I just bought a used woods upright freezer. It had been on its side for about half an hour for delivery. I have left it unplugged for 18 hours. Is that sufficient time to wait before plugging it in?

Freezer should not take more than 2 hours to.be at minus 10celcius. If only cold and not seeing any ice on the inside wall this could mean that there is missing refrigerant in the lines. Other way to check is to feel the pipes on the back if hot to the touch. There is many signs to see if your refrigerator is working or not.
If the compressor is running non stop and is very hot it will tell you that there is missing gas in the system.
If compressor is mot warm and is cycling on and off this could be only thermostat issue.

Good luck

what is your model number is then we can get started then

If the only fault was the door left open, switch off and defrost completely for 24 hours. Clean condensor coil. Restart and run for 12 hours before checking.

besides hitting the compressor with a hammer. unplug and lay on its side for 2 hours then upright for 24 hours plug back in. Never ever unplug a freezer

I’m happy to assist further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/james_1cb31da1bc8c6102

Empty then unplug for 24 hours or so.
To speed it p a tad - you could use a hair dryer directly on the evaporator coul.

Thanks for using FixYa - a 4 THUMBS rating is appreciated for answering your FREE question

freezers should be -18/20C to keep beef for 12 months,use a freezer guage in centre of freezer,that way you wont get ice bricks instead of ice cream.....test after 24 hours of setting....

Rule of thumb, if you lay a frig/freezer on side let sit upright at new location for 24 hours before plugging it in.

yes you should let the oil run back into the compressor by leaving it unplugged for 24 hours.

I would leave the door closed unplug it for half an hour. In that half hour go to sears.com customer service, manuals and guides and type in the full model number from the freezer. You should find an owners manual there to print or just browse for an answer. Good Luck.

if the alarm is sounding its probably trelling you the freezer is at too high a temperature. plug it in and leave it plugged in, it can take several hours to re freeze