Removing the compressor from a Westinghouse WB-78

[jbachman2]

My Westinghouse WB-78 has developed a rattle from the condenser fan when the compressor kicks on.  I want to replace the motor and possibly the fan but it looks like the only way to do so is to bring the whole compressor / condenser assembly out of the machine.  Is there enough play built into the coolant lines to do this or do I need to have the coolant evacuated from the machine so that the copper lines can be cut and the unit brought out?  I've looked in manual for this machine but I swear, it covers everything except getting the compressor out of the machine.

Also, if anyone has ordered the replacement condenser motor and fan from Funtronics or Sodajerk Works I would appreciate knowing what part numbers you used.

Thanks,

-Jim

[MoonDawg]

     I have never owned a 78 but you will be able to slide the bottle stack out in order to remove the cooling unit without breaking open the system.

[krovel]

Ok total newbie here, so this might not be the best way but its just what I did. I had to change the motors on the condenser and evaporator on my wb 60 and my 102. I removed the stacks and the vend assembly. I know it sounds like a lot of work but it makes removing the compressor and working on it so much easier. At least for me.

If you take it out you might as well replace both motors, they aren't to expensive, I got mine from grainger for 30-35 dollars I believe.

Good luck

[tkaz]

I believe that you can leave the stack in there, and just remove the vend assembly on a 78, you'll have to take out the bottle guides or can spacers first though.  I'll have to look back through the photos of the one I owned to see if that's the way it works.

[kbareit]

Your right TKAZ, if you pull the spacers the vend assy. will come out without taking the stack out. You still have to remove the delivery chute,vend motor and disconnect the empty (sold out) switch. Remove the two bolts that hold the assy. and it should slide out. Remove the two screw's on the evaporator assy. (slotted screwdriver or 5/16 nut driver) remove the two bolts holding the condensing unit and slide it out until you have access to change the motor.

[jbachman2]

To quote A Christmas Story "Fuuuudddddgggge"

[kbareit]

Sounds worse than it really is.

[johnieG]

Actually, it's a pain is the A$$, if you even just look at the suction line funny were it enters the evaporator, it will break, so Don't twist on the big copper receiver on the right side of the evap' coils or try to use it as a handle...it will break ( it's a weak point on this series of Westinghouse select-a-matic models)

I just replace an evaporator fan motor yesterday on a WD78...fun fun fun... But I didn't have to pull the stack, just the delivery chute, vending motor & its link. interesting though, this one already had a modified Dayton gear motor replacing the OEM unit (Merkle-Korff), it ran a lower RPM, but it bolts right in & it gets the job done, the shaft had an adapter for the shaft diameter vs the cam & split-ring pin. I jotted down the model number & made some notes.

[jbachman2]

Actually, it's a pain is the A$$, if you even just look at the suction line funny were it enters the evaporator, it will break, so Don't twist on the big copper receiver on the right side of the evap' coils or try to use it as a handle...it will break ( it's a weak point on this series of Westinghouse select-a-matic models)

I just replace an evaporator fan motor yesterday on a WD78...fun fun fun... But I didn't have to pull the stack, just the delivery chute, vending motor & its link. interesting though, this one already had a modified Dayton gear motor replacing the OEM unit (Merkle-Korff), it ran a lower RPM, but it bolts right in & it gets the job done, the shaft had an adapter for the shaft diameter vs the cam & split-ring pin. I jotted down the model number & made some notes.

I'd appreciate any model numbers you have, especially if they are direct bolt in.

[johnieG]

I'd appreciate any model numbers you have, especially if they are direct bolt in.

Yes, you & the dozen or more people who PM'd me 

Once I gather up some parts & do a test-fitting, I'll be happy to post a reply.