Phase Cooler Died Any Ideas of Problem

[BigDK]

Hi,

Hopefully someone can help point me in the right direction to get my phase cooler fixed.

Its a custom built unit using a GE Froster Xe1.6 controller, a Danfoss NF11L compressor and a Little Devil head.

It was originally re-worked for me by Gray-Mole but I don't want to hassle him, as it appears he's not been too good recently and I'm sure he can do without being asked to look at my problem.

Anyway, its been working fine for many months, and without a load the temp reading was normally about -70, with an E6600 on it at 3.9GHz it was reading about -62.

I noticed last night it was reading about -58 but didn't think too much of it.
Powered it up today and the control panel goes through countdown for 5mins then says cooling down.

Ambient in my garage is around 10`c, and the temp just reads the ambient temp, it never gets any cooler.

Took cover off and noticed that the compressor is just getting hot but no fluid/gas seems to be moving in the system (just from listening), fans are working.

I then disconnected the controller from the system and just put a direct 240V feed onto the back of the compressor, this kicks the compressor into making an initial start up sound and then it goes very quiet and it just sounds like running water in the distance (no vibration on the tank at all)

A couple of times the compressor made noises as though it was trying to do something, and then knocking noises for a second or 2 and then quiet again. (it never cools down at all, definately no frost on end)

Not sure if this compressor should start with just a 240V feed or if something else needs to be in the system, I've seen posts where people talk about equalizing pressure first but not sure if that applies to this.

I'm fine fitting and running this, but my knowledge of refrigeration is almost nil.

I'm not sure if it’s the compressor being dead, if the system is blocked or if the controller is the problem.

Any pointers would help me out, as I've looked in the immediate area for engineers but they all seem to be just commercial and don't want to know about phase coolers.

I'm in Basingstoke Hampshire UK BTW.

Thanks in advance of any replies.

P.S. I haven't got a clue what gas is in it.

[{.bLanK} GoD]

I hope you haven't wrecked the compressor by trying to jump start it. You shouldn't be poking around in there as you don't know what you're doing.
If you brought the unit from Gray then that should be your first point of contact. Even if he is off the tools for now, you must have his personal contact information. Email or ring him and ask him for advice on how to get it repaired.
A lot of the so called "help" you will get from here is not all that helpful or accurate.
Contact Gray and keep your fingers out!

[BigDK]

Hi,

I didn't buy it from Gray, I bought it online but after it arrived in poor condition, he helped me out and fixed all the issues that were on it.

I know I shouldn't really poke inside things I don't know much about, but I didn't want to just do nothing without trying to diagnose the problem (its the engineer in me)

My fingers are now out of the case.

I'll give Gray a call, hopefully he'll be able to help out.

[Pete]

If you have a home number for Gray he no longer lives there and you won't get hold of him online ether. I can ask him once im back latter today in the UK (currently @ JFK's in NYC).

It sounds like it's had a leak if no fuild movment, but could be the compresser winding have blown.

Leats you have tried the direct 240v attack.

Your call to what ya wana do.

I can ask Gray once back if he is intrested, you'd need to PM me some info about ya self and the unit, name for you and unit description in full so he'd have an idea, dates help and locations.

Or when im settled in a few days i can have a look.

I was in Petersfield only Thursday night which is odd as it's what 30 mins from Hampshire...?

Right im off for me flight now so PM me!

[BigDK]

Thanks Pete, will PM you with some details today - Have a good flight.

I have Grays hotmail email and a mobile but didn't get an answer on that.

I'll forward the details of me and the unit.

If needed I could run it down to Bristol if Gray can't look at it and you would.

Thanks

Like I said, I just didn't really want to bug Gray if I could avoid it, as I presumed he wouldn't really need the hassle ATM.

[{.bLanK} GoD]

It was originally re-worked for me by Gray-Mole

http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/sign/sign0007.gif (http://www.kustomkoozies.com), my bad.

Still, if your mechanic does a good job of fixing your car, do you not take it back to him when it breaks down again.
And if Gray's no longer on the tools and cant do it, the least he can do is recommend someone.

[BigDK]

Looks like I need to look elsewhere for a fix.

I haven't managed to get hold of Gray yet, is Pete Banned as per sig?

Anyone able to recommend someone to look at the unit for me in the UK?

I'll keep trying to find a local refridgeration engineer who will look at it, but no luck yet.

It was finally starting to get past the nervous stage and become enjoyable to play with the unit, and then its come to an end.

[gosmeyer]

Try a P.M. to 4Qman,Dualist or sacha35
There all good dudes and in that area.

[{.bLanK} GoD]

Pete has been un-banned, was only temporary.
Good luck in getting your unit fixed.

[Pete]

Im here but not wanting to be here much one being to try and keep some peace if that happens but till im £4k richer after being defraud here wont happen.

If i can get the misses to stay away for an hour tormrow night i will call Gray Personly for you.

Best to mail me as to PM incase i go again

[BigDK]

Hi Pete

Thanks for the update, glad you're back.

Will email soon.



gosmeyer thanks for the list of names as well, I'll keep those in the bank for future use if required, hopefully I won't need them this time around.

It'll be nice to get the unit up a running again (fingers crossed)

[Pete]

I'll try and speak to Gray tonight, i got shot of the misses for the night whoop whoop.

I'll see what he has to say and let you know via an e-mail if you can mail me so i have it again