How to diagnose a k/freezer problem
- Thread starter ThatTWirp
- Start date
Help Support Homebrew Talk:
I suspect the reticence is due to lack of information to work with.
So it makes "some" noise. What kind of noise?
Just clicks? Or a constant humming noise with enough vibration to indicate the compressor is running? If you listen to the fridge running in your kitchen does it sound like that?
Was it running well - turning on and off on its own - before it stopped cooling?
How old is it?
What kind of controller are you using?
Did you bypass the controller and plug the freezer straight into a wall outlet?
Basic info...
Cheers!
So it makes "some" noise. What kind of noise?
Just clicks? Or a constant humming noise with enough vibration to indicate the compressor is running? If you listen to the fridge running in your kitchen does it sound like that?
Was it running well - turning on and off on its own - before it stopped cooling?
How old is it?
What kind of controller are you using?
Did you bypass the controller and plug the freezer straight into a wall outlet?
Basic info...
Cheers!
It's plugged into and STC-1000 controller in a project box. It's in the "cool" plug, i.e. when the temp gets above range, the STC turns the cool plug on and the freezer starts cooling things down until the max cold temp is exceeded and it shuts the plug off again.
The STC is fine. Currently, another freezer (this one a fermentor) is plugged in to it without problem.
It was doing fine until it stopped working. It makes some noise, but not as loud as before. I may make an .mp3 of it tomorrow to share.
It's maybe 3-5 years old. I bought it used as a test project to see if I could get the STC1000 working properly. It's a GE® Manual Defrost 14.8 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer, FCM15SABWH.
The STC is fine. Currently, another freezer (this one a fermentor) is plugged in to it without problem.
It was doing fine until it stopped working. It makes some noise, but not as loud as before. I may make an .mp3 of it tomorrow to share.
It's maybe 3-5 years old. I bought it used as a test project to see if I could get the STC1000 working properly. It's a GE® Manual Defrost 14.8 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer, FCM15SABWH.
MrFoodScientist
Well-Known Member
So typically on a refrigeration unit, the most common problems for not cooling are:
1) Compressor running, but not cooling - this usually means that your sealed system sprang a leak and if you keep running it like that, the compressor will burn up. The fix is to locate and seal the leak, evacuate the system and recharge. Not typically a DIY thing and less expensive just to replace the freezer. Place your hand close to the compressor, if you feel it vibrating, it's running.
2) Compressor not kicking on - Either the compressor is fried, the thermostat is not functioning correctly, or the start relay isn't working correctly. If this was the case, you wouldn't hear any noise at all coming from the unit. Since you hear something, I would guess that this is not the issue unless there's a fan for cooling the compressor and that's the quieter noise that you're hearing. I don't think that having a fan on a freezer is very common since the condenser is all along the outside of the skin usually.
Does that help? My guess is no freon. I've never checked on a chest freezer, but on my newer mini-fridge and my vintage GE refrigerator I can hear the freon flowing through the evaporator as it cools. If the compressor runs, and you hear nothing flowing and get no cooling, that's probably the issue.
1) Compressor running, but not cooling - this usually means that your sealed system sprang a leak and if you keep running it like that, the compressor will burn up. The fix is to locate and seal the leak, evacuate the system and recharge. Not typically a DIY thing and less expensive just to replace the freezer. Place your hand close to the compressor, if you feel it vibrating, it's running.
2) Compressor not kicking on - Either the compressor is fried, the thermostat is not functioning correctly, or the start relay isn't working correctly. If this was the case, you wouldn't hear any noise at all coming from the unit. Since you hear something, I would guess that this is not the issue unless there's a fan for cooling the compressor and that's the quieter noise that you're hearing. I don't think that having a fan on a freezer is very common since the condenser is all along the outside of the skin usually.
Does that help? My guess is no freon. I've never checked on a chest freezer, but on my newer mini-fridge and my vintage GE refrigerator I can hear the freon flowing through the evaporator as it cools. If the compressor runs, and you hear nothing flowing and get no cooling, that's probably the issue.
I may be late the party but I've had a similar recent issue with my chest freezer. The lights says it's on but it's not cooling. At all. I have a a419 temp control unit; temp set at 68, currently 73. There is no noise coming from the unit so I was suspecting compressor issue. I'm hoping a fuse went out or maybe the start relay.
I bought this chest freezer new ~ 1 year or less ago and I'm a bit surprised to see this failure. It had been set at 50 degrees since January to May 2015. Then I increased the temperature to 68 for a pale ale when it stopped working.
I wonder if any other home brewers are experiencing similar issues.
I bought this chest freezer new ~ 1 year or less ago and I'm a bit surprised to see this failure. It had been set at 50 degrees since January to May 2015. Then I increased the temperature to 68 for a pale ale when it stopped working.
I wonder if any other home brewers are experiencing similar issues.
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Have you tried bypassing the external controller and plugging the freezer directly into a wall outlet? And make sure the freezer's thermostat is actually set to "cool".
If nothing happens, something primitive went to Heaven. It's possible a "3 in 1" module might resurrect the freezer. Otoh, if the compressor runs but the unit doesn't cool, the freezer's likely a write-off, unless there's warranty coverage in effect...
Cheers!
If nothing happens, something primitive went to Heaven. It's possible a "3 in 1" module might resurrect the freezer. Otoh, if the compressor runs but the unit doesn't cool, the freezer's likely a write-off, unless there's warranty coverage in effect...
Cheers!
Natdavis777
Well-Known Member
Go to the bottom of your freezer, find the auto defrost module (5prong module that the input power runs thru) and turn the little knob on it. Worked on my upright freezer after it oddly shut off. Light would come one, but no compressor running.
It's now taken a complete sh!t on me, but I feel confident I know your solution. I'll post a pic of the module if you need me to
Unfortunately most home refrigerators/freezers aren't made to be serviced. They don't usually come from the factory with valves for adding refrigerant, (although they can be added), often times the wiring is difficult to get to and so are the connections on the refrigerant lines if something needs to be replaced, it's tight and difficult to solder/sweat connections. Parts aren't always easy to find either. Sometimes the simpler electrical problems can be fixed easily, other than that I'm afraid replacing the entire unit is about the only thing that makes sense.
Consider that for the price of a couple pounds of refrigerant you could probably buy a used one on craigslist! Luckily most units have a REALLY long life span, but there's always that bad apple.
Good luck.
Consider that for the price of a couple pounds of refrigerant you could probably buy a used one on craigslist! Luckily most units have a REALLY long life span, but there's always that bad apple.
Good luck.
