The cooling unit is out - what now???

[davethebirdman]

Hello Everyone

I have finally managed to remove the cooling unit from my V-39, after much crashng and banging.

Prior to the strip down the unit appeared to be working well. If anything it was a little to cold.

I have tried in vain to get a qualified engineer to have a look over it. The wife insists. Nobody this end of the world wants to go anywhere near it.

My question is this... Is there anything a complete novice like myself can do by way of simple checks to ensure that the unit isn't going to go bang or catch fire?? I don't know the history of the machine or how long it has stood around for. I did run it for a couple of days with no problems.

The wiring has began to wilt and I have a new harness on my list of bits from Funtronics. Apart from that I can't see anything standing out ad slapping me in the face. But then I have no idea what I am looking for.

The transformer/converter looked like the sort of item that would have been powering Noah and his Arc so that has been discarded.

As always your help gratefully recieved.

Dave

[davethebirdman]

It would help if I added a picture. Sorry

[MoonDawg]

Dave, that is probably the cleanest compressor I have seen in a machine this age. So right now you can remove some bolts, clean / paint and re-install parts. Then replace the wiring harness when you get it.   No need for outside help.

[jasmine64]

I agree with MoonDawg that is clean!

[sodaworks]

Be sure to replace the foam on the line. This will help out the efficiency of the compressor. I would start at the comp. unit and go to where it enters the liner cover plate. The wire harness will come with a diagram, very simple to replace. As Mooddawg said take off the base plate and paint the unit. '>

[johnieG]

Dave,Caution!!! I note that in your posting that you said "The transformer/converter looked like the sort of item that would have been powering Noah and his Arc so that has been discarded."  be sure to double check the voltage specifications on the compressors data plate, & make sure that it's compatable with UK 220Volt/50cycle, or you'll be if for some trouble to say the least!    I'm assuming that the transformer was a step-down type to adapt the machine to run on 220v/50-60 cycle. better safe now than sorry later...just a thought..

[davethebirdman]

Hi Johnie

Yep you are right I will need to replace the step-down. Most of my toys have to be adapted this way.

Thanks

Dave

[90grad]

Question:  With this type of compressor, is Dave going to need a 3-in-1 relay in addition to his wiring harness?  Funtronics carries those, too.  I think they sell for about $25 through Funtronics, although you can get them in the store for less (around $15).  So, if Dave needs one, one of us could try to get one for him and save him a few pence.  The local HVAC store here only sells to contractors, although the guy has let me buy there on the side.  He would order it and have it to me in a few days.  Then, I can mail it to Dave.  Or, if some one else already has one, that may be easier.  Any ideas?  I will gladly do this if necessary.

Dave, rewiring is a breeze.  If I can do it, anyone can.

Also, will you be able to rewire the thermostat, or are you getting a new one?  With the wiring harness, you will need to get connectors for the wires to hook up to the various components.  

If you'd like, I can send you some photos of the rewiring I've just done (past 3 days).  Maybe that will give you some ideas.

[davethebirdman]

Wayne

that would be great if you could. Right now you have confused me with the three in one relay. What's one of those???

My knowledge of all things technical can be written on the back of a postage stamp.

Whilst I'm here can anyonre tell me the rating (Voltage & power) for my unit so I can get the corrrect transformer. I have looked for info but can't find anything.

Thanks

Dave

[90grad]

Dave,

Compressors have a start relay, a run switch, and an overload relay.  Some compressors have these mounted externally to the body of the compressor.  Yours probably has just 3 little hubs where wires connect.  My Cavalier 51 is the very similar to this.  So, the 3-in-1 is a solid-state gizmo about the size of a small aerosol can which combines all 3 relays.  Plus, it helps the older compressors run better.  It's super easy.  There are a total of 5 wires.  Two black ones go to the power plug (included in the Funtronics harness).  Then the red, white, and black wires hook to the corresponding run, common, and start hubs on the compressor.  I have a diagram that should tell which hub is which.  I got this from Funtronics when I got a 3-in-1 from them.  What is the model of your compressor?

Give me a day or so, and I will put together a photo/info package for you.  Can you send me an email to my address -- waynestrine@yahoo.com -- This way, I can reply to your email address with the info.