SMC Discussion Areas

Trouble-Shooting => Refrigeration => Topic started by: davethebirdman on November 25, 2005, 03:41:03 pm



Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on November 25, 2005, 03:41:03 pm
Hello Everyone

I have finally managed to remove the cooling unit from my V-39, after much crashng and banging.

Prior to the strip down the unit appeared to be working well. If anything it was a little to cold.

I have tried in vain to get a qualified engineer to have a look over it. The wife insists. Nobody this end of the world wants to go anywhere near it.

My question is this... Is there anything a complete novice like myself can do by way of simple checks to ensure that the unit isn't going to go bang or catch fire?? I don't know the history of the machine or how long it has stood around for. I did run it for a couple of days with no problems.

The wiring has began to wilt and I have a new harness on my list of bits from Funtronics. Apart from that I can't see anything standing out ad slapping me in the face. But then I have no idea what I am looking for.

The transformer/converter looked like the sort of item that would have been powering Noah and his Arc so that has been discarded.

As always your help gratefully recieved.

Dave


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on November 25, 2005, 03:45:26 pm
It would help if I added a picture. Sorry


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: MoonDawg on November 25, 2005, 05:27:38 pm
Dave, that is probably the cleanest compressor I have seen in a machine this age. So right now you can remove some bolts, clean / paint and re-install parts. Then replace the wiring harness when you get it.   No need for outside help.


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: jasmine64 on November 25, 2005, 07:58:44 pm
I agree with MoonDawg that is clean!


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: sodaworks on November 25, 2005, 10:41:13 pm
Be sure to replace the foam on the line. This will help out the efficiency of the compressor. I would start at the comp. unit and go to where it enters the liner cover plate. The wire harness will come with a diagram, very simple to replace. As Mooddawg said take off the base plate and paint the unit. :D


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: johnieG on November 26, 2005, 07:38:47 am
Dave,Caution!!! I note that in your posting that you said "The transformer/converter looked like the sort of item that would have been powering Noah and his Arc so that has been discarded."  be sure to double check the voltage specifications on the compressors data plate, & make sure that it's compatable with UK 220Volt/50cycle, or you'll be if for some trouble to say the least!  :O  I'm assuming that the transformer was a step-down type to adapt the machine to run on 220v/50-60 cycle. better safe now than sorry later...just a thought..


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on November 26, 2005, 08:40:11 am
Hi Johnie

Yep you are right I will need to replace the step-down. Most of my toys have to be adapted this way.

Thanks

Dave


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: 90grad on November 26, 2005, 09:29:58 am
Question:  With this type of compressor, is Dave going to need a 3-in-1 relay in addition to his wiring harness?  Funtronics carries those, too.  I think they sell for about $25 through Funtronics, although you can get them in the store for less (around $15).  So, if Dave needs one, one of us could try to get one for him and save him a few pence.  The local HVAC store here only sells to contractors, although the guy has let me buy there on the side.  He would order it and have it to me in a few days.  Then, I can mail it to Dave.  Or, if some one else already has one, that may be easier.  Any ideas?  I will gladly do this if necessary.

Dave, rewiring is a breeze.  If I can do it, anyone can.

Also, will you be able to rewire the thermostat, or are you getting a new one?  With the wiring harness, you will need to get connectors for the wires to hook up to the various components.  

If you'd like, I can send you some photos of the rewiring I've just done (past 3 days).  Maybe that will give you some ideas.






Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on November 26, 2005, 10:06:45 am
Wayne

that would be great if you could. Right now you have confused me with the three in one relay. What's one of those???

My knowledge of all things technical can be written on the back of a postage stamp.

Whilst I'm here can anyonre tell me the rating (Voltage & power) for my unit so I can get the corrrect transformer. I have looked for info but can't find anything.

Thanks

Dave


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: 90grad on November 26, 2005, 10:15:54 am
Dave,

Compressors have a start relay, a run switch, and an overload relay.  Some compressors have these mounted externally to the body of the compressor.  Yours probably has just 3 little hubs where wires connect.  My Cavalier 51 is the very similar to this.  So, the 3-in-1 is a solid-state gizmo about the size of a small aerosol can which combines all 3 relays.  Plus, it helps the older compressors run better.  It's super easy.  There are a total of 5 wires.  Two black ones go to the power plug (included in the Funtronics harness).  Then the red, white, and black wires hook to the corresponding run, common, and start hubs on the compressor.  I have a diagram that should tell which hub is which.  I got this from Funtronics when I got a 3-in-1 from them.  What is the model of your compressor?

Give me a day or so, and I will put together a photo/info package for you.  Can you send me an email to my address -- waynestrine@yahoo.com -- This way, I can reply to your email address with the info.


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: 90grad on November 26, 2005, 10:20:06 am
Dave,

Here's the web page for the 3-in-1.  It's in Adobe.  Page down to where it says " RCO Series 3 N' 1".

3 in 1


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: 90grad on November 26, 2005, 05:08:43 pm
Dave,

I have a Word document for you with photos and info.  Shoot me an email to waynestrine@yahoo.com and I will send it.  It's too big to post here.


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: loman4ec on November 27, 2005, 10:41:45 am
If the cooling system is working now I wouldn't replace the relay. if it an't broke don't fix it I allways say.


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: 90grad on November 27, 2005, 12:47:23 pm
Josh,

I agree, except I don't know if Dave would be able to rewire without buying a 3 N' 1.  My Vendo 56 (60's) has the relays external to the compressor, but my Cavalier 51 does not.  So, to rewire it, I had to get a 3 N' 1.  I think Dave may be in the same boat with that compressor from the 39.  It looks like one of the earlier models, as it doesn't have a condenser fan and relies on convection.


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on January 03, 2006, 04:46:46 pm
Hello Wayne and others.

My wiring harness arrived the other day and I have just got around to trying to work out how to wire it all up.

Wayne I think you were right when you said it was not going to be as simple as just plugging in all the wires.

The harness is from Funtronics and appears to be the universal one sold for most models. The difficulty I have, as highlighted by Wayne is attaching the power cord to the compressor. The wiring diagram shows the cord attached in two places, one to the start relay and one to the overload relay. The only cord I have coming from the compressor is attached to a three pin plug which then goes into the orignal wiring harness and splits three ways. I guess this is the three in one.

I have enclosed pictures below. Do I need the added piece of hardware in order to re-wire??

Thanking you in anticipation.

Dave


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: johnieG on January 03, 2006, 06:31:09 pm
Dave is the compressor manufacture listed on the baseplate?

It may be a Techumseh, or a Blissfield, possibly a Copeland,
this will help us identify the pinout. the three pins that the female connector attach to are the "run", "start" & "common" terminals.

The "three-in-one" (3-in-1) referred to in prior postings is a modern universal replacement for the rectangular start-run relay shown in your picture, the attached diagram will give you a basic picture of what it looks like.


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: 90grad on January 04, 2006, 06:11:51 am
Dave,

JohnieG is the best with his photos.  You'll need a 3 N' 1.  Funtronics sells them, but they are about $25-30.  I can try to see if a local HVAC store has any.  I bought one from them one time and paid about $15.  Then, the only other cost would be shipping to you.  

Question for all:  If this is what Dave needs, does anyone have an extra one laying around to send Dave?  If not, Dave, I would be happy to see if I can get another one for you and mail it to you.  I'd only ask for the cost of the item and shipping.  It's about the size of a small aerosol can.  I think the Word document I sent you had a photo of one in it.  I think I also put in the page with all the diagrams of the various compressor pin-outs, too.






Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: Creighton on January 04, 2006, 02:28:18 pm
If you send something to Dave be sure and mark the customs form as a "Gift" and a low declared value.
Creighton


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on January 05, 2006, 03:38:10 pm
Hello Everyone.

Sorry for the delay in replying. My electrics were out last night. Major grid problem. Didn't come back until the early hours.

Johnie - The model is a Kelvalator (think that's right) model no. V12S. Hope that helps.

Wayne - Thanks for the offer hgopefully you got my PM

Creighton - you are so right about marking it up as gift. The box of bits I got from Funtronics cost me almost $70.00 in import duty. The government add the cost of postage to the goods before taking their cut. That really is sneaky.

Dave


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: 90grad on January 06, 2006, 06:07:45 am
Dave,

I'm going to stop by the store today (Friday) and see about that relay.  I'll let you know something tonight after I get home from work.


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on January 17, 2006, 02:17:42 pm
Hello Everyone

thanks to Wayne (90grad) I now have my cooling unit up and running.

I have one question. The compressor seems very loud. Its much louder than the other V-39. I have checked for vibration but can't find anything.

Its the compressor without the fan attached. Are they significantly louder than those with the fan. My other V-39 has the fan and when that kicks in you can hear it but other than that it purrs. This new one roars and could possibly keep the neighbours up.

I am going to run it through the night to see if it makes any difference. I would imagine its been sometime since this baby has been used.

Any comments gratefully appreiciated.

Dave


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on January 17, 2006, 04:16:42 pm
Okay,

so now the thing is deadly quite. No compressor noise at all.
Plse excuse my complete ignorance but does the 3 in 1 work a bit like the fans and only kick in from time to time or should the compessor run the whole time.

Thanks

Dave


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: 90grad on January 17, 2006, 06:21:53 pm
Dave,

The compressor should not run all the time.  When the inside reaches the proper temperature, the thermostat should kick the compressor off.  The 3 'N 1 is a high-tech starter.  The only thing that should run constantly is the evaporator fan (inside the cabinet where the sodas are).


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on January 19, 2006, 02:12:49 pm
Right,

My machine is now getting very cold. In fact the bottom under the fan is freezing over so I'm thinking that pewrhaps its getting too cold. The thermostat is showing seven so I turn it down to 4. The  compressor now seems to be running the whole time without clicking out and it doesn't seem to be getting any warmer in there. Still surplus water that is not draining away and is freezing.

How can I check to see if the thermostat is even working.

Can it noly be the thermostat or could there be an issue with the compressor. I know I sohlud have replaced the thermostat when I ordered all the other bits.

I have the thermostat in on the shelf next to the fan, its like that on my other V-39. Is that the right location for it?? That proby thing I have just tucked around the back.

I'm also worried about water and electrics. what should  do???


Dave


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: 90grad on January 20, 2006, 11:50:35 am
Dave,

Sounds like an issue with the thermostat.  If your machine is getting cold, the compressor should be fine.  The tip of the thermostat (proby thing) bulb should be as near to the coils on the evaporator as possible without touching them.  I had to tinker with mine to get it so the compressor would cycle properly.  Try turning the thermostat down to 1 and see if the machine shuts off.  When I rewired mine, I couldn't even set the thermostat as high as 1.  Mine goes up to 4 and after playing wth the location of the tip of the stat line, I have it set on 2 and it cycles perfectly.

There may be a slot or tube where the probe is supposed to go.


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: 90grad on January 20, 2006, 11:58:35 am
Dave,

Sent you an email, too.  One other thing to check is when your compressor is running, turn the thermostat all the way off.  If the compressor shuts down, then you probably just have an issue of where the probe is placed.


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on January 20, 2006, 01:04:32 pm
Hi Wayne

I think that the Thermostat might be "on its way out". It will turn the compressor off when I turn it off but otherwise the compressor just contiunes to run constantly. I have moved the probe around a bit but it doesn't make a difference.

I have tried the thermostat from my other machine and it works fine with the comprssor. (The other machine has a thermostat that bolts onto the fan unit unlike the original one that has the probe) I have put the probe one in the other machine and this causes that compressor to run constantly.

So, I'm pretty confident that it is a fualty thermostat.

My next question. Can I replace it with a readily available normal fridge one like the link below

 http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Fridge-....hosting

Or do I have to get one from the parts suplliers???

Thanks

Dave


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on January 20, 2006, 01:05:22 pm
Opps





Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on January 20, 2006, 01:06:42 pm
Can't get it to link the number is

7565644875

Dave






Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on January 20, 2006, 01:12:49 pm
Here's a picture


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: 90grad on January 20, 2006, 01:25:04 pm
Dave,

It looks good, but probably some one like johnieG could tell you for sure.  You may want to send him or Moondawg a PM.  I think you need to check the temperature range of the thermostat.  If you wind up needing to get a new one, I can always get you one from Funtronics, although I have to pay sales tax being in the same state.


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on February 03, 2006, 05:04:43 pm
Hello Everyone.

My new thermostats arrived today from Funtronics. I have fitted the new one, its a air temp sensor type. As recommended by Steve at Funtronics.

I postioned it just under the drum again as he suggested and the unit is now running cool, not as cold as previously, which is good. However, I can't get the compressor to shut off.

I have re-postioned the sensor in the hope that it might help, but it hasn't.

Anyone out there have any suggestions plse.

The Thermostat was initally placed at 3 and I have lowered and raised it in the hope that It might help.

Cheers

DAVE


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: Yarochrehc on February 03, 2006, 05:17:30 pm
Dave, if the thermostat has a cap tube on it, try placing the end of it in a glass of water filled with ice and leave it for about five minutes.  It should shut off at some point on the dial, and should be near the higher numbers. This means that this is the 32 deg. point.


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on February 03, 2006, 05:26:53 pm
Hi This is the thermostat I have is it okay to put into ICE.


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on February 03, 2006, 05:29:21 pm
Hi

I should have added that it is possible to shut the compressor off by turning the thermostat right round to 0. If I then turn it on again it waits a while and then fires up.

The Compressor has now been running for a few hours. Is that sufficent time for it to adjust.

Thanks

Dave


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: Yarochrehc on February 03, 2006, 05:35:16 pm
That is the end of the cap tube that can be put in the water.
Usually after a couple of hours with the door closed the unit should shut off.
Do you have a thermometer that you could put in the machine to see how the progress is going?


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on February 03, 2006, 05:45:14 pm
Hi Bob

I don't at the moment. However it does feel very cold in there and the machine compressor has run constantly for the last couple of hours.

I do have another V-39 and have changed the thermostat in that tonight too. That cooled right down and shut off after about 30 mins.

Thanks for your help tonight (now nearly 11pm) will shut the machine off and in the morning try the ice trick. If it shuts the compressor off then I know its just a case of moving it around. If not well then I'm stuck. I'll also swap the thermostats round but I really don't think it wil be the thermostat.

Dave


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: Yarochrehc on February 03, 2006, 06:04:14 pm
Hi Dave,
Good luck with your project,
hope you can get it to work ok!


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: 90grad on February 03, 2006, 08:02:29 pm
Dave,

I had the same issue with my Cavalier 51.  I fiddled with the position of the bulb until I finally got it to work.  It took a while, but eventually it worked.  I made sure it was as close to the evap coil as possible without touching it and in the flow of air from the fan blowing across.  It tries the patience, but it does work eventually.


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on February 04, 2006, 06:10:08 am
Wayne/Bob/Everyone

Okay I have swapped the thermostats over and that has made no difference. I have swapped them back and re-positioned the sensor all around the cabinet. No luck.

I know its getting cold in there because the rigid pipe is icing over. The compressor just keeps running and running.

Could it be the 3 in 1. That is not kicking in when it should?? I can turn the compressor off completely by turning it down to 0.

It was working when I first re-fitted it. I made the mistake of trying to adjust the temprature on the old T-stat and since then no luck. It was definately running too cool the first time round.

Any help plse... A very dispondent Englishman.

Dave


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: 90grad on February 04, 2006, 09:02:30 am
Dave,

On my Cavalier, I couldn't turn the thermostat even to the #1 setting before I got the probe placed in the correct spot.  When you swapped the stats, did the other (your first machine) machine still work correctly?


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on February 04, 2006, 09:26:04 am
Wayne

It did. So its not the T-Stat. I have now turned the t-stat to just after 0 and its clicking on and off.
This is enough to send me round the bend. I have put that bloody prbe everywhere.

When I spoke to Steve he said just under the drum and see how you get on. Did that with the first V-39 and works great. Did it with the second one and nope...

I'm now going to turn the t-stat up just a tadge to see what it does.

Dave


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on February 04, 2006, 12:03:42 pm
Right - An update

Its working in a sort of fashion. Clicking on and off now but all too readily. It cooling so I think I'll just let it run.
Just one thing - The 3 in 1 I can hear that clicking in and out. Is that good???

Dave


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: 90grad on February 04, 2006, 12:40:49 pm
The 3 'N 1 is a solid state relay.  I have two and have never heard any clicking.  Are your 39's identical?  That may seem to be a dumb question, but are the evaporator assemblies the same?  Maybe that could be an issue.  On my 51, I stuck the replacement stat's probe in the exact same spot as the original and it didn't work.  It was doing the exact same thing yours is.  I couldn't even turn the dial to the #1 position.  It also cycled on and off a lot.  So, I called Steve back and he told me to fiddle with where I placed it.  After pulling my hair out, I ran it to the bottom of the evap coil (the original probe was placed at the top) and almost touched the coil.  The probe is no more than 1/8" from the evaporator coil.  This did it.

On my Westinghouse water cooler, Steve gave me a different type of thermostat.  He said people have a little more luck with these sometimes in the water baths.  It doesn't have the numbered dial, but works great.  You can use these in regular machines, too.  You may want to call him Monday, explain what the issue is, and see if he'll trade you.  He told me if this one didn't work on my Westinghouse, he'd trade me for one like yours.  So, you might be out just postage.

If you figure out it is the 3 'N 1, let me know and I'll get you another one.  Something tells me it isn't, because your machine is cycling.  The relay starts the machine and keeps it running after a signal is received from the thermostat.  The stat acts like a switch.

When you play with the dial on the stat (even with the machine off), you should hear the click when you turn it up and when you turn it back.  This tells you where it's kicking on and off.  The ice trick works too.  Put the probe on an ice cube and the stat shouldn't click until a higher number, like Bob said before.


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: MoonDawg on February 04, 2006, 12:48:53 pm
Dave, turn it off for a while !!!!!
       When a compressor is turned off....it must stay off for at least 5 minutes while the high pressure in the system dissapates. Your overload sensor is detecting a problem and keeps shutting you down. Clicking on / off consistantly is not good.
         Secondly, can you clip that capillary tube directly onto one of your cooling coils?


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on February 04, 2006, 12:49:21 pm
Thanks Wayne

Its cooling at the moment but running in quick cycles (if that makes sense)
The 3 in 1 definately clicks in and out so I don't know what that does.

The two machines are NOT identical. The old one has the fan type compressor whilst as you know the new one has the old type.

I asked Steve which was best for me and he recommended the air sensor rather than the bolt on type (which I had previously on my old machine)

Not sure how often a compressor should kick in. Its probably every couple of minutes at the mo...
The old machine kicks in every five or so minutes.

Dave


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: 90grad on February 04, 2006, 01:05:43 pm
Dave,

The compressor should be off for a while after it shuts down.  My 51 holds temperature well and the compressor stays off for over 30 minutes before coming back on.  Think of a soda machine as a refigerator with a coin mechanism.  Your fridge probably stays off for while after the motor (compressor) stops.

Man, this is a tough one!






Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on February 04, 2006, 02:04:47 pm
Yep

that's what I thought.

Looking at the tip of the T-Stat is it definately a sensor rather than the type that needs to be bolted on?? Could that be the problem. Has Steve givn me the wrong  T-Stats. (Surely not)

Dave


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on February 04, 2006, 02:10:02 pm
Just seen Glens post above.

Dave






Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: 90grad on February 04, 2006, 02:28:30 pm
I wish I had a 39 to look at while you were going through this, but oh well.  Maybe a call to Steve is in order to see if you can get the type of stat I have for my water box.  He stated people have had good luck with these when the one you have doesn't work well.  Also, could you post some photos of the evap area?


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on February 04, 2006, 02:38:33 pm
Okay

now I have notcied that my other V-39. The one that I bought restored, which I fitted a new T-Stat to today also is running and cutting and running and cutting. Certianly not wth the five minutes needed between cycles.

The old T-Stat on this unit was bolted to the Evap fan housing. It as the same tip as the new T-Stat. Should I bolt it to the housing too instead of letting it hang under the bottle basket.

For the time being I have turned all the machines off, its like a Sauna in the room.

Plse see picture. Hoefully explains better than I can.

Dave


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on February 04, 2006, 02:46:19 pm
Okay

this is a picture of the inside of the Second V-39 that does nt have the bolt on thingy.

As you can see the sensor is just below the bottle drum and sort of hanging over the fan.

Dave


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on February 04, 2006, 02:48:04 pm
Glenn - I'm not quite sure what you would like me to try and attach the tip too. Is it to the fan coils from underneath??

Dave


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: 90grad on February 04, 2006, 03:22:21 pm
Dave,

I think you need to try to make it so the probe is right next to the evap coils (within 1/8").  These coils are behind the shroud where the evap fan is.  The evap coils are what gets cold and that's what the stat needs to "feel".  With the probe next to the bottle basket, I don't think it will get cold enough to shut off the unit.


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on February 04, 2006, 03:34:52 pm
Hi Wayne

do I do that by going under or over the cover??

Thanks

Dave.

PS... I have checked Steve's online Cat and I definately appear to have the air sensing rather than bolt on one. I have un hooked the one I bolted to my restored machine and turned them off fr tonight.

Trying to get the kids to sleep at the moment. Mum is working very late. My 2 year old is being a right pain. How we love our off springs. We need that Paternal love otherwise they'd be sitting in the garage at the moment and its minus one out there. No problems cooling bottles in my garage.

Dave


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: Yarochrehc on February 04, 2006, 05:45:17 pm
Hi Dave,
Try what Glen and Wayne is suggesting to fasten the end of the cap tube to the metal on the fan schroud like the other machine of yours has. If you have one of those spring type clothes pins, you can use that to fasten the cap tube at differant locations to see if that might help.






Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: 90grad on February 04, 2006, 05:54:47 pm
Dave,

Whichever is easiest to do.  If you can go under, that may hide the tube a little better than going over the shroud.

I know all about kids sleeping habits.  They are wonderful, except at 2 am!


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on February 05, 2006, 05:12:57 am
I'm getting very bored with this now. I want my life back, all i'm doing s going to bed and dreaming of bloody compressor units.

My restored machine, which was working fine before all this started now just completes the two minute cycles. On for two off for two. When I fitted the T-Stat on Friday it seemed to work okay and as it runs very quiet I left  it on cooling the bottles. It was only when Glenn mentioned the cut off safety switch that I really went back ad looked at it and noticed the two minute cycle, so it could have been running like this for a day and a night. Have I done some serious damage to this???? It doesn't matter what I do with the tip of the T Stat clmap it re-position it it just runs the cycle and is very cold.

The new machine - I have clamped and re-positioned most of the morning. Where the compressor was running continuously previously it now goes into the cycle.

Is it time I looked for someone who knows what they are doing locally (If I can find someone)

I always manage to turn gold into copper. (Now feeling sorry for myself)
 
:( :(

Dave


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: 90grad on February 05, 2006, 08:11:22 am
Everyone,

First, a question to Dave:  With you machines doing these 2 minute cycles, are you able to set the thermostat dial on something reasonable (like 2)?

Second, a question for the group: If Dave's answer is yes, should he adjust the cut out/cut in settings on the stats?

Dave,  if you do this, it only takes a very small screwdriver.  But, it's best to keep a record of the adjustment, so you can put the thermostat settings back to where they were when you started adjusting.  Basically, the cut out and cut in settings change the temperature difference when the compressor kicks on and off.  They are labeled on the side of the thermostat.

What does everyone think?


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on February 05, 2006, 08:35:58 am
Wayne

I have set them both to two. But I don't think that the T-Stat is cutting out because of the temp it has reached, more likely what Glenn said. The compessor is cutting out as a safety and then re-setting and going through it all over again.

I honesty can remember how long a cycle I had previously with the restored (my main concern) machine but it was most defiantely longer than the two minutes now.

Dave


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: Jim on February 05, 2006, 08:53:36 am
I wish Eric would pop in on this one...

My experience has been, for the most part, to leave the factory settings alone on the t-stat. I'm wondering if the themal-overload sensor has gone bad...


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on February 05, 2006, 09:24:56 am
Hi Jim

glad you dropped by on this one. I could understand the sensor going wrong on one of the machines but on both??? The cycle operates on both machines.

I'm pretty useless at all thing electrical but even I can plug in a T-Stat and re-position the tips around the cabinet.

Dave


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: 90grad on February 05, 2006, 12:34:46 pm
Dave,

A call to Eric at Global Compressors may be in order.  He is fantastic.  I have consulted him on stuff before and he is always been super.  I agree with you that the likelihood of both machines being faulty is remote.


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: MoonDawg on February 05, 2006, 12:43:34 pm
Dave, let's back up to your first machine. Bypass the thermostat by crossing the wires.  If the compressor runs constant....good.  Install the old T/S then new one.
      If it still cycles on and off then we look to the thermal overload switch. If it is bad, then why?.......not 1 but 2 bloody compressors?????  
      Could your power supply transformers be sending in the wrong voltage?  Yes Jim, I agree it's time for Eric to step in here.


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on February 05, 2006, 01:28:08 pm
Glenn, just so that I get this right. I bypass the thermostat by joining the two wires that go to the t-stat together. Is that right??

I really appreciate the help here chaps...

Dave


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: MoonDawg on February 05, 2006, 01:36:57 pm
Yes, unplug machine and disconnect wires to the T/S and tape them together safely.


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on February 05, 2006, 03:52:11 pm
Its getting late again and I still have my head in the machine. My wife has serious AGG with this.

I have now connected the T/S that came out of the second 39, the one that was the catalyst for it all into the first 39. Instead of having a 2 minute cycle I am now having a ten minute cycle. Prbably a little more time with the compressor running than with it off. Could this be declared the norm ???  I still don't beleive that the T/S is working 100%. It froze the water in its orginal machine but it appears to be extending the cycle.

I always assumed that the compressor should be off more than its on...

Tomorrow night after work with a fresh head I'll combined the two wires and see how I get on.

I'd welcome your comments on the current state of play.

I owe you guys a drink just for putting up with this.

Dave


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: 90grad on February 05, 2006, 04:38:26 pm
Dave,

I racked my brain when I was going through this, so we've been there.  Others here got me through it and we'll try to get you through, too!  It sounds like you are on the right track.  A 10-minute cycle is better than a 2-minute one.  Let us know what happens when you wire the leads together.  It still may be worth a call to Eric, just to get his expertise.


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on February 06, 2006, 03:56:43 pm
Right, Have just got off the phone with Steve at Funtronics (what a nice man)
He thinks that a ten minute cycle for an empty machine is not uncommon, that has made me feel a little better. Just before bed last night, probably about the time you guys were settling down for the Superbowl I swapped the T-Stat from the old clapped out one (that was doing the ten miute cycle) back for one of the new ones. Guess what, went back to the one minute cycle.

So, Steve has kindly agreed to swap them for a couple of bolt on types to see if they work.  can't imagine it being anything but the T-Stats, but two of them I dunno.

In the meantime I think I'll fill the machine with bottles and see if I can extend the cycle with the old one. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

I'm away from home at te moment s will also try marrying the wires together as Glenn suggested.

Thanks once more eveyone for your suggestions.

Dave.


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: MoonDawg on February 06, 2006, 04:33:12 pm
Quote (davethebirdman @ Feb. 06 2006,12:56)
. will also try marrying the wires together as Glenn suggested.

Not necessary now, you've passed this test if you now have a 10 minute cycle.


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: firemun on February 06, 2006, 05:05:23 pm
Dave,
Going back to the beginning of this thread is like reading a short story. You star as the Protaganist.  The machine, is of course, the antagonist.  You wife is ever present as the foil.  Your wit helps keep the story interesting.  I will be happy yet sad to see this one come to a conclusion.


Good luck.

Jeff


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: globalcompressors on February 09, 2006, 07:14:15 pm
Guys,

How come noone has mentioned temperature? You can't work on a thermostat
without knowing the temperature! If we were reading the temperature of the machine, we could tell if the thermostat was cycling the compresssor. Looking at some of the pictures, Dave, you have an air probe style stat mounted to the side of the evaporator coil. If the thermostat is reading the temperature of the coil, of course the stat will cycle much more quickly! The coil will cool to about 10F in order to keep an "air temp" of about 38F. If you are reading the coil temp, at 38 degrees, the air temp will only be about 55 or so. The coil cools and warms much faster than the air temp. The air temp will maintain longer of the box is full of product. The air probe stat need to be sensing the "air" only. Also, the air style stat needs to be mounted inside the cooling compartment and not down below where the original was located. Hope this helps and sorry for not checking in sooner. Been totally covered up!

Eric


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: sodaworks on February 09, 2006, 08:09:22 pm
Eric saves the day :D


Title: The cooling unit is out - what now???
Post by: davethebirdman on February 10, 2006, 03:01:29 am
Hi Eric

glad you are here on this. The picture with the prboe clamped to the unit was one taken when I in desperation and trying everything.

I originally put the probe under the drum in the cabinet, where Steve (Funtronics ) recommended. It completed the one minute cycle. I then moved it about the cabinet to try and extend the cycle life. Still no luck. I then placed it under the Evap fan unit still no extension. Lastly I clamped it to the fan unit and still no luck.

I am fairly satisfied that I have placed that bloody thing in about as many positions I could. Steve has kindly agreed to swap them over with a clamp style. Hopefully that will produce better results.

I hope that this will sort out my resotred V-39. It was working perfectly before I started fiddling.

My new V-39, well I'm hopeful.

If you guys don't mind when I have fitted the new T-Stats I'll get back to you for more advice.

Dave.