Compressor/thermostat question

I have a Cavalier C96-D that compressor runs for approx. 10 minutes and stops for about 10 minutes and starts again.  It seems to be getting cold.  Former owner had theromstat replaced.  Any ideas?  thanks

It sounds like your machine is working too hard. I'd guess either you are losing the cold somehow (is that gasket ancient, leaky and hard as a rock?), or the cooling system is struggling to get it down to temp. I'd check the fans and airflow. If all these things are OK you may be low on refrigerant or possibly the compressor is worn out.

Nate

[Jim]

Also, running the machine without any product, soda or beer, can cause the machine to recycle frequently!

A machine will recycle less if it's full of product.  '>

Thanks,  I finally let it run for a long period tonite, about 4 hours.  It jumped right down to 32 degrees with thermostat set on 6 but it still seems to cycle frequently although it doesn't run very long when the compressor comes on.  There was no product in the machine.  The gasket is old but seems to be sealing OK.  I replaced both fan motors. Machine would run for just a few minutes (5 at most but maybe every 15 to 20 minutes) and maintained the 32 degree temp in a 65 degree garage. I'll get a pro to check the freon.  Also, is it better to let these machines run constantly or just fire them up for occasional use.  I appreciate the help.

I'd be interested if someone else has some input here. My CS96A does a similar thing to what yours does, turns on every 20-25 minutes and stays on for about 4 - 5. I'm under the impression that's normal. I'm hoping it'll improve with a fresh gasket and a condenser blow out (there's some dust bunnies in there). What do other peoples machines do? Please comment.

Nate

[Pat Pixley]

Jim, you are right !you have to keep your Machine
stocked to keep it from running all the time.
  I have two cases of bottle water that I would load
  in my machine when my stock  was low it is a great
filler and in the summer when a beer or a pop just is
not going to do, you have bottle water .

 there my nickel's worth.

Pat

[globalcompressors]

FYI,

  Jim is correct. The more product a box has in it, the longer between cycles the unit will run. Second, remember that these boxes are 40 years old and the insulating factor has probably dropped over the years. 32 degrees seems a bit low and thats good! Means that the unit is still running well. In the vending sector, we look for between 38 and 42 degrees. The lower the temperature you are looking for, the harder the unit has to work. Finally, Nate hit it on the head. Keeping the
"dust bunnies" out of the coils is a must! This will drive the head pressure up shortening the life of the compressor! I know, I changed over 475 last year for my customers. Great for me, not much fun for them.    '>

[audiobeer]

With the new freon, is there anyway to acheive an average tempature of 33 or 34 degrees instead of 38?

[globalcompressors]

Sure. The freon really doesn't have much to do with the temperature. The point I was trying to make is that some of the vending customers, on the location, are worried about their light bill. How much will it be going up if we have a vending in our shop or building? It's easier and less costly to maintain 40 or 42 than 35 or 36 thus, ideal at 38-42
degrees. '>

[globalcompressors]

Sure. The freon really doesn't have much to do with the temperature. The point I was trying to make is that some of the vending customers, on the location, are worried about their light bill. How much will it be going up if we have a vending machine in our shop or building? It's easier and less costly to maintain 40 or 42 than 35 or 36 thus, ideal at 38-42
degrees. '>