Can you lay a refrigerator on it's side to transport?

Question

A friend has offored a old frig for my basement. My truck is very small. Can I lay it on it's side without harming the mechanical components?

That's what I suspected, thanks for confirming.

Answer 1

A couple people came close to the right answer.....
Yes you can transport it on the side. The compressor has reed valves which are not designed to compress a liquid (oil), therefore let the unit set upright for a 24 hour period to be completely safe.

The compressor is not designed (internal springs) to be transported or operated in a sideways position. Try not to be too harsh in transporting the unit on its side.


U.P.

Answer 2

If you have to transport a refrigerator on its side (yes, that's correctly spelled, "it's" is a contraction of it+is and is incorrect here), look at the compressor and lie it so that the side which has two tubes coming out of it is up. If you can prop the top of it up a little, that is also helpful. Make sure you've allowed the fridge to come up to room temperature before moving it. Remove all shelves or fasten them with duct tape. Fasten the doors shut. If possible, put something around the compressor so that the springs don't get out of whack. They are meant to go up and down vertically. Drive carefully avoiding pit-holes etc. Before plugging it in at destination, allow it to stand upright for at least the same amount of time that it had spent in a vertical position, better even longer. Start it up for three seconds, then wait fifteen. Repeat. The third or fourth time you can leave it on.

Answer 3

It'a always best to transport in the vertical position. If you must lay it on it's side to ship, after standing it upright again, I would wait 24 hours or at least ovenight to plug it in and turn it on. I've never had a problem that way.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Can you lay a refrigerator on it's side to transport?
A friend has offored a old frig for my basement. My truck is very small. Can I lay it on it's side without harming the mechanical components?

Answer 5

Yes you can lay a refrigerator on it's side as long as the lines out of the compressor always point up to prevent compressor oil from flowing into them. As long as you do it that way it will be ready to power up when upright again after move. You may need to remove lower back cover to see how the lines come out of the compressor. If you lay it on the wrong side compressor oil will flood into the lines & condenser & must be allowed to drain back into the compressor before plugging the power cord into outlet. Usually the oil will drain back if refrigerator sits upright for 8 hours. Some fridges have condenser mounted lower than compressor & will have to be tilted to get oil to drain back into compressor.

Answer 6

From my experience, I will say that it is safe to transport a refrigerator on it's back or side, just be sure to wait until at least overnight before plugging it in so that the coolant will fall back in place and work properly

Answer 7

Refrigerator On Its Side

Answer 8

Yes, but you need to stand it upright for more than 24hrs before plugging it in and using it. The fluids in the compressor would need to resettle back to the compressor. The reason I gave is a rumor I've heard and I've done it many times with no problems.

Answer 9

You shouldnt lay it on its side. Compressors dont like that. However if you have to go ahead. But once you get it home. Stand the rifrigerator upright for a few hours prior to plugging it in. You should be fine after that.

Answer 10

Terry H is correct,, the only thing he didn't say is why you have to stand it up and let it sit for a few hours before starting,,, when on its side oil will run our of the compressor, when you get it to your destination you have to stand it back upright to let the oil drain back into the compressor,,, need the oil for lubrication of pistons and rods and valves,, just like in a car,, Good answer Terry H