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My 1985 model Cavalier USS-12-96 is not cooling. When I plug it in, you will hear a "click" every 45 seconds or so like a switch is trying t oactivate, but if anything it gets hotter inside the cabinet.

I had to store it for a few months unplugged, It worked fine up to thisd point, and it ran fine for 2 weeks since I started using it again.

I have no idea where to start trouble shooting this thing. Any advice on where to begin?

It could be  a burned out start relay on the compressor. The start relay is to momentarily energize the start winding in the compressor motor and then cuts power to the start winding as soon as the motor is running.
They run $27.50 at fun-tronics
 http://www.fun-tronicsllc.com/store.php?crn=235&rn=606&action=show_detail

But before you spend any money I would give a pm to  JohnieG  he a very good coke machine mechanic.

I would  also would like to see a picture of your USS 12-96  1985 model to compare it to my 1973 model .

Ray

you can buy a 3n1 hard start for around $10 and that should take care of it.

that is usually the problem but i just hooked a 3-in-1 up to a machine doing the same thing and the compressor is dead. but generally that is the fix just don't be upset that you bought the starter and it doesn't work.

if that does not fix it then it is time for another compressor. i put one on for a coustomer and his lasted about 1 year before compressor  died but it was made in 63

For 10 bucks, It sounds like the 3 in 1 is worth a try. Any infor on how / where to hook it up would be great. Is there a how to around here on it? I havent searched yet.

here is my machine:best pic I have right now.

also, where should i pick up a 3 in 1 ? I'm searching on Funtronics and not having any luck so far. Is it something I can pick up locally?

Chris,

That part that I gave the link to is a 3in1=  ....1) Start Relay, 2) Capacitor & 2) Overload Relay from
fun-tronics   http://www.fun-tronicsllc.com/store.php?crn=235&rn=606&action=show_detail I

If you find a 3in1 for $10  for the size of compressor in your machine let me know where.

Thanks,

Ray

Thanks for the explanation Ray. That one you linked is the correct size? How would I determine my compressor size? is it labled on the compressor?

Chris,

Fun-tronics has them in 2 different sizes  #1) Is for 1/3 to 1/4 hp compressors..The USS 12-96 (compressor model # cav-876) require one for a 1/4hp... #2) Is for the much older and smaller machines 1/12, 1/10, 1/8, 1/6, 1/5 HP. 
My background is  electronic  engineering, but before I switch over I was going to school for climate control. So I know the theory, not too much recent hands on experience. To know for sure check with JohnieG

Thanks
Ray

if you have a johnstone supply in your area you can get them there. they have them on sale now for $8.84 for the 1/4 and 1/3 motor supco brand ,they also carry different motor sizes.most appliance parts stores will have them also.

Thanks for the tip. There is a refrig supply house local, but I have a hard time getting over there during their open hours. I ordered a Supco online for $14 plus shipping. it should be here tomorrow but it will be a few weeks till I get back down to the machine to install and try it out.

it will take longer to take it apart than putting it back together

So, I finally got down to my machine to swap out the 3n1. As I'm taking everything apart to get to the wires, I find that one of the terminals on the transformer has corroded and broken off.  I was told it was a transformer at least. I plugged the numbers into google and it is telling me it is a 3Arr12 Basic Motor Start Relay.  This is one of the things the 3 N 1 replaces is it not?

Here is the part I'm talking about.  There are two terminals on it. One (on the white plastic piece) had two wires connected to it. The other terminal is on the black piece of plastic and is broken off. It had one wire connected to it.

Yes.  The 3N1 will replace this and the overload relay.

Is there a detailed How To on installing the 3 in 1 anywhere?

I forgot to come back and update this. I installed the 3in1. Install was easy but took me a while to be confortabel with what I was doing and to decipher the wires. I confirmed what terminal was the common, but had to trust the diagram that came with the 3in1 to determine the start and run terminals.

Anyway, the machine has been running fine now for almost 3 weeks so changing out ot the 3in1 seems to ahve solved my problem.