Cooling problem cavalier cs64

I have a cavalier CS64 coke machine that recently stopped cooling.  I have owned it for 20+ years.  It's is relatively good condition and has always worked very well.  It has a little rust on the lower inside of the unit.  The problem is that it recently stopped cooling.  I think it may have developed a leak?  The condensor fan runs.  The lower fan by the compressor runs when I turn the thermostat on.  (It seems to be working the same way it always has - except the lack of cooling.  I was planning on having the refrigeration unit repaired/restored, including a new compressor.  I'm looking for suggestions regarding where I can have this work done.  How much should I expect to pay?  In addition, does anyone have any thoughts that I should check before having the unit repaired?  Any insights would be much appreciated.

[johnieG]

Hmmm...You've said that the compressor's fan runs when you turn on the thermostat, have you confirmed than the compressor is actually running? carfully ( it may be hot if it's been running awhile) place your hand on the compressor's case, you should be able feel it running.

this will help you determine if you'll need the compressor replaced, or possibly just the system recharged due to a leak,
when your refrigeration guy checks it out, if the compressor's running & the system has a charge in it, it may still have bad valves, or something else wrong that's preventing it from cooling.
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Thanks for the response.  The compressor is turning.  I'll have to find a refrigeration guy to check it out.

[Kevin C]

Hello

One other option prior to calling someone is to clean the upper & lower coils. If these two coils are stopped up with dirt/grime/fuzz they will not transfer heat like they are suppose to.  The lower coil will be the coil most likely to have problems.  Remove the electrical connections & slide the upper & lower parts out together. You will need help as the lower coil is heavy & you can't let the upper coil flop around. Take this step anyways because it will make checking/servicing the system easy if you need to call someone. It would be wise to remove each of the fan motors, t-stat, coil shroud & electrical connection junction box prior to cleaning of the coils. Then spray the coils with a cleaner to loosen the gunk & then spray the coils with the water hose from the inside towards the outside. You can get replacement motors & T-stat at you local AC supply house. After you clean the coils &  replace the two fan motors & T-stat plug your cooling unit in & let it run. You should notice the upper (silver coil) starting to frost/freeze. I would try this before you call someone to check the system out.  I have an advantage over most people here because I own an AC company and as of yet I have not had one of my AC men work on any system.

Try this

Kevin