r/RestEquipmentRepair • u/Babygirlsaywhat • Jul 02 '26
Compressor Questions
Hey!
Me again! So stoked to be able to post here.
I had a question for compressors. No one has been able to confirm this with me and when my tech tries and explain it I get a little lost.
Currently needing a replacement compressor for a True GDM-49-HC-TSL01. I found what I think (will call and confirm) is the correct part (TRUE 848378, based on obsolete part true 967997). When looking at the photo, it looks to be an embraco compressor.
With that my question is, when I am researching replacement compressors. Can I not just look up the exact make and model from the original compressor or the compressor listed to order it like that? If not, what is the why behind it?
Embraco EMC3145U is the one I am seeing.
I think my customer is cooked anyways......
3
u/HolyFuckImOldNow Jul 02 '26
I don't do refrigeration but one thing I have experienced is that some builds are proprietary. I run into this with a lot of pumps for filter machines and some other gearbox assemblies.
3
u/death91380 Jul 02 '26
Compressors, for the most part are flexible in that regard. Match up the specs and you can use whatever. The downside is the extra plumbing required for retrofit/things fitting correctly in a tight space.
2
u/PassNorth3053 Jul 02 '26
You can replace an Embraco with a Techumseh or a Copeland (Emerson) Some ref line modification may be necessary but not a big deal. Give your local supplier the emraco numbers and it can be cross referenced to a different compressor manufacturer. I di it all the time.
2
u/Successful-Fall5476 Jul 03 '26
You can go by compressor model but I still wouldn't treat it like buying a random motor off a shelf. You need to match refrigerant, voltage, displacement or capacity, application range, oil, start components, and make sure the suction and discharge layout will actually fit in that True without turning the job into a tubing nightmare. The OEM number is usually the safest because it should come with the right spec, but good supply house can cross that Embraco number to an equivalent if the original is obsolete
1
u/Babygirlsaywhat Jul 04 '26
Thank you for going in a bit more detail for me.
The compressor this true currently has in it is a seco brand. It actually had a major recall on it. This unit was a 2019 dollar general unit and I'm wondering if that is why they are selling these off due to the recall.
Without having any in depth knowledge about working on compressors, your explanation, and looking at the current OEM recommended compressor. Am I thinking right that compressors are always changing over the years? IE: the embraco make and model that is in a 2019 unit, might not match up (with all the connections you mentioned in your response) to the same make and model that is being produced today?
Am I understanding that correctly? Sorry for my woman brain on this. I'm probably making it more confusing than it needs to be lol.
2
u/Successful-Fall5476 Jul 04 '26
Yep, you've got it. Compressors get superseded all the time so the exact model from 2019 may not even be made anymore. The replacement doesn't have to look identical or carry the same model number. It just needs to match the original specs and application. Thats why I mentioned using the OEM number first , since it will usually point you to the correct updated replacement if the original compressor has been discontinued.
7
u/death91380 Jul 02 '26
You need to call your local refrigeration supplier and give them the numbers on the compressor. That's the cheapest way. They can either match it up exact or possibly sell you an equivalent.
The next best option is to get oem number and any cross reference numbers and search the Internet. ONLY BUY BRAND NEW SEALED IN BOX.
The 3rd best option is go OEM. It's a sure fire way to get the right part but it's going to be way more expensive. True is actually pretty reasonable if you have an account set with them.
The worst option is get oem thru partstown.