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I am the proud owner of a 1962 Vendo H63B coke machine. I drove all the way from Norfolk,Va to purchase the machine in Chicago and was told that it was in a supermarket (long closed) back in the '60s. The original paint looks good considering its age. I purchased the service manual and cleaned/lubed the coin mechanism. The machine gets the bottles of imported Mexican Coca- Cola ice cold and the coin mechanism works fine. Here is my question. I generally use the machine from Friday afternoon until Monday morning when I start the work week. Is it better to leave the machine running constantly like a refrigerator or unplug it like I am doing? Would it it preserve the refrigeration components like the compressor etc to unplug the machine as I am doing? I am assuming the machines were left on constantly in grocery stores back in the day. I just want the machine components to last as long as possible. Thanks for any advice.

Welcome Noob!

At this point it's entirely up to you as far as preference.  Many members don't even plug there machines they just enjoy them as a piece of their collection.

If you want to take the conservative approach and preserve it's longevity unplugging is fine after use ....

I'd leave it full of product and running 24/7. Reason being the stress on the compressor running to bring back to cold every 7 days worse than just holding the current temp. Only time unplug mine is will be gone for a few days.

Interested to read what others think.
Creighton

I agree about leaving it on 24/7.

I'm not sure about leaving it running all the time. It seems to me that when I turn the machine off on sunday night and leave it off until friday afternoon that every part in the machine is resting. The compressor is at rest, the fluorescent light isn't being used. It just seems like if the parts aren't having to work then the machine will operate for a longer time than if it is run 24/7.

But when you plug it in, does it take til Sunday for the bottles to get Ice Cold? LOL

30/45 minutes. Then they are ice cold.

       So then........................ what was your question?

Just wanted to get both sides of the let it run 24/7 or shut it down when not in use question. Each side has valid points. Trying to get some input before I make a definate decision.

I think I will try leaving the machine on for 2 weeks 24/7 and then shutting it off for 2 weeks. Is there any way to shut off the flourescent light so that while the machine is running the light can be off?

Take the bulb out or the FS - 2 started would be the easiest.  Or you could wire in a switch...

       The 63 and 90 usually have an on/off button on the side of the 9 pin Jones receptacle.

I leave my machine running 24/7...keep it full of product as it makes it more efficient...less bother too IMO.
I don't think it cost any more or less either way!

I leave my coke machine on all the time cause u never know when u need an ice cold bottle of coke......plus, why keep putting the machine thru turning it on and off.   They were meant to run .  Just put it on a surge protector.   Sue

I think I will compromise. I will keep it running but be able to turn the fluorescent light off unless I want to show it off to family/friends. The fascinating part for most people is when they put a quarter in and get three nickels back. You don't see that any more!

There you go. Good choice. Surge protector is great advice. Ideal is on a dedicated 30amp GFI circuit.
Guests will be just as transfixed if receive two nickels. Raise the price :-)
Lot of things don't see much of saved here.
Enjoy your machine !!
Creighton

Just use the machine and enjoy it. These machines are bullet proof. Only using it a few days a week will not add to it's life, I don't believe. I use mine only during the summer months and it rests winter months.

One quick question about compressor cycling times. Since I decided to keep the machine on, I wanted to try and get an idea of the compressor cycling times with a fully stocked machine. Compressor was on for about 11 minutes then it shut off. It stayed off for 30 minutes then compressor came on and stayed on for 15 minutes. Then all was quiet for 33 minutes. Do these times seem average or do you think it is cycling too much? The room that it is in is about 72 degrees.

Cycling twice per hour seems about right in my limited experience with running a few of my machines when fully stocked!

2-3 times per hour is normal

Concerning turning the fluorescent light on and off while keeping the machine running. It was mentioned that there may be an on/off switch for the light. I can't seem to be able to find one. It would be nice to have the option to be able to turn the sign light on and off while keeping the machine running without having to remove any parts. Any input appreciated.

********UPDATE******
Found it! Just inside the door for the coin mechanism is a push button switch for the sign light.

Congrats. May be one that needs to be held down to activate the ballest.
Creighton

On/Off switch huh!??  I have never noticed one in the ones I have!  I'm gonna check it out when I get home.  Sorry for the thread revival....Just got "approved" and am catching up on the past few years.

Randy