrs, some say 24. Some say its a wives tale. Why take a chance, just let it stand for a day.

[drcoastline]

I asked a refrigeration guy about this once. It has to do with the freon flowing into the system. It is OK to lay a refrigerator, freezer, A/C unit on it's side but prior to starting you should allow the freon to settle by placing it in it's upright position for 24 hours to prevent damage. However, I am not sure what happens if you don't let the freon settle.

[Baz]

Mine was only on it's side for a few minutes - just to clarify my post.

[romad]

Its about oil slugging the compressor, breaking lines, solder joints, and wiring . Refrigerant migrations are a non-issue.

tips: support the compressor with rags or foam, don't plug in for 24 hrs. also remember the shelfing will fall out.

[gr8fl4porsche]

I carried many on their sides throughout the years, plugged them in as soon as they were unloaded. Always knew of the standard procedure, never followed it and the fridges worked every time.

[romad]

Originally Posted by gr8fl4porsche

I carried many on their sides throughout the years, plugged them in as soon as they were unloaded. Always knew of the standard procedure, never followed it and the fridges worked every time.

In that case never mind

[jcommin]

This is an interesting way to transport a refrigerator.

[billybek]

Some hermetic compressors are mounted "in the can" on springs. If carried sideways they can fall off the internal mounts. Ever hear someones fridge start and stop with a bang/clunk?

Also possible for the oil to get on top of the piston causing a hydraulic and busting up cranks and connecting rods or scrambling the valves.

YMMV