Black, sticky tar-like substance rear of fridge freezer

[brackers99]

At the back of my Miele fridge freezer, there is a black tar-like sticky substance that appears to be leaking from the metal pipes. What is it and is it a real issue?
Thanks

 

[Petlyn]

We have exactly the same problem and recently when adding new food to the freezer (small quantities) it now raises the temperature from -18 to -12 and the alarm sounds. The only way of combatting this is to put it onto Super Freeze and leave it on for a day. Any suggestions and are the two connected?

 

[Mickymoody]

My GUESS would be that it is seals that are deteriorating, and losing pressure, hence the temp raise, as the system is working harder for same result.........?

 

[Petlyn]

Compressor seals? If this is the case then the only solution would be a new compressor as they are sealed units?

 

[Mickymoody]

Just a guess fella, seems reasonable to assume.

 

[Petlyn]

On further investigation, it appears the black sticky stuff is a compound which is put around various wires/thermocouplings on the back and when it gets hot, drips a little - it doesn't seem to be from the compressor.

The problem with not keeping temperature appears to be because, although being a frost free freezer, it needed defrosting, as a lot of ice had built up around the sensor and under the rear fan ventilation panel. A couple of hours spent defrosting it seems, at the moment, to have solved the problem - we'll keep our fingers crossed.