Quote:
Originally Posted by MrZ123
Thanks for those tips. I have let it sit for days with a digital wireless dual probe thermometer inside it. One probe in water glass, the other just in the inside. Both read 43 degrees.
As for airflow, the unit is not right up against a wall. There is a big metal grill on the back that does get pretty hot. Would cooling that off with a fan or something make a difference?
|
I have an older Kenmore, and it's probably very similiar, or even identical, to yours. It's the brown dorm looking fridge, with a particle-board vinyl covered top, mug rail and a 2 1/2" tower? In the box itself,there is also a wrap around cooling-plate.
If your looking at the back, through a mesh screen, the thermostat is located on the left hand side, and is manually controlled, the compressor is
near the middle.
I did a few simple mods to it and it works like a champ.
Pictures are worth a thousand words. Here's the link.
Starting my Kenmore Kegerator Rehab - w/some Before Pics
If the pics don't show up, shoot me a PM with your e-mail addres and I can send you the pics.
I keep the thermostat cranked to it's coldest. I
think,(as it's been a while since I measured the temp in the box), that the temp of a glass on the inside get's down to around 36 - 37 degrees.
I tapped my first keg of the year, a few weeks ago, and the eer temp at the tap, (utilizing the "chug" method), was 40 degrees. I measured the temp a few hours after it was tapped.
I haven't checked since then, but I suspect that the beer coming out of the tap is a probably a degree, or two, cooler now as the keg has had time to cool properly. In any case I only tap ales which taste best at around 40-42 degrees.
Contrary to what I've read, I keep the kegerator outside on my back porch. It's kind of sheltered, so not completely exposed to the elements. The previous owner did the same and it works like a champ. The grill on the back
does get hot, especially near the top where it comes out of the compressor.
I actually do have a fan, that is behind the unit on the ground, that I use in the summer months when it's hot and humid out. During the summer, I have it on a timer, so it turns itself on during the hottest part of the day. I don't know if the fan helps improve the cooling, but it does allow the unit to cool down more quickly and I bet that's the reason that my compressor isn't running all of the time.
I was told that it might be possible to pull the thermostat, take off the cover, and adjust it so that it's colder. I'm no expert, in that department, so you may need to consult someone with more knowledge.
Whatever you do, don't waste any money on a keg, until you get the temperature issues figured out!
Hope this helps, and good luck!