8 replies to this topic

[jlb813]

This refrigerator is not cooling properly. The customer reports that it is set at 36 degrees, but won't cool below 39 and when the doors are opened regularly, it goes up to 50+. Another company installed access valves and charged the unit about a month ago. The customer says the unit worked better for a week or so. I cannot find the source of the leak with an electronic detector. My question is what should the pressure readings be. I am getting 18 psi on the low side and 135 psi on the high side. I am not familliar with this type equipment so I don't know what readings I would be seeing if the unit was operating properly. I did look at the evaporator coils and they were wet, but there was no frost pattern. The customer wants me to charge the unit just in case the last charge was insufficient rather than the leak is bad enough that it has already leaked down. I do not do sealed system repairs generally, but this unit is so expensive it may be worth it to the customer, but before I dive into that mess, I would love to know more about how this unit works.

[RegUS_PatOff]

http://appliantology...owners-manuals/

 

http://appliantology...ion-parts-list/

 

http://appliantology...ervice-manuals/

[jumptrout]

The specs in the manual provided by Sensei Reg indicate the unit is overcharged.

It would be best to evacuate the system pull a vacuum then recharge at 13 oz of 134a.

The vacuum may remove a possible cap tube restriction.

Both coils should be checked for dirt and airflow.

Fan motors should be checked for performance.

[jlb813]

Thanks for the manuals and the advice. I will evacuate, vacuum, and weigh in new refrigerant as well as clean the coils thoroughly. All fans are operating, but the customer said the unit was making a "moaning" sound which did not occur while I was there. I will check the fans for free movement. Again, thanks for the help.

[jlb813]

Final update. After evacuating, vacuuming and recharging with 13 oz of 134A, the pressure readings dropped to 12 psi on suction side and 130 psi on high side. Additionally, both coils were cleaned. During the charging process, the condensor fan started making noise which the customer identified as the "moaning" sound she had previously heard. I replaced the fan motor, and the unit is currently operating normally. The customer says it is working the best it has worked in a long time. Thanks for your help; especially, the service manual.

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

Thanks for posting the outcome, jlb.  Great job!  

[jahjahbinks]

oops -service valves ? what not 3in1 i hope if so get ready to return . . my advise  once the sealed system has been  opened  you lost compressor eff . this is my belief if i have to open the sealed system then its time to replace the product .at this point everything else is just a stitch in time 

[jumptrout]

oops -service valves ? what not 3in1 i hope if so get ready to return . . my advise  once the sealed system has been  opened  you lost compressor eff . this is my belief if i have to open the sealed system then its time to replace the product .at this point everything else is just a stitch in time 

If we advised every customer to replace a repairable product we would not be diligent appliance servicers.

Not to mention the millions in lost revenue.

[RegUS_PatOff]

... my belief if i have to open the sealed system then its time to replace the product

 48 cu/ft

 
List Price: $6,198.00
Your Savings: $3,724.38
Your Price: $2,473.62