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I kind of expected this to happen. Last night frosty cold, turned on, and off fine by itself so figured t-stat was fine, and all was good. plugged in tonight Fan running, but no cooling. Has done this 2 times before, but then suddenly would work fine??     Suggestions on where to start my new found soda gods???

Compressor is original. Tag as follows:

Chieftan Ser.5L015930
Model P91L
1/8 HP
? Pressure 195
refrig 8oz
BM 2900?1
60 cycle
2-2 amps
115 volts

 :needphotos:

Is Cheiftain the manufacturer of your compressor?

      My first effort would be to check the compressor wires.

Yes Chieftan is the compressor manufacturer. 

Verify there is voltage to the t-stat then read across the terminals, it should read 0 volts if calling for cooling, if your reading line voltage the t-stat is bad.
If the t-stat checks good test for voltage at the compressor. On the relay there should be a M terminal on the relay place one lead there and one on the terminal entering the overload, if you read voltage there test across the overload, if you read 0 volts the overload is good if you read line voltage the overload is bad. If overload checks out good it could be the relay and capacitor. If it is either the relay, capacitor or overload I recommend replacing all three. If you need any help contact me and I'll talk you through it.

                                                                                                    Ken

Plugged the darn thing in tonight, turned it on.......Got frosty cold, worked fine? :drinking:      :help: going to try the above testing tomorrow.

Not surprising, the machines probably over 50 years old...so either you have a weak start/run relay, (replace with a 3-in-1 starter/booster) or water in the system causing the Cap' tube to plug (minor leak) or the compressors starting to show it's age & it's drawing too much current & tripping the overload device on the side of the compressor. (use a 3-in-1 starter/booster)

Johnie what is a 3 in 1 starter booster? What does it do? Where does it go?
Where do I get one? How much?  Today I am replacing all the power cords on the machine.
When this thing is working it gets REAL cold and frosty when you turn the t stat way up.
So if it had a small leak wouldn't something this old be empty of freon by now? I'm just trying to understand
With my automotive AC mind?  Other questions I have. Any particular paint to use on the condenser so as not to disturb its cooling properties? Also what paint to use on the inside tub and slider assembly?  Man restoring gas pumps is much easier, but they don't give ya a bottle of pop!

That's a lot of questions in a small space. There is a lot of information in this board, it may help by reading some older threads and ask for more pointed advise with the refrigeration questions.

Well..... OK then.....Thanks.

I'll try to hit some of your questions, welcome to the board!

The 3-1 starter basically replaces the old circuitry on your compressor, and gives a 'kick' to old compressors.  There are much more knowledgable people on here about them, but it's a matter of hooking up five wires, three go to the compressor circuitry and two go to line power.  You can pick one up through Fun-tronics or there may be a local refridge shop that sells there, here's a link: http://www.fun-tronicsllc.com/index.php?crn=235&rn=606&action=show_detail

Don't worry about the paint on the compressor when it comes to paint, not going to affect the cooling that much, I had the same questions when I started out.  I'd use Rustoleum Hammertone on the inside tub, gives a solid look and will last a long time.  As for the rack, I'd most likely want to powdercoat or chrome it, since it will see some heavy-duty action pulling bottles around.

Excited to get started on my first gas pump, so we're on opposite ends of the spectrum!

Tkaz.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.  While taking apart the compressor wiring today I got a real understanding of its components and can see what that 3 in 1 component would replace if I need it.
Your reccomondation of paint is great.  The hammertone will look great!!
Again thanks For taking the TIME!  If you ever have any gas pump questions just ask !