beverage air beer cooler

[Gryphon]

I just bought a beverage air beer cooler/mug froster at an auction. The model number is BA18S. I plugged it in and the fans work but it does not get cold. I hear a clicking sound off and on by the pump. Does anyone have an idea what might be the problem. I hope it is something simple. The sound goes click and click and waits a few seconds then click click and continues this repeat. It seems to come from the side of what I think is the pump.


Thanks,

[LazyPup]

from what you describe it sounds like the compressor is stuck and the clicking sound is the klixon overload protector switching off.

If you have an ohm meter you could electically test the compressor.

Begin by unplugging the unit then open the electrical terminal cover on the compressor. You will see three pin terminals sticking out of the compressor.

First check to make sure that none of the wires are off the terminals.f

If a wire is off, restore it, then plug the unit in and try running it.

If there are no wires off the compressor terminals, make sure the unit is unplugged then take a piece of paper and draw three dots in a triangle in the same position as the pins.

note the color of the wires on your drawing so you can later replace them in the same order, then remove the wires.

Number your dots 1,2,3

Using and ohm meter measure the resistance from 1 to 2 and note it on your drawing.
Measure from 2 to 3 and note the reading.
Measure from 1 to 3 and note that reading.

The highest reading is start to run, the second highest reading is from start to common, and the lowest reading is from run to common.

Add the two lowest values together.. they should equal the highest reading.

If the ohm test works out ok, you could try installing a "THREE IN ONE" hard start kit. A three in one kit is a combination start relay, capacitor and overload protector built in one unit. They are available at all HVAC supply houses or Appliance parts houses.

If the ohnm meter test did not work out correctly the compressor motor is shorted out and would require replacing.

If the ohm test worked out okay and the hard start did not solve the problem the compressor is mechanically locked up and will need replacing.


Replacing the compressor would require an HVAC/refrigeration tech that is EPA certified to handle refrigerants.

Beverage coolers require a special "High Back" comressor and regular refrigeration compressors will not work.

[Gryphon]

I will try your suggestions. I believe there is a short now. When I took a closer look at the cooler I got a shock from the housing of the compressor. I also got a shock from the thermostat dial area and many other metal areas. Obviously there is a short somewhere.
Thank you for your help Lazy pup

[LazyPup]

The presence of a short may be a good sign. While it is possible that the compressor is shorted out, it is more likely that in moving the machine a wire has come loose and it touching a metal cabinet component.

Disconnect the power cord and check all wiring to make sure you do not have a loose dangling wire somewhere. If you perform the continuity test on the compressor as I outlined and it works out ok, then you will know that the problem is elsewhere. With the exception of the compressor itself, the remaining electrical components in the system are relatively inexpensive.

[Gryphon]

Ok started to dis assemble the cooler and found no hose from the compressor to the radiator. I found the radiator line had been cut with a hack saw. I guess its time to call a pro. Would the compressor work any way when plugged in? Because its not doin anything right now. I did find the short and fixed that. (loose wire)

[LazyPup]

By radiator i assume you mean the condenser coil.

If the line has been cut that means the refrigerant is now out of the system and the system has been left open to atmosphere for an undetermined length of time. That is a serious no no in refrigeration as that means that atmospheric moisture has entered the system and no doubt the compressor valves are now corroded or pitted. In addition, if the line was cut with a hacksaw that means metal shavings are now in the system which will reak havoc with the small diameter capillary tubes found in refrigeration equipment.

At a minimum you will have to have the compressor tested by an EPA certified refrigeration technician would could reconnect the lines and recharge the refrigerant. In all liklihood you will probably have to change both the compressor and the capillary tube before the system could be restored.

[Gryphon]

I have made an appointment to have the compressor and coil replaced next week. Thank you for your help. I am impressed by your knowledge and willingness to help. Thank you very much.