Beer Forum

Nickjc · #1 (**permalink**) 05-27-2008, 07:53 PM

Hi,

Just got a delivery of a new Sanyo/Summit kegerator from micromatic....installed it last thursday....powered it up and it maintained the 38dg temp all weekend.

No keg in as yet....just waiting for it to come in

i got home from work today to check the temp and the temp was 45dg.....hmmmm

No matter what I set the thermostat at the compresor wil not kick on...

Yes it is plugged in....yes the 110VAC 15amp circuit is good....etc...

1) For how long will the unit run to get to temp....

2) what generally is the cycle time of the unit to maintain temp...

3) Lastly how is Micro with customer service on new units....I mean it is BRAND new and I would hate to hear it has to be sent for repair and out of commision for a few weeks etc....

Any help is appreciated...

Thanks

Nick

GravyMaster · #2 (**permalink**) 05-27-2008, 07:56 PM

I got my Summit, plugged it in at around 8:30 at night and the next morning around 9 it was a perfect 38 degrees. So, it shouldn't take that long...

Scott Zuhse · #3 (**permalink**) 05-27-2008, 11:47 PM

Have you called customer service?

Nickjc · #4 (**permalink**) 05-28-2008, 08:15 AM

Yes I did and I am NOT at all happy....

All they did was refer me to Fred Storch Inc. in the Bronx for warranty service.

I was hoping for a little MORE attention from Micro other than referral to the warranty center...this is NEW unit that appears to be failing out of the box.

I am sorry that I did not use Amex to pay for it as I could have filed a claim with them.

Also there appears to be a clunking noise at the compressor...

Calls to Storch this am have since gone to vmails and no return calls as yet...

Based on what I have seen on the Micro website I thought I was dealing with a more hands on company.

I am in the service business (fire alarms) and if we had something failing out of the box...a new item is put in and we deal with the warranty claims if any..

Let's see how this pans out....

Scott Zuhse · #5 (**permalink**) 05-28-2008, 10:55 AM

Most certainly we are concerned with products failing and are apologetic as to any inconvenience. As you are probably aware, there is certain protocol that must be followed to handle claims such as yours.

I am confidant that you will be taken care of soon.

Nickjc · #6 (**permalink**) 05-28-2008, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Zuhse

Most certainly we are concerned with products failing and are apologetic as to any inconvenience. As you are probably aware, there is certain protocol that must be followed to handle claims such as yours.

I am confidant that you will be taken care of soon.

Thanks Scott....

Oh I have been taken care of....let's see....

TWO calls to the service center Fred Storch Inc. Bronx NY went unretruned today.....

I did get an email back from Greg in customer service...that was awesome....he referred me to the service center....WOW.....service center on a unit that failed out of the box....that do not call back....I am feeling grand right now...

I understand there is a protocol...but this is not right...

A prodcut that Micromatic distributes FAILS out of the box and I am gettinng the run around....

All i am asking is someone to stand behind the product....fix this one or get me one that works...is this too much to ask...?

ANY assistance that YOU can provide would be deeply appreciated...

Skinsfan1311 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-28-2008, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nickjc

Thanks Scott....

I understand there is a protocol...but this is not right...

A prodcut that Micromatic distributes FAILS out of the box and I am gettinng the run around....

All i am asking is someone to stand behind the product....fix this one or get me one that works...is this too much to ask...?

Sorry for butting in, but this type of thing is a pet peeve of mine and I believe that Nick has some valid concerns.

I work in the procurement department, for a very large company. If something doesn't work correctly out of the box, I expect the supplier to make good on it, ASAP.

It appears as that he has taken the obvious steps. It's a refrigerator. Everyone knows how to work them. Plug it in, adjust the thermostat and it gets cold.

It may be something simple like a thermostat dial aligned incorrectly, or something equally as simple. If a brief phone call, with a knowledgeable customer service technician, can not get the issue resolved, then a new one should be shipped immediately.

In the original post, (concerning the keg), he's "waiting for it to come in"

What happens when it comes in?

Is it a special order keg?

Did he already lay out a deposit for the keg?

Can the retailer store the keg?

The "protocol" should be for MM, to provide the return shipping information, and arrange for the pick-up, and overnight delivery of the replacement unit.

JMHO

Nickjc · #8 (**permalink**) 05-28-2008, 07:56 PM

Thanks for the reply...

I am in the service industry as stated...we service fire alarm systems....so we have a PRIORITY for service and repair....I am also quite technical...electrically...but I am not a refrigeration technician...

I personally believe it is a faulty thermostat at this time...

luckily my store will hold my keg of moretti for me til this is resolved...

I am not trying to be pissy....just want it taken care of...

If i provide and install and fire alarm panel that fails out of the box....I REPLACE it right away and deal with the manufacturer MYSELF on the warranty issue...i I handled it this way, my customers would flee and I would be out of business...

Here is to hoping this gets settled !

Cheers...

THE ICEMAN · #9 (**permalink**) 05-28-2008, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nickjc

Also there appears to be a clunking noise at the compressor...

I too, am in the service industry. I do the low temp refrigeration thing so some details might be helpful.

Define 'clunking noise'. Is it intermittent or constant? Does it sound like the compressor is trying to start & then kicking out on overload? If the compressor is running or trying to start the problem is most likely not your t-stat.

THE ICEMAN

Nickjc · #10 (**permalink**) 05-28-2008, 09:31 PM

Ther is no sound of the sompressor TRYING to kick over....it is either on or off....ther is no sound of a attempted kickover...I.E. like an air conditioner that was colling then went to fan real quick..once moved back to ac..it takes some time for it to kick over.....I think you know what I mean...

if the kergerator is moved on the casters there is a clunking noise in the compressor...as if there is a hanging metal ball of some sort inside the compressor hitting the side wall inside of it...

The thermostat is set at 3/4 a way up from off...past normal....the compressor runs for about 1-2 min then kicks off...temp inside the frdige is about 40dg as high as 55....F...

if I turn the the thermostat all the way colder the compressor will not kick on...

If i turn the fridge off....then turn it full clockwise cold...the compressor *may* turn on...most times not....

There appears to be a fault here...I *may* be wrong but this does not operate in anyway shape or form to any other fridge i have ever had...

THE ICEMAN · #11 (**permalink**) 05-28-2008, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nickjc

Ther is no sound of the sompressor TRYING to kick over....it is either on or off....ther is no sound of a attempted kickover...I.E. like an air conditioner that was colling then went to fan real quick..once moved back to ac..it takes some time for it to kick over.....I think you know what I mean...

if the kergerator is moved on the casters there is a clunking noise in the compressor...as if there is a hanging metal ball of some sort inside the compressor hitting the side wall inside of it...

I don't think this is a problem. The motor inside the compressor is mounted on springs. As long as it only makes the noise when you move it I think you have no worries there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nickjc

The thermostat is set at 3/4 a way up from off...past normal....the compressor runs for about 1-2 min then kicks off...temp inside the frdige is about 40dg as high as 55....F...

if I turn the the thermostat all the way colder the compressor will not kick on...

If i turn the fridge off....then turn it full clockwise cold...the compressor *may* turn on...most times not....

There appears to be a fault here...I *may* be wrong but this does not operate in anyway shape or form to any other fridge I have ever had...

Some t-stats have a constant cut-in temperature. For example, let's say the cut-in temp is preset at 41*, this means that wherever the t-stats sensor is located would have to reach that 41*. So turning it colder would not necessarily turn the compressor back on.
You mentioned a 1 to 2 min cycle on time. How long is the cycle off time with the door closed. Set the control as cold as it will go & let it run for a few hours. Check the temp periodically but remember that each time you open the door you defeat the purpose so try & be patient. A remote sensing thermometer would be best so you wouldn't have to open the door.

THE ICEMAN

Scott Zuhse · #12 (**permalink**) 05-28-2008, 11:27 PM

At times these refrigerators require a thermal mass, such as a keg, to hold consistent temperature. Have you thought of attempting to place a keg in the unit and then determine if it will operate correctly?

Meanwhile, we are attempting to light a fire under Frank Storch, Inc. to address this situation. As stated, all warranty is handled by the manufacturer. Please be patient. This will be taken care of.

Nickjc · #13 (**permalink**) 05-29-2008, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE ICEMAN

I don't think this is a problem. The motor inside the compressor is mounted on springs. As long as it only makes the noise when you move it I think you have no worries there.

Some t-stats have a constant cut-in temperature. For example, let's say the cut-in temp is preset at 41*, this means that wherever the t-stats sensor is located would have to reach that 41*. So turning it colder would not necessarily turn the compressor back on.
You mentioned a 1 to 2 min cycle on time. How long is the cycle off time with the door closed. Set the control as cold as it will go & let it run for a few hours. Check the temp periodically but remember that each time you open the door you defeat the purpose so try & be patient. A remote sensing thermometer would be best so you wouldn't have to open the door.

THE ICEMAN

Ok I did not know that...so you are I am sure correct about the compressor...

I am heading out again this am and I am going to buying a remote temp probe
to do just that !....

Right now the tstat is set at 90% of the coldness scale...it did cycle on and ran for 2 min....I sat there for about 15min and it did not come back on and the temp inside was 42dg F

Will advise as the day wears on

Nickjc · #14 (**permalink**) 05-29-2008, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Zuhse

At times these refrigerators require a thermal mass, such as a keg, to hold consistent temperature. Have you thought of attempting to place a keg in the unit and then determine if it will operate correctly?

Meanwhile, we are attempting to light a fire under Frank Storch, Inc. to address this situation. As stated, all warranty is handled by the manufacturer. Please be patient. This will be taken care of.

Hi Scott A PLEASURE speaking with you this morning....sorry it was so early your time..

A keg of moretti is now in the fridge..tapped and flowing...temp in there is 42DGF..with the tstat set at 90% of scale...

As stated in an above post you can see what I did...

Will advise if Storch EVER calls back..

Scott Zuhse · #15 (**permalink**) 05-29-2008, 07:48 AM

Nick,

After we spoke, I was able to contact Felix??? Storch, Inc. customer service and they assured me that you will be called this morning at the number I provided to them.

Although there never is a good excuse for not following up immediately, their issue is a good problem to have - they do not receive a lot of calls.

Call me if you have not been contacted as of noon your time. Thanks for your patience.

Nickjc · #16 (**permalink**) 05-29-2008, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Zuhse

Nick,

After we spoke, I was able to contact Felix??? Storch, Inc. customer service and they assured me that you will be called this morning at the number I provided to them.

Although there never is a good excuse for not following up immediately, their issue is a good problem to have - they do not receive a lot of calls.

Call me if you have not been contacted as of noon your time. Thanks for your patience.

Thanks to you Scott we are getting somewhere...

Alex did call me and a technician is coming out here on Monday...

For what it is worth the temp setting is set at MAX and we are hovering at 39dgF...I still think it is a bad Tstat....

More later and thank you all for your assistance....now when this is fixed...

I can add a tower blower....

Scott Zuhse · #17 (**permalink**) 05-29-2008, 09:35 AM

Great to know you finally got some attention.

Nickjc · #18 (**permalink**) 05-29-2008, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Zuhse

Great to know you finally got some attention.

Yes and I will advise...YOUR assistance was MOST effective...

I just installed my external temp gauge with internal sensor...will give it a few hours and see what it says...

The tstat is cranked to 90+% as stated...

Thanks

Nick

Nickjc · #19 (**permalink**) 05-31-2008, 07:58 AM

FWIW with the T-stat set on max almost 36hrs later the unit is holding at 37dg F.

Could it still be the T-stat....?

Wondering if in the future this unit could benefit from a muffin fan installed
behind the compressor blowing on it....

Nickjc · #20 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008, 12:48 PM

Hi All,

So the tech from Summit was her this afternoon....long story short...bad T-Stat.

He replaced it and at the normal mid setting the inside is holding at 38dg....AND the unit appears to be running less that it was....

All in all problem solved and I am a happy camper.

Thanks all for your help and thought and special thanks to Scott for 'lighting the fire' under Summit service. I am glad I was withing their close immediate footprint.