Beer Forum

mctripj · #1 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 04:23 PM

i have just installed a powerpack (MMPP4301-PKG for a 120ft. run) on a new system. filled with glycol and turned on. the pumps run great, everything flows right. the radiator fan stays on constantly. my problem is with the condensing unit. the condenser will turn on for 3-4 seconds, then shut off for 43 seconds. it just constantly cylces like this. when the pumps are not running, it will get the bath cool to @27-30F when left on overnight. but if the pumps are running, it will not get colder than 40F. i noticed when it shuts off that there is a green spark coming from what looks like an overload circuit. i am not a refridgeration guy, so i dont quite know my way around that part of the machine. any ideas on where i should start for troubleshooting, or should i just call a refer repair guy?
thanks guys,

edramshaw · #2 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 11:07 PM

The unit is short cycling. You shouldn't run it this way too long as it can burn up other parts. I would get a refridgeration guy in there to look at it. Ironically the same thing happened to me today, that's how I knew what it was.

Beer Dr · #3 (**permalink**) 03-10-2007, 04:35 PM

Jomo,
I'm not sure what you mean by when the pumps are running. The pumps should run 24/7. The unit you describe has two pumps, so you must have two towers with one pump for each tower. What is the run for each tower and did you install the whole system?

mctripj · #4 (**permalink**) 03-12-2007, 02:28 PM

thanks guys.
by the way, when i wrote "when the pumps are running" was that i had unplugged them for a bit not only to change some of the fittings i had installed, but to refit one of the motors with a new pump since the one that was on there was leaking. while i had them off, the bath cooled down considerably even with the short cycling.

mctripj · #5 (**permalink**) 03-12-2007, 04:01 PM

i just talked to scott on the fone a little bit ago and he suggested pulling the top of the unit out of the bath and checking to see if the temp probe for the thermostat was against the coils. he said he has seen that happen before and it causes the unit to short-cycle because the probe is reading the temp of the coils and not the bath.

so i did check and adjusted the probe to where it was away from the coils. it still short-cycles. i have a refer guy coming to look at it in the morning. hopefully we can get this all taken care of soon. the bar this is in is one of my favorite hangouts and i love my draught beer...

thanks again guys for your input!

Beer Dr · #6 (**permalink**) 03-13-2007, 02:27 AM

Did you check the operation of the thermostat? Is the differential set @ 3 degrees?

mctripj · #7 (**permalink**) 03-13-2007, 05:09 PM

ha! so the refer guy came and took a look at the unit. apparently it was missing the compressor start capacitor!?! wow, so he installed a 3 in 1 start kit and now it is running right.