Cooling system check-out

[Paul M.]

I haven't plugged my V-63 in yet.  I was told that I should wait 24 hours after moving the machine (it was laying down in the back of my truck).  I don't have any refrigeration experience, but I do know electronics.  Any recommendations on evaluating it when I do plug it in?

[johnieG]

<font color='#000000'>Well 24 hours ought to do, but before you plug it in, check the basics, first, make sure there are no obstructions to the condensor fan and the evaporator fan inside the cabinet, often mice luve to snuggle up to the condensor  coils in the winter to keep warm, & build a nest that jams the fan blades, (and it's just unsanitary too.) inside the machine, check (carfully  <!--emo&:O--><img src="http://soda-machines.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':O'><!--endemo--> ) for broken glass bottles & chunks behind the evaporator coils that can block the evaporators fan...it's also a sign of a thermostat that may have allowed the bottles to freeze at one time.
Inspect the line cord for brittleness & damage, make  sure that you have a grounded plug on the end of it. ( don't plug the machine into a G.F.I. circuit , it'll pop the protector) follow it right up to the juction block inside the compressor housing & also inspect the door harness for damage too. give the coinmech (if any) the once over to make sure it's mounted vertically & hasn't bounced off it's mounting screws. I give it a go!  <!--emo&--><img src="http://soda-machines.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''><!--endemo-->  (& pay attention to the noises the machine makes as these are clues if somethings wrong, bent/rattling fan-blades. etc.)</font>



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[Kevin C]

Hello

Good advice there!.  The best thing to do is to remove the refrigeration system & place it on a work table. It may take two people to pull it out & hold the upper/lower sections. Place on a table then you can inspect the whole opertion while it is running. I would then remove & replace the two fan motors, install a new T-stat & wiring harness. While the motors are out you should take the whole remain sections outside, spray the coils with a heavy coating with a good cleaner, allow to soak for 20-30 minutes. Then pull out the garden hose & back spray (opposite of the air flow direction) with water.  A good cleaning like this along with new fan motors & T-stat will solve most all refrigeration problems. These sealed systems do no go bad unless they have been neglected.

When testing the system while it is on the table you should just look for frost on the edges of the upper coil. The system will not have the proper airflow to cool but you can test all parts of the system prior to reinstallation. If the refrigeration does not frost the upper coil you will need to get the system serviced by a local company or your home ac man doing some side work.

Kevin

Heck, I just waited 24 hours, looked inside and everything looked good, dusted and wiped it out and plugged it in. Works beautifully. I don't have the skills or patience for all the other stuff. '>

[Kevin C]

Hello

Clogged coils is the killer of these systems. The dirt, dust, hair & crud do not allow the system to transfer heat correctly. A little preventive maintenance will go a long way to keep your machine running for years to come. Even if you dont replace the fan motors, removing them for a good cleaning of the coils would be the best thing you could do for your coke machine.

Think about it!

Kevin

[Paul M.]

Thanks, all!
Hopefully sometime this week I'll have the time to spend cleaning it up a bit.  I did find one or two pieces of bottle glass when I first opened it and a handfull of old bottle caps.  I'll heed your suggestions to make sure the coils and fins are clean and blades are clear.  I'll let you know the outcome.  Again, thanks.

Sounds like good advice Kevin.