Compressor hot but not running and relay seems dead

[smjohnston]

Model Number: ED20TQ
Brand: Whirlpool
Age: More than 10 years

Hi All,
I am not really an appliances guy although I have fixed a few. I am more of a computer guy with a basic understanding of how not to electrocute myself when I take things apart so....

Last night I found a pool of water at the bottom of my fathers whirlpool side by side freezer fridge. I thought that perhaps the door had not sealed adequately and that had caused a little local melt and so made sure the door was properly closed after making sure nothing could hold it open.
This morning it the freezer was thawed out completely,
The fridge still felt cool.
The air blowing in at the back of the freezer above the ice tray felt cool but by no means cold.
I could not hear the compressor although I could hear the fan.
I checked the settings for the freezer and the fridge.
The fridge is set to the midpoint.
The freezer is set to max.
I pulled the unit out and took off the back panel which, to my surprise, was only cardboard but was obviously what they used then.
The fan was running,
The compressor was hot, but no vibrations at all.
I unplugged the unit, waited a few seconds, plugged it back in and after a moment I heard a click but then nothing and the compressor did not vibrate or anything.
I unplugged the unit again, waited a few seconds, plugged it back in, and then heard a sparking sound after a few seconds then nothing.
I unplugged the unit again.
I used a screwdriver to pop off the relay/thermal protector cover.
they looked fine.
I used a screwdriver to gently pry off the relay as I could not wiggle it off.
I got out my digital multimeter and tested the compressor for continuity. I had continuity on all three prongs and no internal shorts.
I tested the thermal protector and got continuity with a reading of 0.3
When I tested the relay via the two holes in the back there was no continuity reading and when I shook it there was rattling and pieces of grit dropped out.

Can the compressor still get hot if the relay is dead?
Could that spark I heard have been the relay frying (no smell though) or just the thermal protector breaking the circuit?
I did not get a chance to check the draw for LRA first as I did not think of it and I do not have an loop on my digital multimeter.
If I replace the relay and the compressor is locked will the new relay burn out?

[Doc Ryan]

Can the compressor still get hot if the relay is dead?

Yes, it is common for the compressor to get hot when the start relay fails.

Could that spark I heard have been the relay frying (no smell though) or just the thermal protector breaking the circuit?

It could have been the start relay failing that made the spark? I can only guess.

If I replace the relay and the compressor is locked will the new relay burn out?

If you replace the start relay and the compressor is locked, it will usually not burn out the relay immediately. It potentially could if it was left on there for a longer period of time.