Where is the chill???

[timsmore]

It has been a while now since I was in here.  My move is past me and I'm settling in Colorado now.  I have a VF77B-A and it has gone on strike with regards to cooling.  It was cold one day and warm the next and no longer cools.  I'm hoping there is something simple that I can attack so that my favorite bevarages can get out of my refrigerator once again.  Any tips or clues on where to look and what to test/check is appreciated.

[globalcompressors]

Lower fan running?     Can you hear the compressor running?

Compressor running, frozen upper evaporator coil?  

Hear the overload clicking?

Upper fan running?      Thermostat, off, on, make a difference?


Eric

[Kevin C]

Hello

Is the upper evaporator frozen?

Kevin

[timsmore]

Nothing is cold at all!!  Both fans are running and if I turn the thermastat all the way down the bottom fan shuts off.  When I turn the thermastat back on I here what sounds like it kicking in to cool.  After my move it was good for about two months and now nothing.  When I open it up after leaving it run its actually warm inside?!?

Thanks for the help so far.

[globalcompressors]

Did you lay the machine down?

Did you move it with a dolly?  

How long did the machine cool before the move?  

Try blocking the lower fan using a rag and stop it from turning. Make sure the compressor IS in fact coming on.

If the compressor is running and if it cooled fine...years, before the move, I would have to look at a cracked line and lost charge. Laying the machine down puts stress on the copper lines just simply from the weight of the compressor.

If the machine was handled "rough" during the move, set down hard, dropped off a step, etc... you can crack a line.

Inside the "can" the compressor block is supported by springs and the high side line extends out of the head assembly (inside). If a support spring breaks, the block will "cock" to one side putting pressure on that line and over time can crack, releasing discharge
gas into the low side area of the "can". No pressure can develope and the result, no cooling.

I know it's a lot to digest, but there is method to my madness!

Eric '>

[timsmore]

Alright lets see if I can explain and be understood.

Thanks so far and I'll answer the questions and also so a couple pics.

1.  The machine has not been laid down in the last two years.
2.  I bought it in Novemeber 05 from BryanH and it cooled great up until my move in Aug 06.  I got here in Colorado and stocked it up at the end of Sep and all was great.  Sometime around Thanksgiving it stopped cooling.
3. I blocked the lower fan and yes I can hear the compressor making its noise.  Nothing bad jsut what seems to be normal.
4.  The machine was rolled on and off the truck with a dolly when I was there.  Perhaps rougher between trucks but everything worked when it got here and I plugged it in.
5.  No cocking to one side noticed.

Below are the pics that I took.  As you see on what I believe is the dryer/cigar there seems to be a bit of residue/oil looking spot.  When all was well this would get good and cold and even frost up.  The spots below are what I believe are condensation spots from running.

My questions:
1.  Is there a chance that the thermostat went out?
2.  With the age of the machine I do not see the typical connection spot for freon all tips are soldered and crimped.  How do you get the freon in and also how do you test the system?
3.  If at all possible I like to do my own work.  Is it possible and if not who would I call or look for in the phonebook.  I'm outside Denver if anyone here knows anything and can help.

P.S.  sorry about the stuff on top.  I know someone out there doesn't like that.

[globalcompressors]

That could be the spot. On the evaporator, the coil expands and contracts. I have see, over the years, a soldered joint crack in the very spot you are showing. Yes, this does require a tourch/soldered repair. What I would do, is pull the unit and
find someone local to solder a schraider valve in place, pressure test the system. Check that area as well as others, make the repair
and charge back up.

If you can't find someone local or don't trust anyone, pay the shipping, approx. $35 each way and I'll make the repair, change the drier, install a service valve, clean and charge for $85-$110

Hope this helps, call me if there any questions.

Eric '>

[BryanH]

Hey Tim - welcome back.  Sorry to hear about the machine.  Dealing with a bad refrigeration system now myself.  Your machine was sealed (ie w/o any service tap).  Looks like it's been painted since I had it.  Was that pre or post move?  In either case, as long as the compressor is still working (which it sounds like it is) then there must be a leak somewhere.

[timsmore]

I'll check around for someone local to help out.  As for the paint I did the hammertone on the inside in a couple colors.  On the outside I just used a good wax to pull out some of the fading that was on it.  I just want to keep it looking as it always did on the outside so I waxed it.  It is due for some cleaning again though.

Thanks again Bryan and Global!  I'll keep you updated.

[SIGNGUY]

I think I see the problem.. It's a Pepsi Machine!!!

Sorry Just a snide remark from a Coke Collector!!!!

It's late and that the best I could come up with!

Good Luck!

[loman4ec]

If you are going to look for someone local to do the work I have some suggestions. I have always had bad luck calling the big HVAC companies but if you sit in the parking lot untill a technition comes out you can usually get someone to come look at the systen if you offer cash. I have had good luck with this.

[timsmore]

Two last questions before I go after this.  I have experience with soldering.  Is it possible seeing that there is a leak to go ahead and heat and sweat solder these connections myself?  Is there any concern regarding any pressure that may still be in the lines?

Also if I go and get the schraider valve that is mentioned can I just buy the freon locally and if so which kind of freon and what pressure will I be looking to attain after all is fixed?

What can I say!  I like doing it myself whenever possible!!

Thanks Again, Tim

[cvb141]

You would not want to try and solder it with any pressure on the system. If it is leaking right there on the evaporator, the system could have pulled into a vacuum and sucked in moisture and noncondensables. So it would need a filter/drier change and a good vacuum pulled on it to remove the above mentioned crap, before recharging it. Probably better off leaving it to someone with experience. Eric's offer sounds good and I'm sure he would note if he saw any other problems, that someone else may not point out. Good luck what ever you do.
Jerry

[Pat Pixley]

Hey Tim, Good to have you back.
as far as your compressor the deal
Eric offered up sound pretty  darn good
$180  for a Pro, And you know it
will work when you get it and done right.
That just my  thoughts on this.

Pat   '>

[Skeleton Man]

$180 sounds too good to pass up ! I would go for it !! '>