Vendo V-90 Compressor question

[mllaugh3]

When I plugged in my V-90 after sitting unplugged for a while the compressor seemed to have difficulty kicking in.  After several tries the compressor finally started and seems to be working fine.  I cycled it for a couple of hours and it kick on and off normally.  Does anyone know if this is normal?  Is there a problem with the compressor?  Let me know what you think.  Everything is original on the machine.

[BrianB]

Not trying to scare you, but, it sounds like the compressor is nearing the point when it might need a "Hard Start" installed to give it that extra kick if the compressor continues to exhibit the problem of not wanting to turn-over upon plugging it in after sitting non-op for awhile. I would just keep an eye on it.

So, once it was up and running for the couple of hours, did it cool down properly according to how you had the thermostat set? You mentioned that it cycled off and on normally, that sounds good. On most stock, original equip., thermostats there is a small white dot that indicates the normal factory set-point that they have determined is the best for normal operations. But not always.

One thing, to get an accurate assesment of the working condition and capability of your compressor, you need to have the machine fully loaded or as much as possible with bottles. Glass Bottles and the liquid that they hold act as great insulators and will lessen the amount of time you compressor has to run to keep the product cold.

Please let us know what you find out!

[loman4ec]

Also if you have the machine on a long extension cord it may not be getting enough current. I have had this problem before and after eliminating the extension cord it fired right up.

[mllaugh3]

Thanks Brian.  I had the thermostat turned to it's coldest setting.  It doesn't appear that this model has a dot were the factory setting is.  Once the compressor kicked on (after about two min of trying) it got very cold and turned off maybe five or ten minutes later.  Once the machine called for cold it kicked right back on and continued to cycle for the next couple of hours.  Hopefully it just needed a chance to get back into the swing of things.

I unplugged it last night and plan on giving her a good bath and waxing tonight then I will put some product in and fire it back up.  I am selling the machine and just want to make sure everything is in working condition.  I will keep you posted.  Thanks again.

[mllaugh3]

Leman4ec-  Thanks for that tip.  I did have it plugged into a shop light which has a long cord.  Never that of that.  I will retry with out cord.  That makes sense.  Thanks

[collecture]

Cleaning up the contacts on the start/run/common posts, etc. will help insure good contact is being made.

[johnieG]

Some compressors after sitting a while develop a  condition called electrolytic plating, where the compressors piston will deposit a thin layer of aluminum onto the cylinder wall & cause it to stick a bit, if it broke free it should run fine, but if you were to get a plug in type amp meter & measure the compressors "draw" current while it's running it would give you a better idea on how far along the compressors into it's golden years...

The Listed draw current is called Full Load Amps ( FLA) & is listed on the compressors I.D. plate, typically about 6-8 amps for your 1/4 HP V90 deck.. as the compressor ages & wears it will draw more & more current, a good indication to your compressors health.

[BrianB]

Johnnie,

Thanks for adding that. That's really good to know about plating and the method to read current draw, very helpful. I love learning new tricks!