Compressor runs constantly, only shuts off 3 times a day when temp reaches -4. Goes on in a half hour or so when at +14 so ice cream gets soft. Is this normal, or is there a simple explanation.

Have you cleaned the coils on the back or bottom of fridge?
Also ice cream gets soft between 2 and 6 degrees. Just so you know where you stand on the freezer working.

Cleaned coils which were not too dusty, kept track of temps over 4 days and this situation repeats, compressor runs almost constantly, and temp goes from -4 to 14 degrees in the 45 minutes when it is off.

Are the seals on your doors tight? Is it level?
Is it freezeing up?
Does it make any weird sounds?
Just trying to get more info...

None of the problems you mention seem to be a cause. Suspect defrost timer or defrost thermostat which are not expensive and may be easy to install. What do you think?