Converting r12 to r134

[nmooer]

Hi I was just wondering if some one could help me. I have a Dixie narco 260-150 that I had bought from a guy that does not cool. What is required to change from R12 to 134?  I Know you need an
R134 compressor, new filter dryer, what else is required? Can you still use the old capillary tube?
Thanks Nathan

[rayg]

Check with member JohnieG, He would know , But I think you may just want to try a R12 replacement like Hot Shot.
Here some threads on the topic

http://soda-machines.com/discussions/index.php/topic,7233.0.html
http://soda-machines.com/discussions/index.php/topic,8284.0.html

[johnieG]

You may not need to replace the compressor per-say, you may just need to add an oil conditioner, if it's a mineral-oil system ( you'd have to check the old compressors spec's to be sure) or just  replace it with a polyester type. , yes a new filter-dryer would be in order, the capillary tube may be approximately the same diameter & length however ( and therefore you may not need to change it out unless you were going for a lower temperature range. IE: Medium vs low temp)

On the other side of the coin, a new R134a compressor would avoid any compatibility issues & offer you longer service life. & while your in there doing a "heart" transplant, you may as well change out your condenser fans motor.

[johnieG]

PS... first you'll have to fix the leak!   ( if it's "Low" on freon) but if the compressor is just not starting/running, try a 3-in1 starter booster kit & see if she'll kick over..

[indymanjoe]

johnieg,do you like the 3-1 start kits? I mean as a fix or just a test?

[nmooer]

Thanks everybody for all the info.  The compressor runs but does not shut off. It cools about 10 degrees lower then outside temp. This coke machine is my first and I am reading allot of info here.  I could just recharge it with some r12, but would like to make it user friendly in the future.  I agree with you JohnieG if i do a heart transplant to change the evap and cond fan.  Do you guys think these fans would work in my machine.  http://www.vendingworld.com/vending/partscompressors.php

I also cant find a hp rating on the pump. It is not on the tag or refrigeration deck.  Were is the best place to buy a compressor?

Thanks Nathan

[johnieG]

johnieg,do you like the 3-1 start kits? I mean as a fix or just a test?

if you're replacing a broken OEM start relay, it's a "fix" (although it mounts external to the compressor)

but, if you're using it to help hard to otherwise start compressor kick over, then at some point if may become only "temporary"   

[johnieG]

 Do you guys think these fans would work in my machine.  http://www.vendingworld.com/vending/partscompressors.php

Thanks Nathan
[/quote]


The motor itself will work, but beware the diameter of the fan blades, you may not have enough clearance depending on the mounting brackets height vs the compressors compartment size..

( you can reuse the original fan) & make sure the rotation is matched to your original motor, the airflow should almost always be "pulled" trough the condenser coils first, then blown back over the compressor itself. 

[nmooer]

I am sorry JohnieG, I just looked over and saw that you worked at soda jerks. I just opened your website I like it. I feel like an ass opening some other part website. I am truly sorry JohnieG. I really appreciate all the info. Do you have any of the parts i would be looking for evap fan, cond fan, or compressor. I thought about putting a used compressor deck in. I just don't know what model would fit.
Thanks Nathan

[johnieG]

    perhaps there is a misunderstanding here, I don't work for soda-jerks werks... I am a  "soda-jerk"  level member of this website / soda-machines.com.  I do repair & restore old soda machine refrigeration systems, however I don't sell parts outside of repairs for my customers.

Insofar a sourcing parts, our web-site associated partners such as The soda-jerk werks, Funtronics, etc. offer many parts & accessories that are specifically for our old soda machine hobby! some of the parts are still used commonly in modern/late model machines, and keep in mind that they ( the late model suppliers parts) may have to be tweaked in order to get them to fit ( but not in the case of a simple cooling fan motor such as yours)