Title: I think the compressor is short cycling
Post by: SquareTopCollector on April 21, 2007, 12:25:55 pm
I have a css-8-64 caliver machine that will chill but the compressor will turn on every 5-10 min. I have a few other working uss-8-64's and css-8-64's and their compressors do not come on as often. Could this be due to a bad thermostat or is it low on freon?
I used a temp probe and the machine chills to 30 degrees
Thanks
I used a temp probe and the machine chills to 30 degrees
Thanks
Title: I think the compressor is short cycling
Post by: johnieG on April 21, 2007, 04:27:48 pm
I'd say if the evaportator fan's blowing air, it's the most likely suspect. also an empty machine will cycle more frequentlty than a fully loaded machine, but yours sounds like a bad thermostat to me.
Title: I think the compressor is short cycling
Post by: SquareTopCollector on April 21, 2007, 04:49:25 pm
Compressor is on until machine hits 32 degrees and it turns back on at 36 degrees. I am looking for possible leaks in the insulation
Title: I think the compressor is short cycling
Post by: johnieG on April 22, 2007, 12:44:24 am
Check to make sure the bottle door is sealing correctly against it's gasket, if you can here the evap' fan running loudly (when the compressor is off) try pushing the door shut with your hand, if the noise greatly decreases, then you can try to adjust the door hinge screws by loosening then & adjusting the door so it sits "squarely" against the gasket, the door tend to get a lot of abuse & can be out of alignment , ( the hinge side will contact the gasket first & hold the door-handle side open allowing warm air to constantly "leak" into the cabinet.
another quick check is to put a work light inside the cabinet, close the main door, dim the room lights & see if the main door is sealing all the way around the perimeter of the chassis/frame ( pass the ligths cord through the bottle door so you don't affect the main doors gasket seal ie; cause a gap with the line cord of the test light)
If there is a gap, try adjusting the door latches striker plate so it "pulls" the door snugger against the frame, butif you set it to tight, you'll need a large gorila to close the latch!
hope these suggestions help narrow down you problem.
another quick check is to put a work light inside the cabinet, close the main door, dim the room lights & see if the main door is sealing all the way around the perimeter of the chassis/frame ( pass the ligths cord through the bottle door so you don't affect the main doors gasket seal ie; cause a gap with the line cord of the test light)
If there is a gap, try adjusting the door latches striker plate so it "pulls" the door snugger against the frame, butif you set it to tight, you'll need a large gorila to close the latch!
hope these suggestions help narrow down you problem.
Title: I think the compressor is short cycling
Post by: BryanH on April 22, 2007, 03:24:43 pm
Is the machine empty or loaded. If its empty try putting some bottles in it.
Title: I think the compressor is short cycling
Post by: globalcompressors on April 22, 2007, 08:40:27 pm
Every 10-15 minutes, on an empty machine is about par.
I noticed your other post, about frost, on the other thread...Frost is normal when the machine has reached temperature and you simply opened the main door.
If you have a heavy build up, you may want to run the box a bit warmer, and like jonnie said above, check the door gaskets...both of them.
Worst case, buy a new thermostat.
When you're checking temperature, and want to
check cycle times, leave the door closed for several hours while running the machine. Only look through the glass at the thermometer...do not open the machine, you'll throw off the timing and won't get an accurate count.
Remember....several hours!
Eric
I noticed your other post, about frost, on the other thread...Frost is normal when the machine has reached temperature and you simply opened the main door.
If you have a heavy build up, you may want to run the box a bit warmer, and like jonnie said above, check the door gaskets...both of them.
Worst case, buy a new thermostat.
When you're checking temperature, and want to
check cycle times, leave the door closed for several hours while running the machine. Only look through the glass at the thermometer...do not open the machine, you'll throw off the timing and won't get an accurate count.
Remember....several hours!
Eric
Title: I think the compressor is short cycling
Post by: SquareTopCollector on April 23, 2007, 08:15:45 am
I filled the machine with water bottles and now the compressor is turning on less often. Now I am concerned about the uss-8-64 because the coils on the evaporator are forming thick amounts of frost on them. What do I need to do to correct it? I can post photos this afternoon
Title: I think the compressor is short cycling
Post by: BryanH on April 23, 2007, 07:20:11 pm
Is the cooling area sealed properly? If your seals aren't tight then air and moisture get inside, condense and freeze on the coils. JohnieG's suggestions above can help find a bad seal.
Title: I think the compressor is short cycling
Post by: MoonDawg on April 23, 2007, 08:18:46 pm
(SquareTopCollector @ Apr. 23 2007,6:15)
QUOTE
the coils on the evaporator are forming thick amounts of frost on them.
This happens when the evaporator fan is not pushing air through the coils. Is the fan working?
Title: I think the compressor is short cycling
Post by: SquareTopCollector on April 23, 2007, 08:49:14 pm
fan is running and I did the light test. I had to adjust the cabinet door since it was leaning. I will let it set over night and see if there is a difference tomorrow morning. Thanks guys
Title: I think the compressor is short cycling
Post by: SquareTopCollector on April 23, 2007, 09:15:36 pm
the fan in front of the compressor isnt shutting off
Title: I think the compressor is short cycling
Post by: SquareTopCollector on April 23, 2007, 09:18:49 pm
compressor is super hot too. Does that mean its low on freon?
Title: I think the compressor is short cycling
Post by: SquareTopCollector on April 24, 2007, 06:46:56 am
update.
The coils still have frost build up and the machine gets to 27 degrees F and still wont shut off. I think the clicks on is broken because it has a hole in it from touching the metal frame of the compressor
The coils still have frost build up and the machine gets to 27 degrees F and still wont shut off. I think the clicks on is broken because it has a hole in it from touching the metal frame of the compressor
Title: I think the compressor is short cycling
Post by: BryanH on April 24, 2007, 07:34:29 am
I'd try a new thermostat. Sounds like it's running until until the safety shut-off trips.... then eventually cools down and starts over.
Title: I think the compressor is short cycling
Post by: SquareTopCollector on April 24, 2007, 07:49:51 am
where can I buy a new thermostat from? I have a few cooling systems I keep for parts, could I use one of one of those? Also how do I go about changing the thermostat? Also with the clicks on having a hole in the metal ring is that ok?
Thanks
Thanks
Title: I think the compressor is short cycling
Post by: zadd on April 24, 2007, 08:01:31 pm
t-stats are easy just take the small screw from the cover and and disconect the two wires and replace your t-stat with a new one from soda jerk 
Title: I think the compressor is short cycling
Post by: SquareTopCollector on April 24, 2007, 09:44:38 pm
I used a t-stat from another uss-8-64 cavalier. The machine is cooling now so I dont know if its going to work. I also replaced the click on because it was damaged. Do I need the exact click on or will one of the same size and profile do the job?
I also may need help with the wiring. Everything is working fine now but I think I may have reconnected it wrong. I did take photos before unhooking all the wires but I just have that feeling.
I also may need help with the wiring. Everything is working fine now but I think I may have reconnected it wrong. I did take photos before unhooking all the wires but I just have that feeling.
Title: I think the compressor is short cycling
Post by: SIGNGUY on April 25, 2007, 12:59:33 pm
Whats a Click on? is that the soda machine version of the Klingon from Star Trek?
hope it works out for you.
hope it works out for you.
Title: I think the compressor is short cycling
Post by: SquareTopCollector on April 25, 2007, 01:29:26 pm
clicks on is that little circle thing that is hooked to the compressor. My buddy works for Trane and thats what he calls them
Title: I think the compressor is short cycling
Post by: BryanH on April 25, 2007, 04:23:38 pm
starter relay and overload protection....
Title: I think the compressor is short cycling
Post by: globalcompressors on April 25, 2007, 09:14:44 pm
Klixon overload.
It drops the common side power input
on the compressor itself. When the unit cycles too often and is still under a load, often the overload protector will drop the power until
the pressures equalize and the compressor is able to start. It's only good for a few times then will begin to burn or crack the disk.
When this happens, the compressor will either stay open and not start or will burn up if the protector is welded closed.
Yes, you do need an equal replacement. Different size compressors have different amp loads and require different overloads.
Go with a 3 in 1 start kit. It will work.... for a while.
Usually by the time the overload is shot or the relay has burned up or some other problem occures in a 30 + year old compressor, this is usually the only other, cheap option.
Eric
It drops the common side power input
on the compressor itself. When the unit cycles too often and is still under a load, often the overload protector will drop the power until
the pressures equalize and the compressor is able to start. It's only good for a few times then will begin to burn or crack the disk.
When this happens, the compressor will either stay open and not start or will burn up if the protector is welded closed.
Yes, you do need an equal replacement. Different size compressors have different amp loads and require different overloads.
Go with a 3 in 1 start kit. It will work.... for a while.
Usually by the time the overload is shot or the relay has burned up or some other problem occures in a 30 + year old compressor, this is usually the only other, cheap option.
Eric
Title: I think the compressor is short cycling
Post by: SquareTopCollector on April 26, 2007, 02:14:12 pm
klixon duh not clicks-on. I am an idiot sorry
mine made contact with metal and burnt a hole in it. I assume its not ok to use this klixon anymore
mine made contact with metal and burnt a hole in it. I assume its not ok to use this klixon anymore
Title: I think the compressor is short cycling
Post by: globalcompressors on April 26, 2007, 04:03:20 pm
No you're not... and if you don't ask...how will you learn?
If you are not in the "business", how would you know what it's called? The overload does "click" when it's called for.
Good call on the burned spot. I wouldn't use it either. Like I said above, get a replacement or use a "3 in 1" start kit for that size
compressor, probably a 1/4 hp.
Good luck!
If you are not in the "business", how would you know what it's called? The overload does "click" when it's called for.
Good call on the burned spot. I wouldn't use it either. Like I said above, get a replacement or use a "3 in 1" start kit for that size
compressor, probably a 1/4 hp.
Good luck!
Title: I think the compressor is short cycling
Post by: SquareTopCollector on May 01, 2007, 09:52:57 pm
I am going to order one from sodajerk. I think I have a wiring problem with the uss-8-64 and not a bad T- Stat. Steve at sodajerk told me to disconnect one wire from the T-stat to test it and the compressor still didnt shut off.
Also what setting should I run the T-stat at? Some one told me to run it on 3
Also what setting should I run the T-stat at? Some one told me to run it on 3