Compressor start up

I am new to the Soda machine thing and I just bought my first machine.  I am having so much fun cleaning it and learning about it that I am sure it won't be my last.

My question,

I have La Crosse machine LCV 136-4.  When I plug it in it starts up and starts to get cool but the compressor turns off after about 5 minutes.    After a while I hear a click(compressor relay??).  The lower fan kick on but not the compressor. After a min. or two another click and still no compressor yet.  But on the third click the compressor will kick on and run for about 5 minutes or so the then same process all over again.   The machine does seem to cool down really good.  I can feel the compressor get very warm but I have left the unit unplugged for fear of burning up the compressor.

 Is this machine operating normally or does it need charged or something else?  Will the compressor be damaged if I leave it plugged in opperating like it is?

Thanks in advance for any help, Matt

[Skeleton Man]

Sounds like the compressor is triggering the overload cut-out.. (kills power to the compressor if it overheats or draws too much current)

As for what would cause it to be doing this, I'm not sure.. hopefully someone with a little more knowledge can help..

[globalcompressors]

Sounds like the thermostat "short cycling". When the unit reaches temperature, the thermostat cycles it off but the unit needs to stay off
for several minutes, allowing time for the pressure to equalize. Think of it as a pump, the discharge side, while running is around 200 psi. The low side is running around 10 psi. When the machine shusts off, the unit needs to equalize to a static pressure of zero, say 70 and 70=0. After that, the compressor is able to start up. If not, you will hear the overload click a few times befor starting.

Eric

Thanks Eric,

After reading through the discussion area I tired something the help the machine stay cool.

I pre refigerated 3 cases of product and loaded the machine up.  

I notice a diference right away!  The machine cycles less and the compressor has time to rest and it starts up right away when ti kicks on.

I have had it on for three days and the machine is running great.  It is also keeping the product frosty cold.

Thanks for the reply.

Matt

[Skeleton Man]

You mean the pre-cooling makes a difference or the machine being full of product ? (I know the latter is supposed to make a difference)

I just precooled the product before I loaded the machine.  I really didn't have to.  Having product in the machine helped keep the cooler cold and kept the temp inside more constant, thus taking pressure of the compressor and making it cycle less often.  This longer rest for the compressor let the pressure even out as Eric discribed above.

[sodaworks]

Welcome aboard thechevyman. A guy with a name like that can't be a that bad. Ha-Ha.... '>  '>