USS-8-64 - need opinions

[dylaninwv]

Ok guys, need some opinions here.

Down to the last part of this machine, the cooling. Here's the deal - and please forgive me, I'm an electronics and mechanical guys, and a neophyte at heating/cooling stuff:

Cavalier USS-8-64 - original R-12 compressor and thermostat. Thermostat is set at 1. Plug the machine in, and I hear a fan going (which I'm assuming is the evaporator fan?). After a little bit, you can hear a click, then what I assume is the compressor fan kicks on. Machine gets down to the 34-36 degree fridge range, and then that secondary fan kicks off. For a few hours, that secondary fan kicks on and off - still maintains temperature.

On a warm day (like yesterday, said secondary fan runs constantly - all day long - but the internal temperature never changes - it stays in that range, even with that fan running. I do however see a little bit on condensation build up on the glass door. OR, it will do it even on a colder day if said secondary fan is running for a long length of time.

Please see the below Youtube video link for what I am describing. The secondary fan that I am describing kicks on at 12 second mark.

So, is that the actual compressor that's running all day? Or is that just some kind of recirculating fan that runs all the time anyway and the compressor is really turning off behind the scenes since the temp never drops? Changing the thermostat requires pulling the compressor out of it, and I didn't want to go that route yet in case it's something else. Any thoughts? Sorry if I sound stupid - but as I said, heating/cooling is not my forte.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihLWECJvRlU&feature=youtu.be

[ajf5577]

That louder noise that comes on is the compressor itself. The evaporator fan runs all the time, as will the circulating fan inside the machine. It sounds pretty loud unless you have it amplified for the video. The temp seems to be constant. Did you have your cooling guy look at yet?

[dylaninwv]

He did, and from what he said (as well as Eric at Globalcompressor) since it's such a tight fit, you have to take the compressor out just to change the thermostat. So he wasn't really able to check anything, since he couldn't get at where the end of the temperature probe attached to the shroud.

So far, most of the opinions are to A) replace the thermostat (which requires taking the compressor out) and changing the main door seals and the glass door seals. Which is fine - just wanted to get everyone second and third opinions on that being the best way to proceed.

[ajf5577]

The seals needing attention are what is causing the condensation inside the machine. I would go with what the pro's told you on the compressor. If the temp stays constant in the machine, why do you want to change the thermostat at this point? ( due to the labor involved)

[dylaninwv]

Thermostat I already have - even with the work involved, pros opinions are to just go ahead and change it, even with the work involved.

Gasket-wise, looking at Fun-Tronics website, not 100% sure which gaskets to get for the bottle door and the main door, since they dont specifically have the uss-8-64 listed. Suggestions?

[MoonDawg]

     No no no, everything sounds fine, and all Cavaliers are loud. Don't worry yet!
     But why is your thermostat set at 1?   Set the dial to 3, close the door and enjoy your machine.
     (The compressor does not have to be removed to change the t/s)

[ajf5577]

Give Fun-tronics a call and ask. They have probably addressed this issue already.

Follow Glens advice on the refrigeration aspect.

[dylaninwv]

    No no no, everything sounds fine, and all Cavaliers are loud. Don't worry yet!
     But why is your thermostat set at 1?   Set the dial to 3, close the door and enjoy your machine.
     (The compressor does not have to be removed to change the t/s)

Ok, thanks. Will do. What is the trick then to changing it? Where it attaches is all the way in the rear, and looks like it's coiled up. removed the shelfs, then the shroud?

[dylaninwv]

A little follow up,

Was 75 here yesterday. Machine running all day with the same sound of the fan running. Temp inside of door was 41 degrees with thermostat set at 1. Set thermostat at 3. After an hour of two was back down to 32. Checked the bottle door seal, it does seem flat to me and still condensation on the glass. I went ahead and ordered a new seal for the door from Funtronics. Heres another small vid of the sound of the fan motor running with the door open:

https://youtu.be/KJDpPUVO6t8

So, will need to wait for the door seal, in the meantime....I know these seem like dumb question, but if someone could answer them, it would put my mind at ease:

A) Is that just an extremely noisy fan, or is it really the compressor running all the time?
B) Should I look at replacing the fans and their motors?
c) If the compressor really is running all the time, will it burn out quick, or what kind of hit am I looking at for my AC bill?

[MoonDawg]

        That is too loud!   Try the 'Rag in the fans" trick.

        With the machine unplugged, stick a rag into the upper and lower fan blades. Plug in the machine and you should only hear the compressor.
Pull one rag at a time to pinpoint the worst noise.
        Especially watch for copper lines rubbing, or metal to metal touching somewhere and vibrating when the compressor runs.