Chiller Problems

[RNall]

It's not a full on Emergency right now but it could be soon.

My current system (210+ mixed reef & 75 sump/fuge) has an Aqua Logic 1/3 hp Delta Star Chiller on it.

I'm not a refrigeration guy and this is my first chiller (got it a few months ago). Needless to say, I can't rip it out and send it to Aqua Logic.

It's getting loud and cycling on and off too much. From the faq's on their website, it may be low on refrigerant and there may be a problem with the fan. I do not know.

So, are there any experts on MAAST? Any local refrigeration technicians that know small chillers? Has anyone used someone in SA to repair/fill/diagnose their chiller?

Any help would be much appreciated - I really do not want this thing to crater...that would be very bad!

Thanks,

[RNall]

Forgot to mention - it's used and the warranty is out.

[reefer_guy]

Where have you got it located? Be sure that it has enough fresh air around it so that it is not drawing in its own hot exhaust. I have my 1/2hp located under my house, with a fan that blows fresh outside air onto it when it kicks on. If its cyclying on/off too fast that will burn up the compressor, which is much more expensive than a new chiller. So you need to get it fixed after all a dead chiller is just another holder of water.

[RNall]

I have it in an open area in the house with a big fan circulating air all around it.

I know...I need to have someone look at it ASAP.

Aqua Logic replied to an email and said they could possibly help someone over the phone...A refrigeration person I take it.....

[RNall]

No one in SA has ever had to have work done on a chiller? Is my luck THAT bad?

[RNall]

My temp is not stable now :(

My stress level is going up :unsure

Can someone please help me out with a little direction....

I do not know anyone that can help me with this.

Do I just start calling AC companies and hope they can help?

[Enigma13]

I would check with refrigerator/appliance repair people too. The refrigeration components on a chiller are fairly similar in size to a fridge. I wish I could be of more help.
Can you tell if the chiller is actually functioning and the controller is just screwing up (i.e. hot air is coming out of chiller, but it just turns off too early, etc.) or does it seem like the problem is in the chiller? If it is just a controller issue someone in SA should carry a controller and maybe someone with a little electrical knowledge could figure how to hard wire the thing on for a while until you were able to procure a new controller. These are just random thoughts I would think if I was in the situation.

I am fairly confident that you have taken all emergency measures including turning off lights, bringing in fans, etc. I don't know about in SA, but here in Austin this morning it is nice and seasonably cool (~65 degrees). Opening a window and blowing some of that cool air across the surface of the water in the sump might help some. Good luck.

[Texreefer]

if it is short cycling it could be just low on freon.. depending on how old that may mean you have a leak... if the compressor is bad you might as well buy a new one... like Enigma13 said most small refrigerator appliance shops should be able to diagnose the problem

[RNall]

After troubleshooting with Aqua Logic over lunch, it appears that the relay (start/stop) and possibly an overload something may be going out. I have someone coming out this afternoon though to check the refrigerant level. I can get those parts for $35 from Aqua Logic if topping off the refrigerant doesn't help.

My temperature controller is flaking out too. So, anyone got one they don't need?

Thanks,