Joe squid's wc-44sk

[joesquid]

Howdy All!!
As some of you may remember, I was heading to Norfolk this week to get eye surgery done...and pick up my coke machine along the way.  Naval Hospital Portsmouth (Virginia) did the surgery today and it went FANTASTIC!!!!  The whole procedure lasted appx 5 minutes (total for both eyes!!) and my vision was near perfect as soon as I opened my eyes.  PRK rocks!!!

I also got to pick up my Westinghouse WC44-SK enroute and have been playing with it while I've been here.  The compressor wiring had been hacked pretty badly but I was able to re-splice or rewire everything and get the machine up and running.  The compressor kicked on immediately and the thermostat appears to not have any effect on temperature or compressor operation so I'm sure it'll need to be replaced.  The compressor just runs and runs regardless of the position of the rheostat.  
  I think the compressor lines may have a very small leak.  It tried to get cold but the line keeps icing up up near the inlet to the evap coils.  The icing goes as far as the first 1.5 coils but the rest are clear of icing.  I'm assuming it will probably need to be checked for leaks, repaired and refilled unless the symptoms appear to point elsewhere.  Anyone want to venture a guess?
  I wish I had a camera for the next issue.  I can't tell how the "SOLD OUT" flag is supposed to connect to the sold out plunger rod that is loacted directly above the coin mech.  It looks like it should connect to the plunger rod via the coin mech itself, but I can't figure out how it should be done.  Possibly a missing piece (or pieces?).
  All in all, the donor machine I picked up was in better condition than I thought it would be.  I can't wait to get this machine back to Maine ang get the compressor operational.  I'll put this machine in my oldest son's room (what seven-year-old WOULDN'T want a functioning pop-machine in their room??  '>  )
  I'll post pics when I get back concerning the sold out flag issue!

hope everyone has a great weekend!!

[BrianB]

First off, it's a great relief to hear that your surgery went so well and that you are super pleased with the outcome, congrats!!  '>

Yep, sounds like you have a leak and that the system is undercharged. If you check the Refrigeration Section, Alan from Antique Vending just got done working on my second WC-44SK compressor and has breathed new life into it for what I consider a minimal cost. He posted a few pictures and gave a description of the work done.

I had the exact same problem with my "EMPTY" / "INSERT COIN" linkage. The "care package" shipment that Glen (Moondawg) sent me included this linkage and I got it hooked up. When you do get a chance, snap a photo so that I can see what's missing and when I go home this evening I'll do the same to show you how my set up looks.

Here's a reference photo just to let me know that we are both talking about the same thing!

[BrianB]

A little larger, sorry 'bout that!

Quote (joesquid @ Aug. 25 2005,7:24)

I'll put this machine in my oldest son's room (what seven-year-old WOULDN'T want a functioning pop-machine in their room??  '>  )

Eric,
Can you please adopt me???
That would make me your oldest son.
I want a Vendo 44 in my room! '>

So glad to hear that your surgery went very well.
Now let those "peepers" rest.

[joesquid]

Kito,
You can move into Devin's room and SHARE the soda machine! '>  He has a bunkbed and the upper rack is unused.

Brian,
Your reference pic is right on the money.  I have the spring operated plunger rod and the"sold out" assembly but I also have a spring that fits on the rod that sticks out to the right of the flag.  I also have another hook that comes out of the coin mech and is attached to the spring operated plunger.  It's held in place by the little metal clip that is also on your plunger.  It looks to me that the spring on the flag rod and this other hook somehow connect but can't figure out how.  I'll send pics as soon as I get back to Maine.
I reviewed your thread on the compressor board.  Looks like Al did some fine work.  Did I read correctly that it only cost you $100 for the work? (not including shipping)  What type of refrigerant did he use?

Oh...and yes Mother (Kito), I'm getting plenty of rest, eating my vegetables, brushing my teeth, and taking my meds before bedtime.  

[joesquid]

Brian,
I just had an idea.  I took some pics with my cellphone then e-mailed them to my aol account.  This one is probably the best of the bunch that shows what I'm working with.  Am I missing any parts?

[BrianB]

Eric -

Looks like you have everything from here. The spring you have on the flag rod connects to the plunger which in turn is activated by the small lever that is attached to your vending mech. Here's a picture of mine:

[BrianB]

Another angle:

[BrianB]

Looks to me like you have a peice that I'm currently missing. My machine was set to free vend when I got it and it looks like the previous owner/abuser removed the Reject Lever connecting wire that's visible in your picture extending down in to you coin mech. That just prevents the mech from taking any coins when the cooler is out of product.

When you look at my picture, you can see that the spring goes into the outboard spring fastener. Since you have the Reject levet too, it connects to inboard spring fastener.

Yep, Alan did do some fine work, and the price was definitely right at $100! He used good ole' R-12 to recharge it too!

Your son is a lucky dude!! I keep telling my co-workers at NSWC Crane that I'm going to smuggle mine into work for use in our lab/office! Paint it gray and put a nomenclature tag on it.....

Do you think your CMC would welcome a 44SK into the Mess? Or maybe you could put it in CCS! That would be pretty cool....I could just hear it now, "Engineering Casualty, Engineering Casualty! Loss of WC-44SK"  '>

[joesquid]

'>  '>  '>
You know something?  I think I will talk to our CMC about putting my machine in the Mess.  I'll give him the option of letting the ship buy it or I'll give it to the ship in return for never paying dues to the mess for the next four years.  I'd say that's an even trade!!  Thanks for all the help Brian!!  I think I'll give Alan a call concerning the compressor.  How did you ship yours?  What kind of box and packing material did you use to keep it under 70 lbs?