Ideal Slider -- cooling, then not cooling

[cvb141]

If your were closer, I would be glad to help you out.  If your problem is a small amount of just moisture and nothing else. You could try some thawzone added to the system. Moondawg said it does have a line tap, then you could easily add some, which is pretty much just alcohol to help stop the moisture from freezing inside the cap tube. If you have access to gauges, then it would be cheap to try it.
Jerry

[MoonDawg]

(ZMonet @ Jan. 20 2007,7:24)

QUOTE

His analysis was that it was likely a bad piston inside the compressor that was getting stuck after an hour or so as a result of a rough spot.  He said it likely works again after being turned off because the oil covers the piston again.  

 Anyway, his suggestion is to buy a new compressor and have that installed...

Your compressor is running fine, and this guy wanted to sell you a new one.   There should be a law.
      Jerry has a great remedy, I didn't know that was available

[ZMonet]

MoonDawg -- Thanks for your input.  Didn't see your post earlier.  So the Ideal coolers aren't closed systems and I can just add freon or this Thawzone material to an existing tap?  Thanks again.  I'll try Jerry's remedy tonight when I get home (back at work now) and see if that gets things going.  Thanks again guys.

[globalcompressors]

Guys,

I think everyone is over thinking this problem. The machine probably has flare fittings. My FIRST place to start would be a small leak...If the line was kinked during shipping or transport, then...would it not be plausible that the line was hit hard enough for a flare to start leaking?'> Always look for the simple problems first.

If it is a factory system and has never been tapped, there won't be moisture in the system...its sealed unless there is a leak...or someone has messed with it.

Pressurize the system and look for the obvious, make the repair, evacuate, replace the drier, vacuum down, charge with an R12 replacement.

Now, if the compressor is making a ton of noise, then the service guy might be right...sort of. If the compressor has lost it's compression then you will have similar symptoms.

Hope this helps,

Eric

[globalcompressors]

Two other quick questions, has anyone even bothered to put a set of guages on the machine, from the get go, to see if the "static" pressure is where it's supposed to be or where the pressure drops to when the compressor is running?

How about the compressor shutting off, on thermal overload,  during the duration of it's cooling cycle?
As stated above, try the rag in the fan trick. Stop the fan and see if the compressor's even running after a period of time.

Just a few more thoughts before bed!

Eric

[ZMonet]

Thanks Eric.  No, nobody has set gauges on the machine.  The refrigeration guy who came by didn't even suggest it -- just that I should replace the compressor.  Again, not sure if he either knows what he is doing or has my interests anyplace in his mind.

I'll try the towel in the fan trick and see if the compressor is running when it is no longer getting cold.

I've taken a couple more pics of the compressor.  Does any of this depict the flare fittings where I could add thawzone or freon into the system?  TIA.  I'm sure you guys are well sick of this post.

[cvb141]

I hope that guy didn't charge you anything for looking at it.
Jerry

[globalcompressors]

You have photographed the service valve...that's it.
I've never tried "Thawzone" so I don't have an oppinion of the product.
I guess I'm old school, guages, vacuum pumps, repairs, stuff like that...

Before you go any further, get someone who KNOWS what they're doing.
Open the service valves, check for leaks, replace the drier, vacuum the system, go from there.

Lotions,  potions, and non-proficient service guys are going to cost you money. Pay someone to do the job right...the first time.

Eric

[ZMonet]

Eric and everyone else -- Thanks for the advice.  I will get it fixed correctly as long as it makes sense to do it that way.  I'm just asking all the questions because I'm just trying to figure out the mechanics of the machine and it will help make sure I'm not taken when I have someone come and fix it.  Unfortunately there are not many people in the immediate area who know what they are doing, but many who charge extremely high rates and feel it is a license to charge you an arm and a leg because it is an old soda machine.  Such is living in a major metropolitan area.  I guess I should buy a manual that has all the parts labeled on this thing since I have two more I'll be dealing with shortly.

[globalcompressors]

Just keep in mind that anyone who works on any medium temperature commercial cooler equipment can deal with this problem box. Thats the key.

You're right, guys who call themselves servicemen, and I use the term loosely, make it hard for the "legitmate" contractors to overcome the stereo type stigma
attched to the industry. I'm like Jerry above, I really get angry, every time I hear
a story, like yours. I receive at least 20 calls a week from people who buy something that is supposed to be working. They get home and it doesn't work, surprise! They spend good money on a "working machine" that doesn't work. Then they're at the mercy of some "fly by night" idiot that doesn't know his A** from a hole in the ground.

Anyway, this IS what this site is about...Q & A. People want to learn, if nothing else, to keep from being taken to the cleaners!!!!

If you wish to give me a call, while the service guy is at your place, please feel free to do so. I'll be happy to help out!

Eric