Ideal 55 too cold

[Norrisk66]

Hi- I just finished my second 55. When I plug it in, the compressor kicks in at any thermostat setting above 2. The compressor will run until it freezes everything inside-even on the lowest setting. The copper line coming out of the bottom of the tub gets a thick layer of frost on it too.

I am thinking my thermostat is not sensing correctly. One more thing though-the inlet lines going into the condenser are not hot at all-which makes me wonder if my unit is just low on charge?

Thanks in advance,
Keith

[MoonDawg]

The copper line coming out of the bottom of the tub gets a thick layer of frost on it too.
  ..........wonder if my unit is just low on charge?

       The compressor seems to be working great but that frost is a sign of overcharge if anything.       
Either the thermostat is not working right, or it's sensing tube is not feeling cold enough to shut down.

[johnieG]

MoonDawg got it right, an frosted over suction line is one of two things, a stuck thermostat and/or misplaced sensing capillary tube, or an overcharged system.

Now the, if you only had one corner of the tank getting frosted and the rest of the box was too warm,  then you might be looking at an undercharged/leaking system or possibly a restriction in the capillary tube or the filter sieve* or even a bad compressor, valves, etc.





(* Fun fact... originally, Ideal 55's & Glasco 50's didn't have a true filter/ dryer, just a small fine stainless or bronze screen tube inserted into the inlet fitting of the condenser coils line.)  

[Norrisk66]

I'm sure I could search for the specs-but what is the correct charge amount?

Also-R-12 is very expensive-has anyone tried charging with R-134a?

[MoonDawg]

         Hope no one has tried that it yet, it's like buying deisel fuel because gasoline becomes too expensive.

[johnieG]

I'm sure I could search for the specs-but what is the correct charge amount?

Also-R-12 is very expensive-has anyone tried charging with R-134a?

[johnieG]

I'm sure I could search for the specs-but what is the correct charge amount?

Also-R-12 is very expensive-has anyone tried charging with R-134a?

The typical charge is about 9oz R12, but if your evap' tubbing has detached from the tank wall there will be a poor heat exchange and flood the evaporator with freon & this will cause the suction line to ice up too. ( sliders refrigeration systems can be so much fun to work on)

The old compressor wont much like it at all (R134a) & the cap' tube is the wrong spec's for it too. and if you try to add POE oil to the system ( to help make the Mineral Oil (abbreviated as "MO" oil) more compatible  it will quickly react to any moisture trapped in the MO oil & plug the capillary tube or afore mentioned filter sieve.

Freeze12 is a nice (so called) drop in replacement for R12.  and you don't need a license to buy it off of Ebay.