VMC 81D Quit cooling

[63StingRay]

My VMC has been running and cooling for the last 15 years and now all the sudden it won't cool below 45 degrees. The compressor kick on and off and both fans run. I blew all the dust bunnies out and played with the thermostat but it won't cool down anymore than 45 degrees where it used to get down to 35 degrees. Any ideas?

[johnieG]

1) low Freon/leak in system
2) plugged filter/dryer/filter-sieve
3) plugged capillary tube
4) above items causing compressor's overload to trip/open
5) defective thermostat (fiddling wont help)
6) defective compressor/valves/no freon circulating in system

6) Happy New-Year

[Creighton]

7) Welcome to the board!!
Any pics of the S-Ray to share :-)
Thanks,
Creighton

[Jim]

A thermostat replacement is the cheapest/easiest solution...
If you're diligent and handy, you could bypass the thermostat to see if the unit does cool down below 45, but remember to stay around and monitor as the compressor will continue to run until YOU shut it down by unplugging the machine ! ! !

[63StingRay]

my vmc 81 cooling unit

[63StingRay]

Another one ofmy VMC 81 cooling unit

[63StingRay]

I will try and bypassing the thermostat. Hope I don't' burn the house down. That will upset the wife !!!!!!

[collecture]

You do not have an original compressor assembly in your machine. Try Jim's suggestion of by-passing the T-stat first.

[ss540]

I think I see a clamp on schrader valve in the picture and that could be leaking freon.

[63StingRay]

WOW, not the right cooling unit!!!! I was assured it was "all original" when I bought it. OH  :down:Well, Newbie takes it in the shorts, (again).  Not sure about a clamp on schrader port but the freon fill port is welded on. I tried bypassing the thermostat and the compressor ran continuously without getting the inside temp any cooler (still about 45 degrees). Could it be something as simple as low freon charge? If so what do I service it with, R 12? And who could service it? I called a couple of appliance stores and they said they don't work on "vintage machines". Of course Tulsa isn't the hub of antiquities.