Chiller Recharging

[ErikH]

It seems fairly apparent that my drop in is overdue for a recharge. I am assuming this is a fairly simple process? How do I know when to stop filling it?

[txav8r]

What kind of refrigerant does it take?

[ErikH]

R-134a I am guessing. Haven't pulled it apart yet.

[Gseclipse02]

good read

http://www.cvreefers.org/showthread....charge-chiller


just need to find out how much freon is needed

[CoryDude]

good read

http://www.cvreefers.org/showthread....charge-chiller


just need to find out how much freon is needed

And that is the main problem. My dad's a hvac commerial tech and he won't even help me with mine. From what I remember him telling me, our hobby chillers take very little refrigerant, so you actually need to weigh out the amount you're putting in by putting the freon bottle on a scale.

Is the unit sort of working or not cooling at all? If it's partially cooling, you may have a problem with leaky valves on the compressor. If it's not cooling at all, then it's possible you've lost your freon charge.

[txav8r]

All you need is a dial-a-charge to weigh the charge out. It's either R22 or R134A. It's is just like an ice machine. The ice machines I have worked on didn't come from the factory with service valves. you had to drain the unit then solder them in. servicing it is not that big of a deal really. the true question is are you sure it's low on freon? what are the high and low side pressures?

[Gseclipse02]

from what i read mosst chillers only have a low pressure valve not a high

[txav8r]

There should be amp draw specs for the motor too. If the unit is serviced properly it will draw a specified amount of amperage. That's the way refrigerators are serviced.

[ErikH]

Jack, you'll have to come and help me if you can. Not sure how I would even check the pressure.

I do know this, If I touch the very end of the coil, its cold. I had to make sure it was level in the sump to try and distribute whatever freon is in the coil as equally as possible to try and get more contact with the water. Before I did that, the coil would only get cold at the end, and the rest of the coil would be the same temp as the water.

[txav8r]

See post 6 of this thread CLICK ME

There is some great info there that will help you.