Clicking on and off

[Bob K]

Hi all,
I run my machines for a while each weekend to keep them in shape.

My Cavalier CS80 was cooling down to about 30 degrees so I adjusted the thermostat a bit and it moved to the high 40's.  Adjusted it again and it started clicking on and off.  I know this has probably been discussed many times but my "Clicking" search only revealed a couple of posts that didn't help me too much.

As I understand it, this clicking is a safety device trying to shut down the compressor?

Any advice on what to do to check this problem out?

Thanks much,
Bob

[globalcompressors]

Hi Bob,

When you adjusted the thermostat, did the compressor get turned off during the process? Sometimes if the compressor is running and then gets shut down, via the thermostat, unplugged, thunderstorm, power flicker, etc. the compressor will "click" a couple of times until the pressures are equal. A running compressor has a "high" and a "low" pressure when running. Example, 15 psi low side and 185 psi high side. These pressures must equalize before trying to restart, 75-75,both sides. Usually this takes about 3 minutes or so. Hope this helps.

Eric

[Bob K]

Thanks Eric:
No, the compressor didn't shut down while I was adjusting the thermostat.  I'll start it up again this weekend and see if the clicking reoccurs.

If it does -  I'll be baaaack... '>

Thanks, Bob

[joesquid]

This may be a long shot but perhaps the thermostat is going south?  Did you notice if you're condensor fan started spinning down thne speeding up while the compressor was clicking?  The thermostat is a switch for both so if it's intermittently making/breaking contact, the fan will energize/de-energize rapidly.  The compressor will do this too but you will most likely not be able to tell if it lost power if the power is only momentarily interrupted.

[Bob K]

joesquid,

I did notice that the machine would not shut off using the thermostat dial.  On other machines it will click to an "off" position and the compressor stops running.

Also, it had never clicked on and off before - until I started adjusting the thermostat - so maybe you are on to something.

I'll check back in when I run her again.

Bob

[Bob K]

Well, this is the story:

If I plug the machine in, it runs just fine (no clicking).  If I adjust the thermostat while it is running, it starts clicking on and off.  If I unplug the machine, let it rest a minute, then plug it back in it runs fine.

I've got the thermostat set at 5, and the machine runs at a nice constant 38-39 degrees.  As long as I don't touch the thermostat dial WHILE THE MACHINE IS RUNNING all is well.

I'm not going to worry about it - unless you guys tell me to.

Now my V81 is another issue I'll bring up a little later.  '>

Thanks, Bob